Continuum of Care Program Competition Grant Program in California

The Continuum of Care (CoC) Program, administered by HUD and for which the County of San Luis Obispo is requesting proposals, is fundamentally designed to foster a community-wide commitment to ending homelessness. This initiative provides crucial funding to various entities including nonprofit providers, states, Indian Tribes, and local governments. Its core mission is to quickly rehouse homeless individuals and families, specifically addressing those fleeing domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking, as well as homeless youth. A key objective is to minimize the trauma and dislocation caused by homelessness, while simultaneously promoting access to and effective utilization of mainstream programs, thereby optimizing self-sufficiency among those experiencing homelessness. The target beneficiaries of the CoC Program are homeless individuals, families, and youth, with a particular focus on vulnerable populations such as those experiencing domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. The overarching impact goals include not only ending homelessness but also ensuring that rehousing efforts are swift and minimize trauma. The program aims to integrate homeless individuals and families into mainstream support systems and empower them to achieve self-sufficiency. This aligns with a broader theory of change that posits that comprehensive, community-based support and rapid rehousing are essential for breaking cycles of homelessness and fostering long-term stability. HUD's Homeless Policy Priorities, which guide the CoC Program, emphasize several key areas. These include ending homelessness for all persons, utilizing a Housing First Approach, and significantly reducing unsheltered homelessness. The program also prioritizes partnering with housing, health, and service agencies to create a more integrated support system. Furthermore, there is a strong focus on racial equity, improving assistance to LGBTQ+ individuals, incorporating the insights of persons with lived experience/expertise, building an effective workforce, and increasing the supply of affordable housing. These priorities collectively aim to create a more equitable and effective system for addressing homelessness. Expected outcomes and measurable results are linked to these priorities. For instance, increased rates of successful rehousing, reduced durations of homelessness, and improved access to and utilization of mainstream services are all anticipated. The funding information, with an Estimated ARD of $1,337,357, an Estimated Tier 1 of $1,203,621, Estimated New Bonus Projects of $121,173, and Estimated DV Bonus (New Projects) of $173,104, indicates significant financial commitment towards achieving these goals. Eligible activities that contribute to these outcomes include permanent supportive housing, supportive services (including Coordinated Entry), rapid re-housing programs, transitional housing, and the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS), all of which are instrumental in tracking progress and demonstrating impact.