The Tribal Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention Program (Tribal HHAP) Round 4 is a targeted funding opportunity provided by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). This program is designed exclusively for California Federally Recognized Tribes and is part of the broader Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention initiative. With a total of approximately $28.5 million available, the goal is to empower Tribes to implement culturally responsive, community-defined strategies to address homelessness. Since its establishment in 2022, the Tribal HHAP has evolved through extensive tribal consultation and collaboration, transitioning administrative responsibility from the California Interagency Council on Homelessness (Cal ICH) to HCD in July 2024.
The funding aims to support a wide array of eligible activities, broadly categorized into permanent housing, homelessness prevention, interim housing, and non-housing services. These categories include, but are not limited to, rental subsidies, case management, culturally rooted wellness practices, and capital improvements to housing infrastructure. Tribes are granted flexibility in tailoring interventions, with up to 7% of the awarded funds allowable for administrative costs and an additional 1% for Homeless Management Information System (HMIS)-related expenses, though HMIS participation is not mandatory.
Eligible applicants must be California Federally Recognized Tribes, though partnerships with other entities are permitted, including designating others to complete applications. Each Tribe may submit one application, supported by required documentation including a Tribal Resolution, budget, and service need narrative. Applications are submitted through an online portal, and technical assistance is available through HCD. Final applications must be received by 5:00 PM PDT on January 16, 2026. Awards will be made based on either full funding (if requests do not exceed available funds) or a proportional allocation formula that considers community size, need, and previous funding.
The program's evaluation process includes an initial outreach phase, public comment periods, and budget adjustments based on award levels. Following application review in February 2026, conditional awards will be issued in March 2026, with funds disbursed upon agreement execution and revised budget approval. All awarded funds must be expended by June 30, 2029. Annual reporting is required, covering both financial data and narrative progress, but quarterly reporting is no longer mandated.
To support diverse tribal governance and legal structures, HCD allows flexibility and waivers of certain program requirements. Importantly, sovereign immunity waivers are not required to receive funds. Culturally responsive technical assistance is provided throughout the grant lifecycle. For further assistance, contact the program at TribalHHAP@hcd.ca.gov. The official NOFA was released on September 30, 2025.
HCD encourages culturally rooted solutions; align services with housing-first and trauma-informed care. Timely submission of revised budgets accelerates disbursement.
