ROSS Rapid Response Program

The ROSS Rapid Response Program (RRP), administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) under its Resident Opportunity and Self-Sufficiency (ROSS) Service Coordinators Grant Program, is a targeted initiative designed to address emergent needs among residents of HUD-assisted housing. The program offers one-time, cost-reimbursable grants to support service coordination and the delivery of limited direct services in response to unanticipated emergencies. These emergencies can include natural disasters such as wildfires and hurricanes, public health crises like gun violence or environmental contamination, or economic shocks such as the sudden closure of a major employment center impacting the local community. The purpose of the ROSS RRP is to quickly deploy resources to help HUD-assisted communities respond and recover from urgent situations that affect the well-being of residents. This flexibility is a central component of the program, enabling applicants to design community-driven strategies that meet local needs efficiently. To further support responsiveness, the application process has been simplified, removing unnecessary bureaucratic barriers and allowing community organizations to act swiftly. Eligible applicants for this program include a diverse array of stakeholders such as Public Housing Authorities (PHAs), Indian Housing Authorities, resident associations with nonprofit status, multifamily owners, nonprofit organizations (regardless of 501(c)(3) status), Native American tribal governments, Indian tribes as defined by NAHASDA, Tribally Designated Housing Entities (TDHEs), and faith-based organizations. This broad eligibility ensures the inclusion of community-based entities capable of responding effectively to emergencies at the local level. The maximum award under this opportunity is $250,000, with a minimum threshold of $112,500. A cost-sharing or matching requirement applies, but the specific match amount is not provided. Approximately 20 awards are anticipated under this funding opportunity. Applicants must use funds for allowable costs including staffing for service coordinators and select direct services. All expenditures must be reasonable, necessary, and aligned with the stated objectives of the grant. Applications must be submitted by January 25, 2027, through either Grants.gov or GrantSolutions.gov, depending on the applicant’s prior engagement with the Office of Grants Management. The required application components include the SF-424, SF-LLL, program narrative, HUD forms (HUD-2880, HUD-424-B, HUD-52768, HUD-52753, and HUD-52752), along with original hardcopy signatures. For technical support, applicants may contact the GrantSolutions Help Desk or email the ROSS Program Office at [email protected]. Given the one-time nature of this emergency-responsive program, it is not characterized as recurring. Award notifications are expected to follow the close of the application window, but no performance period is explicitly stated in the source. The program is currently accepting applications, with no pre-application requirements such as a letter of intent or concept paper noted in the materials.