Housing Operations and Program Services Grant

The City of Charlottesville is currently accepting applications for the Housing Operations and Program Services (HOPS) Grant Program. Administered through the Charlottesville Affordable Housing Fund (CAHF), the HOPS Grant supports nonprofit organizations, public housing agencies, and qualified service providers that deliver housing-related services aimed at stabilizing vulnerable populations within Charlottesville, Virginia. This grant does not support capital projects but instead provides vital operational funding for ongoing services such as eviction prevention, rapid rehousing, and housing outreach. The City has prioritized the HOPS Grant as part of its broader strategy to foster affordable housing, promote equity, and support underserved residents at risk of homelessness. The HOPS Grant aligns with several strategic frameworks adopted by the City, including the Comprehensive Plan, Affordable Housing Plan, Strategic Framework, Climate Action Plan, and the Consolidated Plan. Programs funded through HOPS are expected to serve residents earning up to 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI), with particular emphasis on reaching those below 30% of AMI. The City's income-based funding distribution allocates 50% of funds to households at or below 30% AMI, 30% to those earning up to 60% AMI, and the remaining 20% to households earning up to 80% AMI. These priorities ensure that the majority of resources are directed toward the most economically disadvantaged residents. Eligible applicants must be operating within the jurisdictional boundaries of the City of Charlottesville and demonstrate compliance with relevant federal, state, and local laws. Specific requirements include two years of operational history as of July 1, 2024, registration with the Virginia State Corporation Commission, and adherence to charitable solicitation laws. Programs must also align with the City’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion goals and with Continuum of Care strategies designed to reduce and prevent homelessness. The FY2027 application period opened in September 2025 and will close on October 20, 2025, at 5:00 PM. Interested applicants are encouraged to schedule pre-application meetings with Madelyn Metzler, Acting Housing Program Manager, via email at metzlerm@charlottesville.gov. A HOPS Grant Workshop will be held on October 1, 2025, from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM at 700 East Jefferson Street, 2nd Floor Conference Room, to provide additional guidance and answer applicant questions. The City is committed to transparency and strategic alignment in grantmaking. Programs funded through HOPS must demonstrate measurable contributions toward strategic outcome areas such as housing stability, climate resilience, and equitable public health outcomes. Applicants must also adhere to guidelines specified in the HOPS Information Packet available through the City's website. While the HOPS Grant is city-funded, the program draws connections to federally supported initiatives under the Consolidated Plan and encourages synergy with programs such as the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME). Applicants will be evaluated based on alignment with city strategies, service to priority income brackets, organizational capacity, and compliance history. Notification of award decisions will follow the close of the application window. For all inquiries, applicants should contact Madelyn Metzler at 434-970-3618 or by email at metzlerm@charlottesville.gov.

Applicants are encouraged to attend the grant workshop and contact the housing program manager for early guidance.