Youth Drop In Center Program 2026

The Department of Human Services (DHS) in the District of Columbia, through its Family Services Administration (FSA), has issued a Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for Fiscal Year 2026 to support youth experiencing housing instability through the Youth Drop in Center initiative. The solicitation, referenced as DIC-FSA-Youth Drop In Center-001-26, underscores the District’s commitment to delivering accessible, essential services to unhoused and at-risk youth populations. DHS and FSA function under the jurisdiction of the Government of the District of Columbia and are responsible for the administration and oversight of social service programs that impact families and vulnerable residents. The purpose of this grant is to provide housing stabilization services and supportive resources for youth aged 18 to 24 experiencing housing insecurity or homelessness. The funding will support the establishment and operation of one 24-hour youth drop-in center and two daytime youth drop-in centers. These facilities are expected to offer accessible environments that deliver a broad range of services aimed at achieving stable housing and increased self-sufficiency among the target population. Each center must be equipped to meaningfully engage with at least 30 to 40 individuals per day, offering access to critical services and support. The total funding available for this program is approximately $3,000,000 for the base year, covering the performance period from October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2026. The grant includes the potential for four additional option years, contingent on continued funding availability and successful program implementation. Funding will be divided among up to three grantees, depending on their proposed capacity to meet the program’s objectives. All expenditures must align with the primary mission of stabilizing youth housing and cannot deviate from the approved scope without prior consent. Applicants must submit proposals that align with the District’s vision for youth services and clearly demonstrate organizational capacity to deliver direct services to young adults in crisis. The grant process includes a mandatory pre-application conference, scheduled for June 30, 2025. Applications must be submitted electronically by 5:00 PM EST on July 18, 2025, to Keisha Jefferson at keisha.jefferson@dc.gov. Incomplete or late submissions will not be reviewed or considered by the panel. The official Request for Applications (RFA) became available on June 20, 2025, and may be accessed through the Office of Partnerships and Grant Services website under the District Grants Clearinghouse or by emailing a request to the designated contact. The RFA includes detailed submission instructions, program expectations, and evaluation criteria. The contact person for all inquiries is Keisha Jefferson, who can be reached by email or by phone at 202-262-9416. This grant opportunity is not available nationwide. It is open only to eligible applicants capable of operating services within the District of Columbia. Additional guidance on eligible applicant types, including nonprofit organizations and service providers, is expected in the full RFA. Prospective applicants are encouraged to review the RFA thoroughly and ensure that they meet all requirements before submission.