The FY26 Rental Support and Homeless Diversion Grant, issued by the District of Columbia Department of Human Services (DHS), Family Services Administration (FSA), is a substantial funding opportunity designed to support services aimed at preventing and addressing homelessness in the District. The total funding available is approximately $11.8 million, with the potential for one base year and up to four additional option years, pending the availability of funds. The grant period for this round is from October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2026.
The grant supports four core program areas: Project Reconnect (Diversion/Rapid Exit), Rapid Re-Housing for Individuals (RRH-I), Family Re-housing Stabilization Program (FRSP), and Career Mobility Action Plan (Career MAP). Applicants must deliver both financial and programmatic services, including processing rental payments, security deposits, arrears, and other housing-related expenses, along with managing logistics such as transportation and utility assistance. A significant portion of the grant requires the grantee to handle financial transactions efficiently and ensure landlord and payee verification, proper ledger maintenance, and timely documentation within DHS systems.
Eligible applicants include nonprofit community organizations, including those with 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) status, faith-based organizations, and private enterprises located in the District that have experience working with individuals who have experienced homelessness. Collaborative proposals with other community- or faith-based organizations are encouraged.
The Request for Applications (RFA) was released on April 4, 2025, and all applications are due by Monday, May 5, 2025, at 4:00 PM EST. Applications must be submitted by email to april.shepherd@dc.gov. A pre-application conference will be held on April 11, 2025, to support potential applicants.
The RFA and related documents can be downloaded from the District Grants Clearinghouse or the DC DHS website, and additional information or requests for the RFA can also be made via email.
For more details, applicants may contact April Shepherd at april.shepherd@dc.gov or by phone at 202-262-9416.
