The Vermont Coalition to End Homelessness (VCEH), on behalf of the Balance of State Continuum of Care, is seeking public feedback on its application for special funding from the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) to address rural homelessness.
VCEH will be applying to HUD for Rural Set Aside funds made available as part of a competitive Continuum of Care Supplemental to Address Unsheltered and Rural Homelessness (Special NOFO). HUD intends for these funds to be paired with new or newly rehabilitated units created other funding (such as CRF, ARPA, VHIP), and well as projects that might pair Special CoC NOFO supported services with HUD's new Housing Stability Vouchers. Projects receiving the special funds will be limited to enrolling households who are literally homeless and will likely prioritize permanent housing projects to serve households who have a history of unsheltered homelessness. VCEH has more information available on its website, including slides and a recording from an informational meeting on August 9.
The Special NOFO application requires a Plan for Serving Individuals and Families Experiencing Homelessness with Severe Service Need. VCEH’s application to HUD will also include a list of projects put forward for funding consideration by HUD. The Plan will shape and prioritize what projects are selected by the VCEH committee. A Special NOFO Committee is drafting the plan, which will be released on September 9, 2022 for comment. Projects will be solicited via an RFP also released on September 9. Project applications will be due on September 20. A detailed timeline for the application process is available here.
VCEH will host a public meeting to provide input on the Special NOFO Plan on Monday, August 29 at 1:00 PM. The link to attend is below:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84004903415?pwd=eVVzMzB6Uk1hZ2VlMkhXb0l3NUZoQT09
Meeting ID: 840 0490 3415
Passcode: 449422
Affordable housing partners are encouraged to participate, and should also be aware that potential project applicants may be approaching them for letters of commitment. If your organization is considering applying for the Special CoC funding, please submit a Letter of Interest.