TPCH to Host Webinar on Newly Released HUD Funding Opportunity for Unsheltered Homelessness
Friday, July 22, 9-10:30am
Learn more about the Tucson Pima Collaboration to End Homelessness, its role in preventing and ending homelessness in Pima County, and and an exciting new HUD funding opportunity available via the newly released HUD Supplemental NOFO (Notice of Funding Opportunity) for Unsheltered and Rural Homelessness. This webinar is intended for current and future HUD (Department of Housing and Urban Development) Continuum of Care grant recipients and subrecipients.
On June 22, 2022, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) released the Continuum of Care Supplemental to Address Unsheltered and Rural Homelessness (Special NOFO). This is a first-of-its-kind package of resources to address unsheltered homelessness and homeless encampments including funds set aside specifically to address homelessness in rural communities.
Unsheltered Homelessness
Unsheltered homelessness is both a growing problem and a severe one. The Unsheltered NOFO aims to provide CoCs with dedicated resources to address unsheltered homelessness in their communities. It also provides resources to enhance data collection and develop a more comprehensive understanding of people living in unsheltered situations, including encampments.
The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the already significant risks for people experiencing unsheltered homelessness, leaving those individuals with significant unmet healthcare needs particularly vulnerable. As noted above, many unsheltered people suffer from prior health conditions that can worsen the impact of COVID-19. Additionally, the CDC writes that unsheltered people often lack adequate access to hygiene and sanitation facilities, as well as connection to services and healthcare, which are critical to preventing the spread of the virus. In encampment settings, unsheltered people may also find it difficult to socially distance from other residents, further facilitating transmission of COVID-19.
Who is eligible to apply directly for this funding?
Only current Continuums of Care (CoCs) are eligible to apply directly to HUD for this funding, however they coordinate the process for including community project applications.
A Continuum of Care (CoC) is the group organized to carry out the responsibilities prescribed in the CoC Program Interim Rule for a defined geographic area. CoCs should be composed of representatives from a broad array of community organizations, including: nonprofit homeless service providers, victim service providers, faith-based organizations, governments, businesses, advocates, public housing agencies, school districts, social service providers, mental health agencies, hospitals, universities, affordable housing developers, law enforcement, organizations that serve homeless and formerly homeless veterans, and homeless and formerly homeless persons.
Responsibilities of a CoC include planning and operating the CoC (including the implementation of a housing and system within its geographic area that meets the needs of the individuals and families who experience homelessness), designating an HMIS and organizing the process for applying for CoC Program funds.
CoCs applying for funding under this NOFO should build on existing, effective strategies, including those adopted during the pandemic. They should also commit to continuous evaluation of their strategies to improve housing outcomes for people experiencing unsheltered homelessness.
In future messages, SNAPS will share resources exploring strategies for reducing unsheltered homelessness as a whole.
During this session, training participants will:
- Learn about the role of the Tucson Pima Collaboration to End Homelessness as the Pima County Continuum of Care as it relates to HUD funding,
- Learn about a newly available HUD funding and how it relates to the strategies TPCH employs to prevent and end unsheltered homelessness, and
- Receive instructions regarding next steps for agencies interested in applying to the Tucson Pima Collaboration to End Homelessness for HUD funding through the NOFO to address unsheltered homelessness.
Who Should Attend: This webinar is intended for current and future recipients and subrecipients of Continuum of Care funding in Pima County, Arizona.
For more information, please contact tpch@tucsonaz.gov.