Continuum of Care (CoC) Program

Congressional action and intervention are still critically important since funding for HUD’s homelessness programs is uncertain.  Congress has returned to session and continues its work on appropriations packages in advance of the expiration of the current Continuing Resolution (set to expire on January 30).  It is necessary that they have the latest information and are urged to take action through this process. 

Prior to Congress’s December recess, Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) introduced a provision that would extend existing Continuum of Care (CoC) funding for current grantees for an additional 12 months. Despite urgency from both sides of the aisle—and a growing number of assurances for support—it continues to be unclear if this provision will remain in consideration or have sufficient votes to pass. Therefore, we must continue to weigh in with our Members of Congress—particularly Senator Britt— to provide them with updates and reinforce the continued need for their support and action.  

Additional outreach this week to the offices of Senators Tuberville and Britt as well as Representatives Moore, Figures, Rogers, Aderholt, Strong, Palmer and Sewell is needed. Directing phone calls (or e-mails if you or unable to call) to your member’s legislative and/or policy staff is preferred. Here are some suggestions you can use in your message.    

• On December 23, a written preliminary injunction was ordered by a federal court that required HUD to stop its decision to rescind and replace the FY2024-2025 Continuum of Care and Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). The Court also stopped HUD from moving forward with their December 19 FY2025 CoC NOFO and directed them to file a report to establish the steps necessary to process grant funding renewals consistent with the requirements of the FY2024-FY2025 CoC Program NOFO.   
• On January 8, HUD published a notice stating it will accept applications for FY25 funding until February 9, all following the rules of the FY24-25 NOFO. But HUD indicates if they win at the final stage of the court case, they plan to switch back to their December 19 FY2025 CoC NOFO (more information).
• While litigation continues, there is no predictable timeline for when or how this will be resolved. All the while, decisions on FY2025 CoC Program awards are being further delayed.  
• Uncertainty continues. Explain how and how uncertainty will disrupt services, erode trust, and create other unnecessary challenges. 
  • Specify how many grants in your CoC will run out of funds during the first half of the year  (January through June) in your state.  If you do not have access to this data locally, you can refer to this state-level data that the Alliance has pulled together using publicly available data sources.
    • Note: the file will open as a downloadable Excel file. You may need to adjust the “View” setting to “Normal” to view it properly.  
  • Provide details of the impacts that HUD’s actions have had, such as the extent to which projects are reluctant to take new referrals.  You may use (and share) this analysis from the Alliance using survey results from CoCs around the country. 
  • Provide information on how your community relies on this funding and its ability to provide housing and services:  
    • Number of people currently experiencing homelessness  
    • Number of formerly homeless people now residing in permanent housing