Grants for Homelessness Service Providers

Many Idahoans face homelessness, or the risk of becoming homeless, each year. In response to growing concerns, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) grants funding to nonprofit and governmental bodies across the United States to combat homelessness. Idaho Housing and Finance Association is the recipient of the majority of homelessness assistance funds awarded to Idaho and is responsible for the grant administration and oversight of these programs. Homelessness assistance funds are used to support a comprehensive and coordinated crisis response system that includes emergency shelters, transitional housing, rapid re-housing, and permanent supportive housing. Housing projects and grant opportunities have provided thousands with safe, decent, and affordable housing options throughout the state. The information below will assist both providers of services and those seeking services to understand the purpose and unique assistance offered by each housing component type.

Funded Programs Include:

Continuum of Care(CoC)

The CoC program is designed to quickly rehouse homeless individuals and families while minimizing the trauma and dislocation caused to homeless individuals, families, and communities by homelessness; promote access to and effect utilization of mainstream programs by homeless individuals and families; and optimize self-sufficiency among individuals and families experiencing homelessness. The CoC program provides both permanent and short-term housing options, along with supportive services, through scattered site and single-site approaches.

Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG)

The ESG program is designed to be the first step in a continuum of assistance to prevent homelessness and to enable homeless individuals and families to move toward independent living. The ESG program supports essential services related to street outreach, emergency shelter operation and renovation, short-term and medium-term rental assistance, housing relocation and stabilization services for individuals and families who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS (HOPWA)

The HOPWA program fulfills the housing and/or service needs of people living with HIV/AIDS. Long-term rental assistance is offered while supportive services center around ensuring participants are able to retain their housed status.