Federal Grants for Homeless Shelters: A Guide to Funding, Compliance, and Strategy

Securing federal grants for homeless shelters is a competitive process. The federal government rarely funds "shelter" in isolation. Instead, agencies fund systems designed to move people from homelessness into permanent housing.

HUD manages the majority of these funds. However, specific populations are served by other agencies. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) funds veteran services, while the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) supports youth programs.

Key Takeaways

• Primary Funding Sources: The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is the largest financier through the Continuum of Care (CoC) and Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG) programs.
• The Tier 1 Funding Cliff: Recent changes to the CoC competition have drastically increased financial risk. Only 30% of a community's funding is now protected in "Tier 1," down from 90% in previous years, forcing most projects to compete nationally for survival.
• Housing First Mandate: To qualify for most federal funds, you must adopt a Housing First model. This means accepting clients without preconditions like sobriety, mandatory service participation, or income requirements.
• Local Application: You rarely apply directly to Washington, D.C. Most funds flow through a local Continuum of Care (CoC) entity, a Local Board (for FEMA funds), or municipal government agencies.
• Rigorous Match Requirements: Be prepared to provide matching funds. CoC grants typically require a 25% match, while ESG grants often demand a 100% match from the recipient.

HUD Continuum of Care (CoC) Program

The Continuum of Care (CoC) Program is the largest source of competitive federal funding. It prioritizes long-term solutions like Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) and Rapid Re-Housing (RRH).

The New Competitive Reality

You generally cannot apply for CoC funds as a standalone nonprofit. You must join a regional planning body called the Continuum of Care. This group submits a consolidated application for the entire community.

• Tier 1 vs. Tier 2 Risk: HUD ranks all projects in two tiers. Historically, Tier 1 protected about 90% of a community's funding. Recent competitions have slashed this protection to just 30% of the Annual Renewal Demand (ARD).
• Implication: This means 70% of local projects now sit in "Tier 2," where they face fierce national competition. Your relationship with the local CoC lead agency is vital to ensure your project is ranked high enough to survive.

Eligible CoC Components

CoC funding is limited for emergency overnight stays. The program focuses on:

1. Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH): Indefinite leasing and services for people with disabilities.
2. Rapid Re-Housing (RRH): Short-term rental assistance to move people quickly out of homelessness.
3. Joint TH and PH-RRH: A hybrid model combining transitional housing with rapid re-housing.
4. Coordinated Entry (SSO-CE): Infrastructure funding to manage the community's intake system.

HUD Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG)

The Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG) program is the primary federal source for emergency shelter operations. Unlike the competitive CoC program, ESG is a formula grant awarded to states and cities.

Where to Apply for ESG

Nonprofits do not apply to HUD for ESG funds. You must apply to the local government entity that received the allocation.

• Entitlement Communities: Large cities and urban counties receive direct funds. Contact your city's community development department.
• State Recipients: For rural areas or smaller towns, the state government manages the funds. You must apply to your state's housing or human services agency.

Eligible ESG Costs

ESG is more flexible than CoC funding regarding shelter basics. It covers:

• Shelter Operations: Utilities, insurance, furnishings, and food.
• Renovation: Major rehabilitation or conversion of buildings into shelters. Note: Renovations exceeding 75% of the building's value require the facility to operate as a shelter for at least 10 years. 
• Street Outreach: Engagement services for unsheltered individuals.
• Prevention: Rental assistance to prevent eviction for families below 30% of Area Median Income (AMI).

Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Programs

The VA offers distinct funding streams for veterans. These grants often have higher reimbursement rates than HUD programs.

Grant and Per Diem (GPD) Program

This program funds transitional housing for veterans.

• Per Diem Only (PDO): The VA pays a daily rate for each veteran housed. Recent legislation allows some high-need models to request rates up to 133% of the State Home domiciliary rate.   
• Transition in Place (TIP): A model where the veteran stays in the unit while services taper off, eventually assuming the lease.

Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF)

SSVF grants focus on prevention and rapid re-housing. Shelters use SSVF to pay for security deposits, moving costs, and short-term rent to help veterans exit the shelter system quickly.

FEMA Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP)

The Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) acts as a supplemental safety net. It is governed by a National Board and distributed locally.

• Supplemental Funding: Funding is released in "Phases" (e.g., Phase 42) and is not guaranteed annually. Phase 42 recently allocated $117 million nationally.
• Flexible Uses: Funds can pay for one-month rent/mortgage assistance, mass shelter per-diem (e.g., $12.50/night), or hotel vouchers.
• Local Boards: You must apply to a Local Board in your jurisdiction, which determines which organizations receive funding.

Specialized & Rural Funding Streams

Runaway and Homeless Youth (RHY)

Managed by HHS, the Basic Center Program (BCP) funds emergency shelter for youth under 18. It covers shelter for up to 21 days along with counseling and family reunification services.

USDA Community Facilities Programs

For shelters in rural areas (populations under 20,000), the USDA offers Direct Loans and Grants. These funds can be used to construct, enlarge, or improve essential community facilities, including transitional housing and shelters.

Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB)

While not a federal agency, the Affordable Housing Program (AHP) is a government-mandated subsidy. Member banks must contribute 10% of their earnings to this fund. It provides competitive grants for the acquisition, construction, or rehabilitation of housing, including transitional housing for homeless populations.

Critical Compliance Requirements

Winning a federal grant requires strict adherence to regulations. Failure to comply can result in the government demanding repayment.

The Housing First Mandate

Federal policy heavily favors Housing First.

• Low Barrier Entry: Programs requiring sobriety or religious participation are generally ineligible for HUD funding.
• Voluntary Services: Participation in services must be voluntary, not a condition of tenancy.

Data and Financial Management

• HMIS: You must enter client data into the local Homeless Management Information System (HMIS).
• Match Requirements:
• CoC: Requires a 25% match (cash or in-kind) for all line items except leasing.
• ESG: Generally requires a 100% match. The first $100,000 of a state's grant is exception-free, but this benefit is usually passed to the neediest subrecipients.
• 2 CFR 200: You must follow the "Uniform Guidance" for federal awards. If you expend over $750,000 in federal funds, a Single Audit is required.

Comparison of Major Funding Streams

Strategic Steps for Applicants

To successfully secure federal grants, you must align your organization with federal priorities. Locate your local Continuum of Care lead agency and attend their planning meetings.

Demonstrate that your shelter reduces the average length of stay for homeless individuals. This metric is a key performance indicator for HUD. Ensure your organization is registered in(https://sam.gov/content/home) and has a valid Unique Entity ID (UEI).

Finally, diversify your funding. Successful organizations braid together HUD infrastructure funds, FEMA safety net dollars, and private FHLB grants to create a stable financial foundation.

Frequently Asked Questions