The Biden-Harris Administration recently announced a nationwide allocation of $3.16 billion in homelessness assistance funding. This will be administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) through the Continuum of Care Program.
This funding decision marks the largest annual federal investment in addressing homelessness to date. Designated for supportive housing assistance initiatives, the Continuum of Care Program will distribute the $3.16 billion across over 7,000 projects nationwide.
HUD’s Continuum of Care program provides grants to nonprofit providers, States, Indian Tribes, and local governments for permanent and short-term housing assistance, supportive services, planning, data, and other costs. The funds will also go towards supportive services for individuals and youth experiencing homelessness, as well as survivors of domestic abuse.
Continuum of Care Program Criteria
“Now, more than ever, we are doing all we can to get people off the street and into permanent homes with access to services,” says HUD Secretary Marcia L. Fudge. “That is why we are making sure the service providers on the frontlines of this crisis have the resources they need.”
HUD's approach encourages communities to adopt evidence-based strategies in combating homelessness, prioritizing interventions that prioritize housing stability alongside supportive services. HUD has expanded the program's eligibility criteria to address the unique challenges faced by rural communities in serving individuals experiencing homelessness.
This year's $3.16 billion allocation represents an unprecedented level of funding, crucial for expanding community capacity to address homelessness, especially as rates of homelessness continue to rise across the country.
Successful applicants for these grants have demonstrated a commitment to collaborative, community-wide efforts to end homelessness. Emphasizing partnerships with health agencies, housing agencies, and other stakeholders, communities are increasingly focusing on reducing unsheltered homelessness through interdisciplinary approaches.
Homelessness Assistance Funding by State
The states that received the most funding were also those with the greatest number of projects. California and New York top the list, receiving over one-quarter (29%) of all annual funding for its 779 and 572 projects, respectively. These are the top five states awarded:
- California: 779 projects; awarded $601 million
- New York: 572 projects; awarded $303 million
- Texas: 249 projects; awarded $162 million
- Illinois: 369 projects; awarded $158 million
- Ohio: 331 projects; awarded $154 million
- Pennsylvania: 442 projects; awarded $148 million
- Florida: 320 projects; awarded $134 million
- Massachusetts: 208 projects; awarded $125 million
- Washington: 205 projects; awarded $111 million
- Michigan: 267 projects: awarded $98 million
Significant Increase From Previous Years
The 2023 fiscal year’s increase in funding for the Continuum of Care Program is a significant leap from previous years. In 2022, the amount was just under $2.8 billion, indicating a 14% increase in funding. The increase between 2021 and 2022 was just over 4 percent.
Looking ahead, the administration remains steadfast in its commitment to not only halting but reversing the upward trend in homelessness. President Biden's FY 2024 Budget proposes further actions to address homelessness, including investments to lower rental costs and provide guaranteed vouchers for vulnerable populations such as low-income veterans and youth aging out of foster care.
View a breakdown of the Continuums of Care and project awards on the HUD website.
Related Stories
Affordable Housing | Dec 14, 2023
What's next for affordable housing in 2024?
As 2023 draws to a close, GBBN’s Mary Jo Minerich and Amanda Markovic, AIA sat down to talk about the future. What’s next in terms of trends, technology, and construction of affordable housing?
MFPRO+ News | Dec 11, 2023
U.S. poorly prepared to house growing number of older adults
The U.S. is ill-prepared to provide adequate housing for the growing ranks of older people, according to a report from Harvard University’s Joint Center for Housing Studies. Over the next decade, the U.S. population older than 75 will increase by 45%, growing from 17 million to nearly 25 million, with many expected to struggle financially.
Transit Facilities | Dec 4, 2023
6 guideposts for cities to create equitable transit-oriented developments
Austin, Texas, has developed an ETOD Policy Toolkit Study to make transit-oriented developments more equitable for current and future residents and businesses.
Office Buildings | Dec 1, 2023
Amazon office building doubles as emergency housing for Seattle families
The unusual location for services of this kind serves over 300 people per day. Mary's Place spreads across eight of the office's floors—all designed by Graphite—testing the status quo for its experimental approach to homelessness support.
Multifamily Housing | Nov 30, 2023
A lasting housing impact: Gen-Z redefines multifamily living
Nathan Casteel, Design Leader, DLR Group, details what sets an apartment community apart for younger generations.
Industry Research | Nov 28, 2023
Migration trends find top 10 states Americans are moving to
In the StorageCafe analysis of the latest migration trends, each U.S. state was looked at to see the moving patterns of people in the last few years. These are the top 10 states that people are moving to.
MFPRO+ News | Nov 21, 2023
California building electrification laws could prompt more evictions and rent increases
California laws requiring apartment owners to ditch appliances that use fossil fuels could prompt more evictions and rent increases in the state, according to a report from the nonprofit Strategic Actions for a Just Economy. The law could spur more evictions if landlords undertake major renovations to comply with the electrification rule.
MFPRO+ News | Nov 21, 2023
Underused strip malls offer great potential for conversions to residential use
Replacing moribund strip malls with multifamily housing could make a notable dent in the housing shortage and revitalize under-used properties across the country, according to a report from housing nonprofit Enterprise Community Partners.
Affordable Housing | Nov 16, 2023
Habitat receives approval for $400 million affordable housing redevelopment
Chicago-based Habitat, a leading U.S. multifamily developer and property manager, announced that its $400 million redevelopment of Marine Drive Apartments in Buffalo, N.Y., has received planned unit development (PUD) approval by the Buffalo Common Council.
Senior Living Design | Nov 7, 2023
Age-restricted affordable housing community opens in Rockville, Md.
Residences on the Lane boasts a total of 150 units, each designed to cater to various income levels for seniors aged 62 and up.