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Indiana Supportive Housing Institute 2025

About the Institute

CSH and the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA) are excited to announce we are seeking applicants to participate in the 2025 Indiana Supportive Housing Institute. The 2025 Institute will address issues of homelessness with a focus on serving people with high needs who are on the Coordinated Entry System as defined in the RFP. The Institute will help supportive housing partners learn how to navigate the complex process of developing housing with supportive services to prevent and end homelessness.  Participation in the Institute is expected to reduce the time it takes to obtain funding for supportive housing by improving the planning and development process. 

How to Apply


Teams interested in participating in the 2025 Institute must submit complete RFP responses by the deadline below. Incomplete responses will not be considered.

Submission Deadline: Monday, December 2, 2024 by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time

RFP Submission: Responses must be submitted in PDF format to Indiana.Institute@csh.org.

An email confirmation will be provided as proof of receipt. If you do not receive a confirmation within 24 hours of submission, please contact Indiana.Institute@csh.org. It is the applicant’s responsibility to confirm receipt of the application.

CSH and IHCDA held an Institute Orientation webinar for prospective respondents to this RFP on October 29, 2024.

Narrative Instructions and RFP Attachments

Please submit responses to narrative questions listed in the RFP, as a separate document in PDF format, adhering to all length guidelines presented below. Applicants should carefully consider questions to ensure all relevant details are provided and responses are complete. 

In addition to the Narrative document, please submit the following documents in PDF format (as separate files from your Narrative). All attachments must be clearly labeled.

  1.  Supportive Housing Institute Cover Sheet: download, save, and complete the RFP Cover Page.
  1. Attestation of Commitment to 2025 Institute Requirements Form: download, save, and complete the RFP Attestation Form.
  1. Most recent audited financials and year-to-date current financials for those fulfilling a primary role as developer, owner, and supportive services provider.
  1. Letters of commitment from the Executive Director or CEO of each organization attending the Institute. The letter should address the following items:

  2. Commitment to developing a supportive housing project through the initiative and fulfilling the primary role for which the organization is responsible;

  3. Commitment to communicate with the board (non-profits) or executive leadership (for-profits) throughout the process to ensure board and executive leadership support;

  4. Commitment for senior level staff and other staff as needed to participate in Institute sessions as described in the RFP; and,

  5. Commitment to develop supportive housing that meets the requirements listed below:
    • Housing is permanent and affordable;
    • Tenants hold leases and acceptance of services is not a condition of occupancy;
    • Housing is based on the Housing First model which includes eviction prevention and harm reduction strategies;
    • Comprehensive case management services are accessible by tenants where they live and are offered in a manner designed to maximize tenant stability and self-sufficiency;
    • The supportive housing development must utilize the Continuum of Care Coordinated Entry system for tenant selection;
    • The supportive housing development must design tenant screening in a manner that ensures tenants are not screened out for having too little or no income, active or a history of substance use, limited or poor rental history including previous evictions, a criminal record (with exceptions for program mandated restrictions), or a history of victimization (e.g. domestic violence, sexual assault or abuse); and
    • The development must provide owner-paid utilities to all supportive housing units;
    • The development must report through the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS).

Please be advised that, upon acceptance into the Institute, your team will be required to submit a registration fee of $3,500 by February 28, 2025. This fee is intended to offset a portion of the costs associated with the team’s participation in the Institute.

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CSH’s RACE Initiative Named a Finalist in the 4th Annual Anthem Awards 

CSH’s RACE Initiative been named a Finalist in the Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion: Community Engagement category in the 4th Annual Anthem Awards. The 4th Annual Anthem Awards was the most competitive season yet with more than 2,300 entries submitted from 34 countries worldwide. By amplifying the voices that spark global change, the Anthem Awards are defining a new benchmark for impactful work that inspires others to take action in their communities. A portion of program revenue is allocated to Anthem’s grant program, The Anthem Fund. 

Vote for CSH before October 31, 2024.

Anthem Winners are selected by the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences. Judges for the 4th Annual Anthem Awards include Janine Brady, Managing Director of Communications, Schmidt Futures,  Haven Ley SVP, Program Strategy, Investments and Comms., CSO, Pivotal Ventures, Roma McCaig, Chief Public Affairs and Impact Officer, REI Co-op, Wendy R. Weiser, Vice President, Democracy, Brennan Center for Justice, Brett Peters, Global Lead, TikTok for Good, TikTok, C.D. Glin, President, PepsiCo, Aurora James, Activist and Fashion Designer, Fifteen Percent Pledge, Michelle Waring, Steward for Sustainability and Everyday Good, Tom’s of Maine, Trovon Williams, Sr. Vice President of Marketing & Communications, NAACP, and Singleton Beato, Global EVP, Chief DEI Officer, McCann Worldgroup, and many others. 

“The Finalists of this year’s Anthem Awards are truly inspiring and I am honored to help elevate their impact,” said Anthem Awards General Manager, Patricia McLoughlin. “At this moment, there is a lot of uncertainty in our world, but the tireless and extraordinary efforts of the Anthem Awards community provide hope that a better tomorrow is possible. Thank you to everyone doing this work and making an impact.” 

This year marks the 2nd Annual Anthem Community Voice Celebration to uplift the work of Anthem Finalists. All Finalists are also in the running to win a Gold, Silver, or Bronze Anthem Award selected by Anthem judges. All Winners for the 4th Annual Anthem Awards will be announced on Tuesday, November 19th, 2024. 

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CSH Awarded $400,000 Opportunity Fund Grant from U.S. Bank Foundation to Advance its Redesigning Access to Centering Equity Initiative in Oregon and Washington

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact:
Jesse Dean for CSH, Jesse.Dean@csh.org or 347-931-0132

New York, NY (October 23, 2024) – CSH, a national nonprofit intermediary and Community Development Financial Institution that advances supportive housing, today announced it has been awarded a $400,000 multiyear U.S. Bank Foundation Opportunity Fund grant. The grant will be used to expand the CSH Redesigning Access to Centering Equity Initiative in Oregon and Washington to build the capacity of affordable and supportive housing developers who identify as Black, Indigenous, or people of color (BIPOC) to create up to 195 new units of affordable housing, of which 83 units will be supportive housing.

“With this grant, participating BIPOC developers in Oregon and Washington will receive financial support and a range of training and technical assistance. Taken together, this will build their organizational capacity to build and operate high-quality, affordable and supportive housing for the long term,” said Brigitt Jandreau, Chief Lending Officer at CSH. “We are grateful for the generous support from the U.S. Bank Foundation that will help us continue investing in BIPOC-led developers to create critically needed affordable and supportive housing.”

“Expanding access to affordable housing and affordable housing capital helps children, families and communities thrive. Supporting organizations like CSH means more people will have more options for finding a safe, stable place to call home,” said Erica Opstad, head of community affairs and managing director of the U.S. Bank Foundation.

CSH is at the forefront of advancing affordable housing aligned with services, a proven approach to help people facing complex barriers to housing find stability and thrive. With the generous support of a past grant from the U.S. Bank Foundation, CSH has helped increase the production of high-quality supportive housing in San Diego, Orange Counties, and Nevada.

In 2021, CSH launched the Redesigning Access to Centering Equity Initiative (RACE) to address widespread underrepresentation among affordable and supportive housing developers who identify as Black, Indigenous, or people of color (BIPOC). In contrast, BIPOC individuals are disproportionately represented among those experiencing homelessness and in institutional settings.

The U.S. Bank Foundation created the Opportunity Fund in 2023 to support organizations working to increase wealth-building opportunities for underserved communities, including low- to moderate-income communities, rural communities and communities of color. The fund currently prioritizes grants toward community development financial institutions (CDFIs); small business technical assistance and business incubators; affordable housing development; homeownership and down payment assistance; and digital access and economic development in rural and Native American communities.

“This funding is critical to helping CSH advance its goals to promote thriving, equitable communities,” said Alexis Butler, Director of the RACE Initiative. “With this grant, we will advocate to reduce barriers for BIPOC developers to access financing needed to fund, develop, maintain, and operate supportive housing in the long term and eliminate systemic barriers to equitable access to affordable housing and capital.”

ABOUT CSH

CSH (Corporation for Supportive Housing) advances affordable and accessible housing aligned with services by advocating for effective policies and funding, equitably investing in communities, and strengthening the supportive housing field. Since our founding in 1991, CSH has been the only national nonprofit intermediary focused solely on increasing the availability of supportive housing. Over the course of our work, we have created more than 467,600 units of affordable and supportive housing and distributed over $1.5 billion in loans and grants. Our workforce is central to accomplishing this work. We employ approximately 170 people across 30 states and U.S. Territories. As an intermediary, we do not directly develop or operate housing but center our approach on collaboration with a wide range of people, partners, and sectors. For more information, visit www.csh.org.  

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Request for Applications: LGBTQIA2S+ Equity Mini Team (LEMT) Persons with Lived Experience Work Group Members

CSH is seeking up to 8 people with lived experience to be members of a United States Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Office of Special Needs Assessment Programs (SNAPS) lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and trans, queer and questioning, intersex, asexual and agender, and Two-Spirit, plus (LGBTQIA2S+) Equity Mini Team (LEMT). The team will consist of a total of 10- 15 members (at least 8 of which are contracted through this request for applications) and is aimed at helping providers and Continuums of Care (CoCs) with collecting and using data in a way that is respectful and honors program participants with LGBTQIA2S+ identities; does not disenfranchise or harm individuals; and is culturally sensitive and trauma-informed.  

CSH is currently seeking people with lived experience (PWLE) of homelessness, LGBTQIA2S+ identities, as well as those with experience providing subject matter expertise, to improve data collection and utilization practices for LGBTQIA2S+ individuals experiencing homelessness. Up to 8 spots on the LEMT will be reserved for PWLE, with the remaining openings to be filled by current HUD TA providers. 

The Mini Team will create a product development plan outlining written resources to be drafted and reviewed by those with LGBTQIA2S+ expertise. CSH anticipates co-developing at least 3 written products, 2 sample documents, and will peer review at least 3 documents. The work plan will be updated with the exact number and names of products once the product development plan is finalized with seated members of the LEMT.

This subcontract opportunity can commence as early as November 11th, 2024 and run through June 2026. 

The sub-contractor’s work will mainly comprise of the following: 

  1. Attend regular team meetings (up to 4 times per month); 
  2. Review products and tools from HUD TA initiatives that would impact LGBTQIA2S+ equity; 
  3. Create quick, easily digestible tools for front line staff that address the needs of LGBTQIA2S+ people experiencing homelessness; and 
  4. Provide recommendations regarding FY 2026/2027 Data Standards data elements as requested by the Data Standards Mini Team. 

Milestones and Deliverable

The Mini Team will develop a product plan outlining products to be developed by members of the Mini Team. It is estimated that the Mini Team will co-develop the following: 

  • Deliverable 1: At least 3 written products 
  • Deliverable 2: 2 sample documents 
  • Deliverable 3: Peer review at least 3 documents 

Funding Available

An amount not to exceed $240,000 is available for this project. There are up to a total of eight awards available; each award will be funded at $125 per hour not to exceed 240 hours.

Application Process

In order to be considered for this subcontracting opportunity, please complete this Microsoft Form detailing your experience and credentials for this project. Submissions are due by Friday, October 25, 2024 by 8:00 PM ET/5:00 PM PT. All application information must be fully completed for consideration.

Successful applicants will be awarded on a conditional basis, pending a conflict-of-interest review and submission of additional documents concerning rate substantiation and invoicing capacity.  

Any applicants not selected for this opportunity will be informed via email no later than November 1, 2024.

Privacy disclaimer: While application responses are not public, they are reviewed by multiple individuals such as the HUD SNAPS staff and CSH staff. Please be mindful of this before including highly sensitive information on your application. Also, in consideration of the prevalence of discrimination based on LGBTQIA2S+ status, you should also know that HUD SNAPS does not list work group member names on any public-facing websites.

Please note: CSH aims to be a responsible partner to the people we pay for time-limited work who are receiving public benefits by providing them with as much support as possible and appropriate to help them make informed choices about how much they want to work for us and/or for other organizations. Due to the highly specialized and individualized nature of this work, however, CSH does not currently have the expertise to provide benefits counseling to individuals but will provide as much support as possible to connect individuals with outside partner benefits counseling, so they can make the most informed decision as it relates to their ability to commit to this position.

CSH requires subcontractors, including individuals and sole proprietors, to carry workers’ compensation insurance and general liability insurance while performing work under a CSH subcontract. CSH subcontractors cannot have existing, pending or expired debarments that preclude them from doing business with the United States government and cannot have convictions for, nor have any pending indictments for, fraud or a criminal offense in connection with a public contract or subcontract.

If you have any questions, please contact fedta@csh.org

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Oregon Supportive Housing Institute 2024

Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) and the Corporation for Supportive Housing (CSH) are excited to announce Oregon’s fifth Supportive Housing Institute (Institute). The 2024 Institute will help supportive housing partners learn how to navigate the complex process of developing housing with support services. The Institute will also reduce the time it takes to obtain funding for supportive housing by improving the planning, development, and initial project implementation process.

The Institute will have a primary focus of building the capacity of both new and experienced housing developers and service providers to serve populations experiencing chronic homelessness throughout Oregon.

Supportive Housing Institute Overview:

The CSH Supportive Housing Institute has a strong record of accomplishment across the country, with graduates experiencing an 80% success rate in bringing projects into operation. The Institute will provide targeted training and technical assistance to both new and experienced development teams. Teams receive intensive training over 5-months, including individualized technical assistance and support to assist in planning quality projects. CSH Subject Matter Experts from across the state and the country, in partnership with local expertise, will provide insight on coordinating services and property management, building a race equity culture, financing, funding and trauma-informed design.

The 2024 Institute is our fifth annual offering and made possible by OHCS. Thanks to the support of OHCS and their commitment to supportive housing, the Institute is offered free of charge to participants.

Institute Benefits

Upon completion, participants in the Institute will have:

• A detailed, individualized supportive housing plan that can be used to apply for funding from multiple sources;
• Improved skills to create and operate existing supportive housing and develop new projects serving people who experience multiple barriers to housing;
• New and improved skills to operate 100% and integrated supportive housing;
• A strong, effective development, property management, and service team that leverages the strengths of each team member;
• A powerful network of peers and experts to assist in project development and to troubleshoot problems;
• Post-Institute technical assistance from CSH.

Submitting an Application

Application Deadline: March 5, 2024 by 11:59 p.m. PST. Submission of an application represents a commitment for the team to attend all Institute sessions. The application must be completed in its entirety. Incomplete applications will not be considered. The Application Review Team will evaluate all proposals and notify applicants of their selection in early April.

Submission: Submit an electronic copy of the application and the attachments in PDF form to CSH by email to: Rae.Trotta@csh.org. You will receive a confirmation that your application has been received; if you do not receive confirmation of receipt within 24 hours from sending, please send an email to rae.trotta@csh.org.

Questions: If you have questions on this application, please contact:

Rae Trotta
CSH Senior Program Manger
rae.trotta@csh.org

If you have questions for OHCS, please submit them via email to HCS.PSH@hcs.oregon.gov

An informational webinar will be held on Thursday February 8th, 2024 from 9AM to 10AM PST for prospective respondents to this application. Click here to register for the webinar. Recordings of past informational webinars can be found here in the ‘Past PSH Events’ section. Please reply to Rae Trotta, rae.trotta@csh.org with any questions regarding the webinar.

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CSH Child Welfare and Housing Request for Proposals (2024)

Funding and technical assistance to reduce housing instability for families at high-risk of child welfare involvement in Alaska, Minnesota, Washington, and Wisconsin. 

CSH is administering a competitive RFP process open to non-profit organizations, government entities (state, county, or city) or Tribal Nations in Minnesota, Washington, Alaska, and Wisconsin focused on identifying, designing, and implementing service and housing strategies co-designed with families and communities that:

  • Reduce housing instability and risk of involvement with the child welfare system; and
  • Reduce racial disparities and disproportionalities among families at the intersection of homelessness/housing instability and child welfare involvement, with a focus on American Indian and Alaska Native communities.

This grant program builds on the work led by CSH over the past three years with families and parents with lived experience of child welfare involvement, American Indian and Alaska Native child welfare experts, and three communities in Minnesota and Washington State.

RFP Award 

Four applicants across MN, WA, AK, and WI will be selected to receive and participate in a 24-month package of technical assistance provided by CSH that comes along with $100,000 in grant funding to support the applicant andmulti-sector project partners in the implementation of their proposed intervention/initiative.

RFP Application Deadline

Applications are due by February 23, 2024 at 5PM CT / 3PM PT.

Bidders’ Webinar

For those who were unable to attend the live webinar, please view the recording here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are state agencies eligible applicants? Can state agencies apply for this funding? Yes. If a state/state agency collaborative is proposing systems transformation/systems innovation that either creates new affordable housing or increases access to affordable housing for families while also increasing access to services with the goal of avoiding long-term negative child welfare outcomes from those families most disproportionately impacted by child welfare involvement, that absolutely fits within the objectives of this RFP.  

  • Objective 1: Reduce housing instability and risk of involvement with the child welfare system; and  
  • Objective 2: Reduce racial disparities and disproportionalities among families at the intersection of homelessness/housing instability and child welfare involvement, with a focus on American Indian and Alaska Native communities.  

Is there an opportunity to improve current programs through this RFP or is it required that applicants create something new? Does the proposed project have to be something new, or can it be an update of work that is already underway? Anything that is proposed should be about doing something different that increases access to housing and services for child welfare involved families or families at-risk of child welfare involvement or are also housing unstable. This funding is not for existing operations or business as usual. This is about moving from where you are to where you need to be to allow children, youth, and families to move towards thriving. This funding could expand the scope of a current project, move a project from pilot to scale, propose work to imbed a more localized practice into a systems-wide practice, or take learnings from a current practice to build out a new initiative.  

Innovative Interventions

Do we have to do a Keeping Families Together (KFT) Supportive Housing Intervention? No. While KFT is a proven approach for highly impacted families, CSH’s work to date has illuminated that addressing issues of homelessness, child welfare involvement, and family separation, requires more than a “one size fits all” approach. Rather, efforts must meet families and communities where they are and offer solutions that are tailored to their needs, are culturally responsive, addresses necessary systems changes, and are co-created with those they are designed to serve.  

Do the CSH pass-through grant funds go directly to families or to the lead applicant submitting the proposal? Funds will be awarded to the lead applicant. The funding application and budget should outline how funds will be used, which may include funds for project partners, implementation activities/needs, and could include some funds to families such as people with lived experience or direct recipients of services/housing. Grant funds are not intended to be the long-term housing or services funding for families. 

Will the TA that is provided offer support for best practices and training for organizations in including families with lived experience as co-creators or will we need to come with that expertise? Yes, it can. Pease refer to the CSH Keeping Families Together Co-Design Report for more guidance on how to meaningfully include families with lived experience into the design of your proposed intervention   

Population Focus 

Must families only be involved in the child welfare system? The population focus of this RFP is children, youth and families who have experienced, are currently experiencing, or are at high-risk of child welfare involvement and who are experiencing homelessness or housing instability.  

What does high-risk of child welfare involvement mean? This may be families experiencing poverty and housing instability, have justice system involvement, are experiencing or fleeing from domestic violence, or have a parent or guardian with high health or behavioral health needs. 

What about youth? The population focus of this RFP is families with children, which may include youth in the household and/or the household may be headed by young adults. While this RFP is not specifically focused on unaccompanied youth and young adults, there may be opportunities to align with other efforts focused on unaccompanied youth and young adults in your county/region/state.  

Does the project have to focus on American Indian/Alaska Natives as the target population? No. However, CSH will prioritize applicants with proposed interventions that address populations who are disproportionately impacted by child welfare involvement and housing instability/homelessness in their region/state. 

Applicants 

Will each state only have 1 selected applicant? CSH anticipates selecting four applicants from the states of Alaska, Minnesota, Washinton, and Wisconsin. Ideally, CSH would select at least one applicant for each of the eligible states, but the geography represented by the four states will be determined in the application and review process. 

Is the $100,000 subgrant for the full 24-month period or is that an annual amount? The $100,000 is total for the full 24-month grant period for each selected applicant. 

Does the funding have to be distributed equally over the 2 years? No. Applicants can budget for how funding will need to be structured for the proposed activities/intervention over the two-year period. 

Are there character or word limits? Yes. Character/word limits are clearly stated for each question within the application. 

If selected, when does the grant period start? CSH anticipates selecting final awardees in April 2024, with the grant period kicking off in May 2024.  

If an agency serves more than one area/county within the State, can one agency submit more than one application? CSH encourages applicants that serve multiple areas or counties within a State who want to submit work that encompasses multiple jurisdictions to only submit one application that speaks to the work they hope to do. 

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2024 Illinois Supportive Housing Institute Request for Applications

The Corporation for Supportive Housing (CSH) and the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) are
excited to announce their partnership for the 2024 Illinois Supportive Housing Institute (“The Institute”). The 2024 Institute will be held in Champaign, IL and will address the statewide need for Permanent Supportive Housing.

 

The Institute is made possible with the support from the Illinois Affordable Housing Trust Fund.

 

This Request for Application (RFA) intends to select teams to participate in the Institute. Over a course of 5 months, the Institute will provide targeted training and technical assistance that will result in a supportive housing project development proposal. Upon completion, teams are ready to apply for pre-development financing. Teams are comprised at minimum of a Developer partner, Property Management partner, and a Supportive Services partner. Teams are strongly encouraged to also include a person with lived experience.

The Institute will create a strong foundation for new supportive housing projects and help build strong teams equipped to navigate the complex process of developing housing with supportive services.

 

View the 2024 Illinois Supportive Housing Institute RFA Here

 

View the 2024 Illinois Supportive Housing Application Here

 

All applications are due February 8, 2024

An informational webinar was held on January 9, 2024 to provide an overview of the Supportive Housing Institute and how to get involved. The webinar recording can be found here.

Hear from past Illinois Supportive Housing Institute participants here.

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CSH Invests $13 Million In New Market Tax Credits With Lawndale Christian Legal Center

The investment will support development of the innovative K-Town Residential Workforce Development Center.

Corporation for Supportive Housing (CSH) is pleased to announce a $13 million New Market Tax Credit Allocation (NMTC) to Lawndale Christian Legal Center (LCLC) for its planned K-Town residential workforce development center in Chicago’s North Lawndale neighborhood.

The NMTC allocation will fund the redevelopment of the property into 20 supportive housing units and a job training center for men aged 18 to 24 facing housing instability and involvement with the justice system. In addition to housing, the investment will support holistic wraparound social supports, a culinary training program for the residents and additional office spaces for staff.

The LCLC award marks CSH’s first NMTC investment for individuals involved with the justice system and is its inaugural NMTC investment in Chicago. LCLC will leverage the award with other funding sources to provide job training and “efficiency style” apartments for men exiting the justice system.

“CSH is pleased to support LCLC and the K-Town residential workforce development center that will transform the lives of people who have experienced trauma as a result of their involvement with the justice system,” said Jill Steen, Director, New Market Tax Credits at CSH. “This award is part of CSH’s ongoing multimillion-dollar investment for housing and services that are owned, operated, and serve communities who identify as Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC).”

CSH expects the K-Town development project to create more than 150 construction jobs, most of which will be accessible for workers with less than a two-year college degree and over 40 permanent, full-time jobs.

CSH, a national nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), plays a pivotal role in supporting the development of quality, affordable and supportive housing, and services. CSH actively increases housing and service pipelines by providing Technical Assistance (TA), training, and consulting services to developers, service providers, and jurisdictions.

For more information about this project or CSH’s New Market Tax Credit offerings, please contact Jill Steen, Director, NMTC at jill.steen@csh.org.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The HUD Point-In-Time Count Reveals Rise in Homelessness Among a Widespread Housing Unaffordability Emergency

According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) 2023 Annual Homelessness Assessment Report (AHAR) Point-In-Time Estimates of Homelessness released today, a record-breaking number of individuals grappled with homelessness on a single night, surpassing any previous counts since it began in 2007. Overall, homelessness surged across all population segments, but there was stark overrepresentation among people identifying as Black, Hispanic or Latin(o)(a)(x), and Asian or Asian American. Nearly a third (31%) were people experiencing long-term homelessness, also the highest number recorded since 2007.

This surge in homelessness across the nation is a sobering reality check, but it is no surprise to anyone who has been paying attention. The increase in homelessness is an entirely predictable and direct consequence of widespread shortages in affordable housing, compounded by a fragmented and undercapitalized infrastructure for essential community support services and individual economic insecurity. It is a national emergency, and CSH calls on elected leaders at federal and local levels to elevate it as an urgent whole-of-government policy challenge we need to address.

Despite headwinds, many communities have made progress by investing in housing and services and preventing thousands of individuals and families from entering homelessness over the past year. Many have exceeded expectations in record time, moving people from homelessness to housing. Yet, increases in the Point-In-Time count glaringly spotlight how the inflow of people entering homelessness is greater than those finding homes. 

“There comes a point where we need to stop just pulling people out of the river,” begins a quote commonly attributed to Desmond Tutu, the late South African Anglican bishop and social rights activist. “We need to go upstream and find out why they’re falling in.”

As we look “upstream” to dissect the multifaceted challenges contributing to this crisis, it is imperative that communities —and their state and congressional policymakers— adopt comprehensive, long-term, proven solutions that address the root causes and create lasting impact. The solutions must also occur “upstream,” that is, to make every effort to prevent people from having no other option but to gather a few treasured belongings to carry with them as they face the harsh reality of homelessness.


Anticipating the Inevitable: The Predictable Outcome of Housing Unaffordability

Communities nationwide grapple with an acute shortage of affordable homes, exacerbated by a growing number of individuals and households spending an unsustainable proportion of their incomes on housing costs. This precarious situation places them at an elevated risk of homelessness, underscoring the urgency for aggressive, affordable housing development and preservation.

The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP) projects that the nation is on pace to lose an additional “176,000 affordable units” by 2025 due to expiring “affordability restrictions,” which is a devasting number considering the already vast scarcity of affordable housing. The CSH National Needs Assessment found that the country needs 1.1 million affordable and supportive homes for people with extremely low incomes and complex barriers to housing. Other research demonstrates a shortfall of 7.3 million affordable homes for people paying greater than 30% of their limited income (in many cases 50% or more) on housing. The same CBPP article goes on to offer strategies for preserving and increasing affordable housing, including revitalizing rental assistance programs, directing resources to update aging LIHTC (Low Income Housing Tax Credits) properties, and expanding LIHTC programs, among other actionable and achievable tactics that should, and can, have bipartisan support.

Some communities do their best to bolster affordable housing development, but zoning and permitting bureaucracies impede progress. CSH strongly advocates communities proactively accelerate affordable housing development to address critical shortages. This includes developing new housing, preserving existing affordable housing units, and reforming zoning laws.

Investing in Prevention and Support Services: A Proactive and Financially Responsible Approach

As much as supportive housing relies on safe, quality, and affordable housing, tenants must also have access to voluntary, flexible, and responsive community support services. Services aligned with housing can help people move into and sustain a home of their choice.

Despite ample evidence demonstrating both the cost and societal effectiveness of community support services in preventing or re-housing individuals experiencing homelessness, there remains a persistent underinvestment in these vital interventions. Public and private service systems remain siloed and fragmented. Service providers are limited by antiquated technology and insufficient resources, leading to underpaid staff and high employee attrition. These factors push people towards crisis systems and institutional care unnecessarily.  

This overreliance on policing, jails, and forced psychiatric hospitalizations proves to be not only ineffective but also financially burdensome.

CSH calls on states to streamline and integrate their systems to achieve more coordinated service delivery and foster a holistic and efficient response to the homelessness crisis, stemming the inflow of people into homelessness. Sustained investment in these services, paired with integrated and coordinated systems, yields better outcomes and saves public dollars in the long run.

Economic Security: The Link Between Low-Income and Housing Instability

One of the common misconceptions of people experiencing homelessness is that they do not want to work to pay for housing. Robust data show the opposite is true. The National Alliance to End Homelessness (NAEH) examined employment among people experiencing homelessness and cited a study that found just over half (53%) of people living in temporary shelters and 40% living without shelter worked full or part-time. Further, wages are not keeping up with housing and other costs affected by rising inflation. The National Low Income Housing Coalition’s Out of Reach Report, showed that to afford a one-bedroom apartment required a national average Housing Wage of $24 per hour. This wage is far above any minimum wage standard.

The nation did experience what is possible with an infusion of robust financing and preventative strategies with COVID-era relief funding. We learned that by directing substantial resources to communities, they fared better. But as this funding concludes, benefits such as the Child Tax Credit and the CDC’s eviction moratorium have compromised critical prevention efforts. The fact remains that a growing number of people do not have adequate living wages, which makes it difficult for them to keep a roof over their heads.

Building on Success: Examples of Progress and the Path Forward

Despite these headwinds, communities like Houston, TX; Milwaukee, WI; Newark, NJ; and Santa Clara County, CA are making smart investments in housing and services to reduce reliance on emergency systems and tackle homelessness.

Some states are adopting innovative strategies such as Medicaid waivers and State Plan Amendments to help cover housing-related services that can prevent homelessness.

There are also examples of state legislatures and governors working collaboratively and across the aisle to find existing resources for boosting housing and services. Earlier this year, the Nevada legislature passed AB 310 with near-unanimous support, which Governor Joe Lombardo signed into law. AB 310 established the “Supportive Housing Development Fund” from existing state dollars to fund affordable housing development and services. Additionally, the legislation established funds to evaluate and measure the results.

Strong Public Support for Housing and Services Investments

The above examples of communities addressing homelessness inspire us, demonstrating that lasting solutions are within our reach with concerted efforts, cross-sector collaboration, and strategic investments. Whether preserving existing affordable units, expanding rent control measures, or fostering community-led initiatives, the path to housing stability requires collective action. And the public wants bold action.

Recent research revealed a strong public appetite transcending political leanings for ambitious policies that fuel resources for affordable housing and support programs as a solution to homelessness. In a nationally representative survey conducted in September 2023, Pew found overwhelming support for ten policy initiatives. Further, “affordability” was the number one reason respondents wanted more development followed by three-fourths of respondents citing reducing homelessness. The Bipartisan Policy Center published a study in June 2023 with similar findings. Their study also found that respondents wanted the federal government to make homelessness a “top priority” and for 2024 presidential candidates to present the country’s plans for tackling the emergency.

In confronting the surge in homelessness, we find ourselves at a pivotal juncture, armed with the knowledge that the root causes are not insurmountable obstacles but challenges that demand bold, innovative solutions. It is time for the nation to address the homelessness emergency that so many people and communities have endured for far too long and start treating it with the urgency it demands.

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Subcontracting Opportunity: California State Policy Advisory Committee for Persons with Lived Experience of Homelessness

CSH seeks to contract with 2 additional individuals with lived experiences of homelessness who are willing to share their expertise as part of an existing CSH California State Policy Advisory Committee that currently has four active members. The individuals selected will serve as “consultants” to CSH starting in February 2024 through May 2025.

Selected consultants will also have the option to sit on separate policy coalitions CSH is a part of. These include the Bring California Home Coalition and the Coalition for Solutions to Homelessness among Older Adults. The Bring California Home Coalition is a diverse coalition of homelessness advocates, local governments, nonprofits, affordable housing providers, and grassroots community organizations dedicated to creating an ongoing source of revenue for homeless programs statewide. The Coalition for Solutions to Homelessness among Older Adults Home is a coalition of organizations across the state focused on housing, homelessness and senior services dedicated to advancing state policy recommendations specific to older adults experiencing homelessness.

CSH is the leading organization on state policy related to homelessness and supportive housing in the state of California. We seek input from stakeholders, draft bills, educate agency staff, and advocate and lobby to legislators. We advocate for policies and budget items that create housing stability, helpful services, and race equity. The consultants selected will work with CSH staff to inform and support these activities in partnership with CSH.

Planned activities:

1. Attend monthly meetings of the Advisory Committee to brainstorm and contribute to the planning of short and long-term CSH California state policy priorities.

2. Inform CSH’s strategy and actions through regular meetings with CSH staff.

3. Attend advocacy meetings with state legislators.

4. Assist in the planning of and participate in CSH’s annual State Advocacy Day.

Expected Outcomes, Milestones, and Deliverables:

Task 1: Advisory Committee Meetings (Monthly February 2024-May 2025)

The selected consultants will participate in monthly meetings of the new California State Policy Advisory Committee. Meetings will be 90 minutes each and may require up to 30 minutes of preparation time before each meeting. Meetings will typically be held as video-conferencing calls to ensure representation state-wide. CSH will provide funding for travel expenses as needed. Some in-person meetings may be scheduled at the direction of the committee.

Task 2: Meetings with CSH staff (As-needed February 2024- May 2025)

The selected consultants will participate in meetings with CSH staff between Advisory Committee meetings as needed throughout the duration of the contract. These meetings may be held by phone, video, or in-person. CSH will provide funding for travel expenses as needed.

Task 3: Attend advocacy meetings with state agency staff and/or legislators. (As-needed February 2024- May 2025)

The selected consultants will be on-call to actively and regularly participate in meetings with state agency staff in a variety of departments, the Governor’s office, and/or legislators. Meetings will typically take one hour and will happen during regular business hours Monday through Friday via telephone, video calls, or in-person in Sacramento. The selected consultants will be requested to attend up to 10 such meetings and are required to be available for at least half of these requests. CSH will provide funding for travel expenses as needed.

Task 4: Assist in planning and participate in CSH’s Advocacy Day (April 2024)

The selected consultants will assist in planning CSH’s annual Advocacy Day. Advocacy Day is once per year in the spring and involves having as many advocates as possible come to the state capitol in Sacramento to advocate for the policy goals we have established together. This happens during multiple meetings with legislators throughout the day. CSH will provide funding for travel expenses as needed.

Task 5: Attend regular coalition meetings and report back to Advisory Committee

The consultants selected to participate in the Bring California Home Coalition and Coalition for Solutions to Homelessness among Older Adults will attend regularly scheduled coalition meetings alongside CSH staff and other coalition members. Meetings may vary from weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly depending on the preferences of the full coalition membership. The selected consultants, alongside other coalition members, will represent the coalition in meetings with state-level staff and legislators and advocate for proposed policy

recommendations. Meetings will typically be held as video-conferencing calls to ensure representation state-wide. CSH will provide funding for travel expenses as needed.

Task 6: Other tasks as-requested (As-needed)

From time to time, CSH may request one or more of the selected consultants to participate in other activities to advance our collective state policy agenda and CSH’s work to end homelessness and unnecessary institutionalization. These activities might include: sharing their policy perspectives and life experiences with a variety of audiences, participating in training, recording videos, giving input to CSH staff on related aspects of CSH’s work, etc. These tasks will be upon request, and the selected consultants can accept them or decline them as they wish. CSH will provide funding for travel expenses as needed.

Funding Available:

This project requires a minimum time commitment of 50 hours over a 15-month period and is expected to require a maximum of 88 hours per individual, at a compensation rate of $75/hr, not to exceed $6,600. Please note, this contract requires a commitment from February 2024 through May 2025.

Application Process and Vendor Requirements:

To apply for this opportunity, please complete this interest form. Applicants may be asked to participate in one or two interviews with existing committee members prior to selection. Each interview will not be more than one hour. Any applicants not selected will be informed by phone call and email.

Required Qualifications:

Interviews scheduled before the deadline will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

  • The willingness and ability to share lived expertise of homelessness with diverse audiences.
  •  Experience and/or interest in California State legislative process.
  • Must currently live in California.
  •  Basic understanding of storytelling or narrative development as a tool for empowerment and advocacy.
  • Experience and desire to be part of and working with racially diverse people and communities.
  • Demonstrated commitment to homelessness advocacy and inclusion.
  • Demonstrated ability to work well with a variety of individuals and/or agencies.
  • Ability to track and report hours worked.
  • A balanced perspective and understanding of the ups and downs of advocacy work.
  • Ability to commit to the minimum number of hours.
  • Training in story-telling or other communications is preferred.

CSH encourages individuals with a diverse array of experiences and backgrounds to apply.

Please note: CSH aims to be a responsible partner to the people we pay for time-limited work who are receiving public benefits by providing them with as much support as possible and appropriate to help them make informed choices about how much they want to work for us and/or for other organizations. Due to the highly specialized and individualized nature of this work, however, CSH does not currently have the expertise to provide benefits counselling to individuals but will provide as much support as possible to connect individuals with outside partner benefits counselling, so they can make the most informed decision as it relates to their ability to commit to this position.

Please note that CSH requires subcontractors, including individuals and sole proprietors, to carry workers’ compensation insurance and general liability insurance while performing work under a CSH subcontract. CSH subcontractors cannot have existing, pending or expired debarments that preclude them from doing business with the United States government and cannot have convictions for, nor have any pending indictments for, fraud or a criminal offense in connection with a public contract or subcontract.

Please contact Lauren Turner, Policy Program Manager with any additional questions regarding the California State Policy Advisory Committee and how to apply (lauren.turner@csh.org).