In a recent government meeting, officials provided updates on the Continuum of Care (CoC) competition, focusing on the upcoming renewal period for grants and the evaluation of existing projects. The grant inventory worksheet has been completed and submitted to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), with expectations for a notice of funding opportunity to be released soon.

The meeting highlighted a new opportunity for a domestic violence bonus project, aimed at supporting survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and human trafficking. A request for proposals (RFP) is expected to be issued shortly, inviting providers to expand their services in this area.

Evaluations of existing projects revealed a range of performance scores, with the highest at 82% and the lowest at 49%, averaging 65%. While all projects met minimum funding expectations, issues with grant expenditure were noted, including a significant return of $150,000 due to staff turnover and unfilled vacancies. Officials expressed optimism about improving spending practices in the coming years.

The evaluation process also assessed adherence to the Housing First model, which emphasizes providing housing without preconditions. While most projects scored well, some fell short in aligning their termination policies with Housing First principles, particularly regarding grievance processes and appeals.

Equity and inclusion were also discussed, with agencies at varying stages of incorporating these principles into their operations. HUD has emphasized the importance of addressing racial disparities and equity in programming, and while some agencies have made strides, others still need guidance.

Performance outcomes showed that 72% of participants were housed within 90 days, but only 30% exited to permanent housing, indicating a need for improvement in this area. The meeting concluded with a commitment to enhance support for agencies to improve their performance metrics and better serve vulnerable populations.