Developing Permanent Housing under the HUD Continuum of Care Grant
The Texas Homeless Network is funded by the U.S. Dept. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and Texas Dept. Housing and Community Affairs to provide technical assistance on the HUD Continuum of Care. This is the first in a series of articles written to help Texas communities develop their plan and apply for funding under the Continuum of Care grant.

In case you haven't gotten the message about HUD's priority under the Continuum of Care Homeless Assistance Grant (also known as the "Super NOFA"), here it is, stated as clearly as possible:

HUD needs communities to apply for NEW permanent housing projects under the Continuum of Care grant. HUD has made permanent housing a priority because it is required to spend 30% of its Continuum of Care funds on this activity. This is not an arbitrary preference on HUD's part. Instead, Congress made this a legislative requirement for the Continuum of Care. In recent years, HUD has had difficulty meeting its 30% requirement because not enough communities are applying for permanent housing projects. In fact, the problem is becoming more severe. If HUD does not meet its 30% requirement in 2001, it will have to set aside even more funds for permanent housing in 2002. Texas communities have been especially weak in using Continuum of Care funds for permanent housing. Most communities rank supportive services or transitional housing as a higher priority in their Continuum. In addition, many homeless providers do not have experience in housing and do not know how to develop a permanent housing project. Since permanent housing projects take time, NOW is the time to begin developing these projects. Why bother? Permanent housing is a critical component of the Continuum of Care and essential to helping homeless persons achieve maximum self-sufficiency. Plus, HUD gives a $500,000 bonus to communities that list new permanent housing projects as their number one priority. Why give up the chance to get an extra half-million dollars to help homeless persons in your community? In an effort to help Texas communities develop permanent housing under the Continuum of Care, the following are some suggestions on how to get started: Partner with a local housing authority or CHDO
If you don't have experience in housing, partner with someone who does. Housing authorities have extensive experience and are required partners for some Continuum of Care programs. CHDOs (Community Housing Development Organizations) are nonprofits that are eligible for a special set aside of HOME funds that can be used as match for affordable housing. Don't Build - Lease
The housing development process is complex and time consuming. If this is your first time, consider leasing property for use as permanent housing. Another advantage to this approach is that leasing doesn't require matching funds! Get Technical Assistance
A number of organizations provide technical assistance to nonprofits on affordable housing development. Some of the larger ones are listed below. These organizations provide free or low cost technical assistance throughout Texas:

Come to the Texas Homeless Network Conference
The Texas Homeless Network's annual conference will be offering a workshop on developing housing under the Continuum of Care grant. Come and hear from the experts on how they did it!

For a listing of CHDOs in Texas contact Jorge Reyes, Texas Dept. Housing Community Affairs (512) 475-4577, or view the TDHCA website: www.tdhca.state.tx.us/chdo.htm

What is considered Permanent Housing under the Continuum of Care Grant?
  • Permanent Housing for Persons with Disabilities (under the Supportive Housing Program) Shelter Plus Care
  • Section 8 Moderate Rehab Single Room Occupancy (SRO)

A special offer to Homeless Coalitions that are members of the Texas Homeless Network

To help Texas communities improve their funding under the Continuum of Care grant, the Texas Homeless Network is offering a special service to Coalitions that are members of THN. Between now and February, THN will review and comment on your Continuum of Care plan, providing written suggestions on how the planning process and application could be improved.

If you are interested in this service, please send a letter and copy of your 2001 Exhibit One (Continuum of Care Plan) to Joyce Pohlman, Continuum of Care Specialist, Texas Homeless Network, 200 E. 8th Street, Austin, TX 78701. Continuum of Care plans will be reviewed on a first come first serve basis.