The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act programs administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) require the development of a Continuum of Care (CoC) system in the community where assistance is being sought. A Continuum of Care system is designed to address the critical problem of homelessness through a coordinated community-based process of identifying needs and building a system to address those needs. The approach is predicated on the understanding that homelessness is not caused merely by a lack of shelter, but involves a variety of underlying, unmet needs - physical, economic, and social.

The Oklahoma Department of Commerce encourages development of Continuum of Care systems in Oklahoma communities and coordinates application submission for those communities not currently participating in a local continuum of care.  In addition, Commerce offers technical assistance in the development of local continuums. Formal continuums apply directly to HUD for funding.  Those communities not part of a formal continuum (Balance of State) apply through the Department of Commerce annually after a Notice of Financial Assistance Availability (NOFAA) is issued by HUD, usually in April.  Commerce conducts application workshops after the NOFFA is released.  All applications are submitted to HUD in July of each year.

 

Homeless assistance programs under the Continuum of Care support community needs beyond Emergency Shelter Grant Programs and include:   

• Supportive Housing Program
  Provides housing, including housing units and group quarters, that has a supportive environment and includes a planned service component.
• Shelter Plus Care Program
  Provides grants for rental assistance for homeless persons with disabilities through four component programs: Tenant, Sponsor, Project, and Single Room Occupancy (SRO) Rental Assistance.
• Single Room Occupancy Program
  Provides rental assistance on behalf of homeless individuals in connection with moderate rehabilitation of SRO dwellings.

Frequently Asked Questions about Continuum of Care Programs

HUD initiated the Continuum of Care process in 1994 to encourage a coordinated, strategic approach to planning for programs that assist individuals and families who are homeless.  The CoC approach fundamentally reorganized and simplified the application process by which McKinney homeless assistance funds are awarded.  This change was made to encourage communities to develop comprehensive systems to address the range of needs of different homeless populations.  Below are answers tp a few frequently asked questions provided to help you understand the who, what, where, and why of CoCs.

 

What is a CoC?
HUD defines a Continuum of Care Plan as a community plan to organize and deliver housing and services to meet the specific needs of people who are homeless as they move to stable housing and maximum self-sufficiency.  It includes action steps to end homelessness and prevent a return to homelessness.

 

Who should participate in the CoC?
HUD recognizes that many factors, such as mental illness, domestic violence and substance abuse, lead to homelessness. The CoC uses a coordinated community-based effort to address these issues. The components of the CoC process are: outreach and assessment; emergency shelter; transitional housing with supportive service; and permanent housing.  Any interested party, provider or funder of these activities should participate in a locally formed CoC.

 

Why develop a CoC in my community?
The creation of local CoC can help improve the processes involved developing solutions and support for homelessness.  A CoC can:

• Assess capacity and identify gaps
• Develop proactive solutions rather than stop-gaps
• Identify common goals for which to advocate
• Increase community "buy-in" and access to mainstream resources
• Increase competitive advantage for receiving HUD McKinney Homeless Assistance funding

The establishment and existence of a CoC enables formalized networking, communication, and cooperation that advance the pursuit of a common goal. 

Importantly, participation in a CoC increases the competitive advantage for receiving funding.  Congress has established that in order to be eligible to receive McKinney Homeless Assistance funding, the applying entity must be a participant in their local CoC. 

 

How do I get the ball rolling?
HUD has developed many guides, information materials and a complete, step-by-step application process.  Information and materials can be accessed directly through HUD's website at www.hud.gov.  You may also request information or assistance from the Oklahoma Department of Commerce.  It is our goal to create an active network of CoCs across our state to better identify, assist, and fund efforts to alleviate homelessness.

 

Do I have to participate if I am applying for Emergency Shelter Grant funds?
Although Emergency Shelter Grant (ESG) funding is not one of the programs funded through the CoC, ESG-funded providers should participate in CoC planning activities. 

 

 

Related Websites:
US Department of Housing and Urban Development - information on homeless assistance programs

McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act Program