Continuum of Care Process

In order to coordinate activities to meet the needs of individuals and families who are experiencing homelessness and apply for federal funds, community partners come together to form a continuum of care.

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Definition of Continuum of Care:

"The Continuum of Care is 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."

What is the Request for Application (RFA) Process?

To help the Collaborative achieve the necessary strategies to address homelessness in Kanawha County, the Collaborative hosts a competitive RFA process.  Based on the needs, priorities, issues, goals and objectives stated in the Gaps Analysis; the Collaborative recommends projects in the HUD Continuum of Care Consolidated Application that will address those issues. Projects selected by HUD will receive funding to administer the proposed program.

Components of the Continuum of Care

The fundamental components of a Continuum of Care system are:

• Outreach and assessment to identify an individual’s or family’s needs and make connections to facilities;
• Immediate (emergency) shelter and safe, decent alternatives to the streets;
• Transitional housing with the appropriate supportive services to help people reach independent living. Such services include job training and placement, substance abuse treatment, mental health services, and independent living skills training; and
• Permanent housing or permanent supportive housing arrangements.

The HUD Continuum of Care grant provides funding for these services through the following programs:

1. Supportive Housing Program (SHP)

Promotes development of supportive housing and services that help homeless persons transition from homelessness to permanent housing and self-sufficiency.

Eligible Projects:

• Transitional Housing
• Permanent Housing for Persons with Disabilities
• Supportive Services Only (SSO)
• Safe Haven
• Innovative Supportive Housing

Eligible Activities:

• Acquisition and Rehabilitation
• New Construction (except for SSO projects)
• Leasing
• Supportive Services
• Operating Costs (except for SSO projects)
• Project Administrative Costs

2. Shelter Plus Care Program (S+C)

Rental assistance for homeless persons with disabilities.  Requires 100% match in services for every dollar of rental assistance received.  If the application is for a new project you must partner with a unit of local government.

Eligible Activity: Rental Assistance

• Tenant-based: rental assistance for participants to choose their own housing.
• Sponsor-based: rental assistance through contract(s) between grant recipient and sponsor organization(s).
• Project-based: rental assistance through a contract with a building owner.
• SRO-based: rental assistance in single room occupancy setting. 

3. Single Room Occupancy Program (SRO)

Provides rental assistance on behalf of homeless single individuals in connection with moderate rehabilitation of SRO dwellings.  An organization must partner with a local Public Housing Authority (PHA), and the PHA must administer the rental assistance. 

Charleston/Kanawha, Putnam, Boone, Clay Counties CoC Map

 More Resources on Understanding Continuum of Care:

HUD: What is the Continuum of Care and Why is it Important?

HUD's Full Guide to Continuum of Care Planning and Implementation

NAEH: Explainer: What is a Continuum of Care?

KANAWHA VALLEY COLLECTIVE

TRANSITIONAL HOUSING

KANAWHA VALLEY COLLECTIVE

PERMANENT HOUSING

KANAWHA VALLEY COLLECTIVE

OTHER PROJECTS