Athens Reporter

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has announced the availability of $3.5 billion in grants for housing and services for the homeless through the FY 2024 Continuum of Care (CoC) Program Competition. On August 1, 2024, HUD released the FY 2024 Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for this competition, with the possibility of awarding FY2025 funds based on this NOFO.

The Athens-Clarke County Housing and Community Development Department is designated as the Collaborative Applicant responsible for completing and submitting the CoC’s annual application in partnership with the Athens-Clarke County Continuum of Care Governing Board (CoCGB).

The Estimated Annual Renewal Demand (ARD) available for the Athens-Clarke County CoC is $943,659. Additionally, Athens-Clarke County CoC is eligible to apply for an estimated Domestic Violence (DV) bonus of $50,000 and a CoC Bonus of $61,102. The department can also apply for CoC Planning funds amounting to an estimated total of $50,000 to support activities in accordance with 24 CFR 578.39.

As per current estimates:

- PPRN: $454,889

- Estimated ARD: $943,659

- Tier 1: $849,293

- CoC Bonus: $61,102

- DV Bonus: $50,000

- CoC Planning: $50,000

*Note that these figures are subject to updates once HUD publishes final amounts.

HCD and CoCGB invite all eligible non-profit organizations serving the homeless in Athens-Clarke County to apply for CoC funding by referencing application criteria outlined in HUD's NOFO. Applications for both new and renewal projects are accessible via HCD’s website at https://www.accgov.com/10205/Continuum-of-Care-Homelessness.

The HCD and CoCGB Project Review Committee will prioritize renewal projects and DV bonus projects that demonstrate adequate performance metrics and capacity. Projects will be ranked into Tier 1 and Tier 2 based on HUD's funding determination process. To align with HUD priorities, higher ratings will be given to projects serving target populations such as Chronically Homeless Individuals or Families, Homeless Families, Homeless Youth (including households without an adult parent or guardian over age 24), and individuals with disabilities. The committee has identified these groups as most in need within Athens-Clarke County.

Agencies should focus on addressing racial disparities including individuals with lived experience while improving assistance to LGBTQ+ individuals.

All applications will be reviewed by HCD staff and the Project Review Committee using provided ranking forms. Applicants will be notified no later than October 11, 2024 if their application will be included in the consolidated submission to HUD.

For additional information contact Damario Squire or Lily Sronkoski at (706) 613-3155.