CONTINUUM OF CARE

The Continuum of Care Programs are authorized under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act of 1997.  The three programs authorized under the Continuum of Care Programs are the Supportive Housing Program, the Shelter Plus Care Program, and the Section 8 Single Room Occupancy Program.  The intent of the Continuum of Care Programs is to support the development of a coordinated system of homeless assistance designed to assist homeless persons to transition from homelessness to independent living to the extent possible.

WHO CAN APPLY FOR FUNDS?
Nonprofit agencies organized under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code may apply for assistance under the Continuum of Care Programs.  Funds are distributed through a nation-wide competitive grant process.  The City and County of Honolulu, Department of Community Services, manages the Continuum of Care process for the City and County of Honolulu and prepares and submits the Continuum of Care application for the City and County of Honolulu. 

WHAT ARE ELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES FOR USE OF THE FUNDS
Supportive Housing Program funds may be used for costs related to the acquisition, leasing, construction, and rehabilitation of facilities to provide shelter and services to the homeless.  Supportive Housing Program funds may also be used to pay for costs related to the operation of homeless facilities such as utilities, staffing, and insurance, and for the cost of supportive services to the homeless such as job training, healthcare, substance abuse treatment, and mental health services.  The Shelter Plus Care program provides rental assistance payments in conjunction with a program of supportive services to disabled persons.  The Section 8 Single Room Occupancy Program provides rental assistance payments and funding for the acquisition and rehabilitation of single room occupancy projects.

HOW DO I APPLY FOR FUNDING
The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) issues a Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) annually for the Continuum of Care programs.  In response to the NOFA, the City will request proposals from nonprofit agencies serving the homeless for inclusion in the City's Continuum of Care application.  All qualified proposals will be prioritized and submitted to HUD for consideration.  Final funding decisions are made by HUD.

WHAT ARE THE PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
Each Continuum of Care program has a distinct set of program requirements.  Supportive Housing Program rules may be found at 24 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 583.  Shelter Plus Care program rules may be found at 24 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 582.  Section 8 Single Room Occupancy program rules can be found at 24 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 882.  Continuum of Care grantees must also comply with the requirements of OMB circulars A-110, A-122, and A-133.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT
Keith Ishida, 768-7750 or kishida@honolulu.gov


EMERGENCY SHELTER GRANT PROGRAM

The Emergency Shelter Grant Program (ESG) is authorized by the McKinney Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 USC 11371 - 11378).  The City and County of Honolulu receives funding annually as appropriations are made by the Congress, and the City Council in turn appropriates the annual entitlement in the Capital Improvement Program budget ordinance each year.  The City and County receives approximately $900,000 annually.

WHO CAN APPLY FOR FUNDS?
A nonprofit agency with experience serving the homeless must have certification of nonprofit status under the Federal tax code.

WHAT ARE ELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES FOR USE OF THE FUNDS?
The following activities are eligible uses of the funds; however, the Request for Proposals (RFP) may specify certain activities as having higher priority than others:
• Rehabilitation or conversion of buildings for use as emergency shelter for the homeless;
• Essential Services which includes activities which assist the homeless achieve more independent living, such as permanent housing counseling, medical and psychological counseling and supervision; employment counseling; nutritional counseling; and substance abuse treatment and counseling.
• Operations such as shelter maintenance, operation, rent, repairs, security, fuel, equipment, insurance, utilities, food and furnishings and limited shelter staffing costs related to operations.
• Homelessness Prevention.

All activities but the first have maximum amounts imposed by the Program.

HOW DO I APPLY FOR FUNDS?
At present the City and County of Honolulu's policy is to make these funds available through a Request for Proposals (RFP) process.  Each year or every two years, the Department of Community Services issues the RFP which gives nonprofit service providers 30 days to submit a proposal for funding.  In addition to publishing the notice of availability of the RFP in the local newspaper, DCS sends the notice to agencies on its special needs provider mailing list.  The City completes its budget process and funds may be used after a contract is executed and a Notice to Proceed is issued.

WHAT ARE THE PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS?
The ESG rules are found at 24 Code of Federal Regulations Part 576.  In addition, the City's contract with an agency requires compliance with numerous federal requirements including OMB Circulars A-110, A-133, A-122 covering financial management; and federal nondiscrimination and lobbying restrictions.  Quarterly reports on program activity are required and documentation of client eligibility under the federal definition of homeless is critical.

DEADLINE TO EXPEND FUNDS:
Generally grantees are expected to fully expend all funds within one year from Notice to Proceed.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT
Gail Kaito at 768-7748

HOPWA PROGRAM

The Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) is authorized under the AIDS Housing Opportunities Act.  The HOPWA program benefits low income persons with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome or related diseases and their families.  The City receives approximately $450,000 annually in HOPWA funds to assist program beneficiaries. 

WHO CAN APPLY FOR FUNDS
Nonprofit agencies organized under Section 501(C)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code may apply for assistance through the HOPWA program. 

WHAT ARE ELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES FOR USE OF THE FUNDS?
In general HOPWA fund must benefit  persons with HIV/AIDS and their families.  Eligible HOPWA activities include:

A. Housing information services, including but not limited to, counseling, information, and referral services to assist an eligible person to locate, acquire, finance, and maintain housing. 

B. Resource identification to establish, coordinate, and develop housing assistance resources for eligible persons. 

C. Acquisition, rehabilitation, conversion, lease, and repair of facilities to provide housing and services.

D. New construction of single room occupancy dwellings and community residences.

E. Project- or tenant-based rental assistance. 

F. Short term rent, mortgage, and utility payments to prevent the homelessness of a tenant or mortgagor of a dwelling.

G. Supportive services, including, but not limited to, health, mental health, assessment, permanent housing placement, substance abuse treatment and counseling, nutritional services, day care, personal assistance, and assistance in gaining local, state and federal government benefits. 

H. Operating costs for housing including maintenance, security, operations, insurance, utilities, furnishings, equipment, supplies, and other incidental costs.

I. Technical assistance in establishing and operating a community residence, including planning and other pre-development and pre-construction expenses, including, but not limited to, costs related to community outreach and educational services regarding AIDS or related diseases for persons residing in proximity to the community residence.

J. Program administration expenses

HOW DO I APPLY FOR PROGRAM FUNDS
HOPWA funds are provided to nonprofit agencies serving persons with HIV/AIDS and their families through a Request for Proposals process.  The City will issue a Request for Proposals notice in a local newspaper, and will directly mail notices to nonprofit agencies.  Proposals are typically due 30 days from the date of the Request for Proposals notice.  The City will review and evaluate all proposals and allocate HOPWA funds in accordance with the evaluation criteria stated in the Request for Proposals.

WHAT ARE THE PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
HOPWA program rules and regulations are found in 24 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 574.  HOPWA grantees must also comply with the requirements of OMB circulars A-110, A-122, and A-133.

DEADLINE TO EXPEND FUNDS
In general, HOPWA funds should be disbursed within 12 to 18 months from the execution of a HOPWA contract.  Extension of time may be requested.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT
Keith Ishida at 768-7750 or kishida@honolulu.gov

HIV/AIDS HOUSING AND SERVICE PROVIDERS
Gregory House Programs (http://www.gregoryhouse.org) – housing assistance
Life Foundation (http://www.lifefoundation.org) – case management, general services

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON SPECIFIC SERVICES PROVIDED BY PROVIDERS OF SHELTER AND SERVICES, SEE PARTNERS IN CARE WEBSITE AT http://hawaiihomeless.bizland.com/partnersincare/

FOR INFORMATION ON PROGRAMS UNDER THE STATE OF HAWAII HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION OF HAWAII, SEE http://www.hcdch.state.hi.us/homeless.html.

FOR INFORMATION ON PROGRAMS UNDER THE U. S. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, SEE http://www.hud.gov

FOR INFORMATION ON SERVICES TO VETERANS, SEE http://www.usvetsinc.org/locations/

FOR INFORMATION ON FINDING HOUSING, SEE LEGAL AID SOCIETY OF HAWAII AT http://www.lawhelp.org

OTHER HOUSING RELATED FUNCTIONS
CITY AFFORDABLE RENTAL UNITS
Call the Department of Facility Maintenance, Property Management Division at 527-6039 to get a list of City owned affordable housing projects and contacts.

DEED RESTRICTION PROGRAM
(Buyback and Shared Appreciation)
Department of Budget & Fiscal Services, Fiscal Services Division, Beryle Matsumura at 768-8652.