Continuum of Care Builds (CoC Builds)

The Continuum of Care Builds (CoC Builds) program is administered by the Department of Housing and Urban Development and is part of the broader Continuum of Care Program, which is designed to promote community-wide commitment to ending homelessness. The agency operates through its Office of Special Needs Assistance Programs and works with local governments, nonprofit organizations, and housing authorities to develop long-term housing solutions. This forecasted funding opportunity represents a targeted initiative focused on expanding the supply of permanent supportive housing for vulnerable populations. The primary purpose of CoC Builds is to provide funding for the construction, acquisition, or rehabilitation of new housing units designated as permanent supportive housing. These units are intended for individuals and families experiencing homelessness where at least one member has a disability. The program emphasizes the creation of new housing inventory, and most of the requested funding must be directed toward capital costs such as construction or property acquisition. Limited portions of funding may be allocated toward supportive services and administrative costs, subject to restrictions and percentage caps defined in the official notice. Eligible applicants include a broad range of public and nonprofit entities, such as state and local governments, tribal governments and organizations, public housing authorities, and nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status. Institutions of higher education that are publicly controlled are also eligible. Individuals, foreign entities, and sole proprietorships are explicitly excluded from eligibility. This inclusive eligibility structure reflects the program’s intent to leverage partnerships across public and nonprofit sectors to address homelessness at scale. The application process is expected to be conducted electronically through federal grant submission systems, with applicants required to submit complete proposals by the specified deadline. While detailed application components are not outlined in the forecast, typical submissions under similar programs include project narratives, budgets, documentation of site control, and evidence of coordination with local Continuum of Care systems. Applicants must adhere to submission deadlines strictly, with electronic submissions due by 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time on the closing date. The evaluation of applications is anticipated to focus on the extent to which proposed projects expand the supply of permanent supportive housing, demonstrate readiness to proceed, and align with local homelessness strategies. HUD typically prioritizes projects that show strong coordination with community partners, evidence-based service delivery models, and the capacity to complete construction within a reasonable timeframe. Funding decisions are also influenced by geographic distribution and demonstrated need. The timeline for this opportunity indicates that the funding notice is currently in a forecast stage, with an estimated posting date in mid-June and an application deadline in mid-August. Awards are expected to be announced in November, with project start dates aligned with the award date. This relatively short turnaround between application and award underscores the importance of applicant readiness and pre-existing project planning. Overall, the CoC Builds program represents a significant federal investment in addressing homelessness through infrastructure development. By prioritizing the creation of permanent supportive housing units, the program aims to provide stable, long-term housing solutions paired with supportive services that address the complex needs of individuals experiencing homelessness and disabilities.