Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness (PATH) Program

The NC PATH Program is administered by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services through its Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Use Services. The program is authorized under the federal Stewart B McKinney Homeless Assistance Amendments Act of 1990 and operates as part of a national initiative funded through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. The program is designed to address the needs of individuals experiencing homelessness who also have serious mental illness, with a focus on those who are unsheltered and historically underserved by traditional systems. The primary purpose of the NC PATH Program is to identify, engage, and support adults with serious mental illness or co occurring disorders who are homeless or at imminent risk of homelessness. The program emphasizes outreach and engagement strategies to reach individuals living outdoors or in unstable conditions. Services are structured to help participants transition into stable housing and connect to ongoing community based mental health care. The program prioritizes individuals who are chronically homeless and may also prioritize veterans or those recently released from incarceration. Funding provided through this opportunity supports a defined set of service activities, including street outreach, case management, screening and assessment, housing assistance, and connection to benefits and treatment services. Funds may be used for staff salaries, training, outreach activities, and limited consumer assistance such as transportation or housing deposits. However, there are strict restrictions on allowable expenses, including prohibitions on ongoing rent payments, food, clothing, or inpatient treatment costs. Awardees are required to meet a local match requirement using non federal funds, which may include in kind contributions or cash. Eligible applicants include private nonprofit community agencies and political subdivisions of the state located in specific North Carolina cities including Asheville, Charlotte, Durham, Fayetteville, Raleigh, Greensboro, and Wilmington. Organizations outside these areas may apply if they demonstrate the ability to operate within eligible cities and maintain partnerships with local service providers. Applicants must have demonstrated experience in outreach and service delivery to individuals with serious mental illness who are experiencing homelessness. The application process requires submission of a complete proposal package including a cover letter, application forms, budget, and supporting documentation such as proof of nonprofit status or tax identification. Applications must be submitted electronically to the designated email address by the stated deadline. The review process evaluates organizational capacity, experience, proposed approach, budget, and potential impact. Awards are determined through a competitive review by a multidisciplinary panel. The application timeline for this cycle includes an issue date in early January, a question period in mid January, and a submission deadline in early February. Award notifications are anticipated later in February, with the performance period beginning July 1 and running through June 30 of the following year. Continued funding beyond the first year is contingent on federal appropriations and program performance. The program is part of an ongoing annual funding cycle, requiring providers to submit updated plans and budgets each year. Program oversight includes extensive reporting and compliance requirements. Awardees must document services, track outcomes, and report data through designated systems. Performance measures include outreach effectiveness, enrollment rates, and successful transitions to housing and mental health services. The program emphasizes accountability, data driven outcomes, and coordination with broader community systems to ensure participants receive comprehensive support.

Ensure strong demonstration of outreach experience partnerships with community providers and clear alignment with PATH goals including measurable outcomes and detailed budget justification