785 Cluster Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH)

The 785 Cluster Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) grant opportunity is administered by the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), specifically through the Division of Behavioral Health & Recovery (DBHR). The grant is part of the broader effort by the State of Illinois to support vulnerable populations, particularly individuals enrolled in Williams and Colbert Consent Decrees and participants in the Front Door Diversion program. These individuals often present complex medical and behavioral health needs that require integrated and sustained care beyond what is currently provided through Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) services. The PSH cluster model proposed under this funding opportunity is designed to provide 24/7 on-site supportive services in a scattered-site or single-site apartment environment, helping participants maintain housing stability and work toward recovery and independence. This grant aims to fund permanent supportive housing services clustered in geographic regions that serve specific populations transitioning from institutional care or at risk of institutionalization. The model supports participants in accessing services such as medication management, vocational training, mental health care, and housing retention support. It is structured to deliver wraparound services including crisis intervention, skills development, and daily living support, tailored to meet the high-intensity needs of this population. The overarching purpose is to ensure that individuals can successfully live in the community while reducing their reliance on more restrictive settings, like nursing facilities or psychiatric hospitals. A total of approximately $2,525,554 in state funds will be distributed through seven anticipated awards, with individual award amounts ranging from $133,000 to $586,000. This range is influenced by factors such as service region and proposed scale. The grant allows for indirect costs, and there are no cost-sharing or matching requirements. The performance period begins on July 1, 2026, and continues through June 30, 2027, subject to appropriations. There is precedent for this funding model, and existing awardees may apply for renewal if they meet performance and eligibility criteria. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations and prequalified through the Illinois GATA Grantee Portal. They must also comply with federal and state regulations, including SAM.gov registration, Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) setup, and additional state-specific certifications. Required components for the application include a detailed program narrative, budget documents submitted via the CSA Tracking System, and attachments such as subcontractor budgets if applicable. The grant does not require a letter of intent, and applications will be accepted from February 2, 2026, through March 3, 2026, at 12:00 PM Central Time. Applications must be submitted electronically to DHS.DBHR.GrantApp@illinois.gov with all supporting materials in PDF format. The evaluation process includes a review of responsiveness, eligibility, and merit based on criteria such as needs assessment, quality of proposed services, and organizational capacity. Award notifications are expected after the internal control questionnaire (ICQ) process concludes in early March 2026. Performance measures include staffing levels, housing outcomes, and service engagement rates. The Department also reserves the right to negotiate budgets and adjust award amounts during the finalization phase. This opportunity is not recurring annually by default, and no technical assistance sessions will be offered. However, the grant cycle may continue in future years depending on appropriations and program effectiveness. All awarded grantees must comply with post-award reporting requirements, including quarterly performance and fiscal reports, submitted through designated DHS portals. The grant is a critical component of Illinois' behavioral health system reform, helping to ensure that high-need individuals receive appropriate, community-integrated housing and support services.

Ensure all submissions are uploaded to the CSA system before the deadline; subcontractor budgets must be uploaded separately; program narrative must address all review criteria clearly and succinctly.