Continuum of Care Program

The Continuum of Care Program Competition administered through the Lynn Continuum of Care represents a federally supported funding opportunity designed to address homelessness at the local level. The program is funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and implemented locally by the Lynn Continuum of Care, a coalition of nonprofit organizations and public entities working collaboratively to end homelessness in the City of Lynn, Massachusetts. Established as part of a broader federal initiative, the program aligns with national strategies such as the Opening Doors plan and the HEARTH Act, emphasizing coordinated systems, housing stability, and long-term self-sufficiency for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to promote a community-wide commitment to ending homelessness while supporting projects that rapidly rehouse individuals and families, increase access to mainstream resources, and strengthen overall system performance. Funding is made available for both renewal projects and new initiatives, allowing organizations to either continue existing services or introduce innovative approaches that address unmet needs within the community. The program prioritizes housing-focused interventions, including permanent housing placements, service coordination, and support systems that enable participants to maintain stable housing over time. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, faith-based organizations, units of state and local government, public housing agencies, and other entities permitted under HUD Continuum of Care regulations. Individuals, for-profit organizations, and unincorporated entities are explicitly excluded. Applicants must demonstrate organizational capacity, experience with federal funding where applicable, and alignment with community priorities. Both new and renewal applicants are required to participate in a structured local competition process that includes submission of required materials and compliance with federal application systems such as e-snaps. The application process includes an initial Letter of Intent, which serves as a gating requirement for both new and renewal applicants. This letter must outline key details such as the applicant organization, proposed project type, target population, estimated funding request, and a brief project description. Following this step, eligible applicants must submit full application materials by the established deadline and complete federal submission requirements. The local competition process includes threshold review for eligibility and compliance, followed by a detailed scoring process based on project performance, system impact, design quality, and organizational capacity. Evaluation criteria are comprehensive and performance-driven, focusing on measurable outcomes such as successful exits to permanent housing, reductions in returns to homelessness, utilization rates, and improvements in income and employment. Additional factors include the project’s integration with community systems, its contribution to addressing service gaps, and the organization’s participation in Continuum of Care activities. Applications are reviewed by an independent committee, which assigns scores used to determine funding recommendations and rankings. Final decisions may also consider broader strategic factors such as funding availability and community needs. The timeline for this opportunity begins with the announcement of the local competition, followed by a Letter of Intent deadline and a subsequent full application submission deadline. Applicants are notified of rankings and funding recommendations after the review process and may appeal decisions through an established appeals procedure. While the local competition operates on a defined schedule, final funding decisions are contingent upon federal guidance and the release of HUD application systems. Technical assistance is provided throughout the process to support applicants in meeting requirements and improving submission quality. Contact for this opportunity is provided through the Lynn Housing Authority and Neighborhood Development, with inquiries directed to the Housing Stability Programs Coordinator via email. Applicants are responsible for reviewing all federal and local guidance documents, including the Notice of Funding Opportunity, and monitoring updates posted on the Continuum of Care website. The program operates on an annual cycle tied to federal funding releases, and timelines may be adjusted to align with HUD requirements.

Emphasize measurable housing outcomes, strong coordination with community partners, and alignment with identified service gaps; demonstrate organizational capacity and prior performance