Care First Community Investment Care Grant Strategy 4 (Housing Stability)

The Care First Community Investment Care Grants administered by the Los Angeles County Justice, Care and Opportunities Department represent a large scale local funding initiative designed to support community based alternatives to incarceration. This funding opportunity is part of a broader policy framework originally rooted in Measure J, which aimed to allocate a portion of county generated revenue toward addressing systemic inequities and investing directly in communities. The program is now overseen by JCOD and implemented through third party administrators, including Heluna Health, which is responsible for administering Strategy 4 Housing Stability grants. Strategy 4 Housing Stability focuses on expanding access to safe and stable housing for populations impacted by the justice system and housing insecurity. The program includes three core areas: housing navigation, interim housing, and permanent housing. Housing navigation programs may include services targeted to specific populations such as veterans and Native communities, while interim housing programs support temporary housing solutions for individuals including survivors of domestic violence. Permanent housing initiatives are designed to provide long term housing stability, including programs tailored to specific populations such as LGBTQIA plus individuals. All funded programs must align with the broader goal of reducing incarceration and improving community wellbeing. Funding is distributed through a competitive solicitation process. Awards typically range from fifty thousand dollars to over one million two hundred thousand dollars annually, with some programs eligible for higher amounts depending on scope and available funding. The overall funding pool for the Year Five Care Grants exceeds seventy three million dollars across multiple strategies and program areas. Awards are structured over a three year contract period, and all funds must be expended within thirty six months of contract execution, with a final expenditure deadline in late October two thousand twenty nine. Funds may not be used for law enforcement purposes and must be directed toward community based services. Eligibility is limited to community based organizations that provide direct services in Los Angeles County. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, business entities, faith based organizations, and fiscally sponsored groups. Applicants must demonstrate at least two years of relevant service experience and must be in good standing with the California Secretary of State. Organizations must also operate within Los Angeles County and serve local populations. While organizations of all sizes may apply, priority is given to those with annual operating budgets under one point five million dollars, as well as those that have not previously received county funding. The application process requires submission through an online grants portal, with no paper or email submissions accepted. Applicants must complete a detailed application including organizational background, proposed services, measurable outcomes, and a comprehensive budget using a required template. Required attachments include financial documentation, proof of organizational status, insurance documentation, and business registration. Applications are reviewed through a structured process involving administrative screening, scoring by independent reviewers, and final award recommendations based on alignment with program priorities and community need. Key dates for the funding cycle include an application opening on July twenty fourth two thousand twenty six and a submission deadline of August twenty fourth two thousand twenty six. Optional webinars are offered throughout the application period, and written questions are accepted until August eleventh two thousand twenty six. Applications are reviewed between late August and the end of September, with award announcements anticipated in early October two thousand twenty six. Contracts are expected to begin shortly thereafter, with payments issued within forty five days of invoice approval and ongoing reporting required on a monthly and quarterly basis. Evaluation criteria emphasize organizational experience, cultural competency, alignment with program goals, and the feasibility of proposed services and budgets. Priority is also given to organizations serving high need and low service areas as determined by equity indices. Funded organizations are required to track performance metrics and demonstrate measurable outcomes that contribute to improved housing stability and reduced justice system involvement. Overall, the program represents a significant investment in community driven solutions to systemic challenges in Los Angeles County.

Align proposal with housing stability outcomes and justice impacted populations; demonstrate measurable outcomes and cultural competency; prioritize high need underserved communities