FY 2026 Continuum of Care Competition and Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program Grants NOFO

The Continuum of Care Competition and Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program Grants are administered by the Department of Housing and Urban Development through its Office of Community Planning and Development. This federal funding initiative supports a nationwide strategy to address homelessness through coordinated local systems known as Continuums of Care. These systems are designed to bring together nonprofit organizations, state and local governments, tribal entities, and public housing agencies to collectively respond to homelessness in their communities. The program reflects a long-standing federal commitment to reducing homelessness through housing stability, service coordination, and community-based planning. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to promote a community-wide commitment to ending homelessness while supporting rapid rehousing and service delivery for vulnerable populations. The program emphasizes minimizing the trauma associated with homelessness and improving access to mainstream services such as healthcare, employment, and social support systems. In parallel, the Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program focuses specifically on individuals aged 24 and younger who are experiencing homelessness, including unaccompanied youth and those who are pregnant or parenting. This component aims to test and expand innovative, coordinated approaches to ending youth homelessness and disseminate best practices nationally. Funding under this opportunity can be used to support a wide range of eligible activities, including housing interventions, supportive services, system coordination, and capacity-building efforts within Continuums of Care. Applicants are expected to demonstrate how funds will contribute to improved housing outcomes, increased self-sufficiency, and effective use of community resources. While the announcement confirms a cost-sharing or matching requirement, specific matching ratios or formulas are not detailed in the forecast and are expected to be clarified in the full notice of funding opportunity upon release. Eligibility for this program is broad and inclusive of governmental and nonprofit entities. Eligible applicants include county and city governments, state governments, federally recognized tribal governments, tribal organizations, nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status, public housing authorities, special district governments, and public or state-controlled institutions of higher education. Individuals, foreign entities, and sole proprietorships are explicitly excluded. The eligibility framework is designed to support collaborative, community-based responses to homelessness across diverse jurisdictions and populations. Applications for this funding opportunity must be submitted electronically through the e-snaps system, which is the designated platform for Continuum of Care program submissions. The application process is expected to require detailed project proposals, including descriptions of proposed activities, budgets, and alignment with program goals. While specific evaluation criteria are not outlined in the forecast, typical assessments include project design, community impact, system performance, and alignment with federal priorities related to homelessness reduction. The timeline for this funding opportunity indicates an estimated posting date in late May, followed by an application deadline in late August. Awards are anticipated to be announced in early December, with project implementation beginning at the start of the following calendar year. This program is issued on a recurring annual basis, consistent with prior Continuum of Care competitions. Interested applicants are encouraged to monitor official announcements for updated guidance, including detailed application requirements, evaluation criteria, and technical assistance opportunities. For inquiries, applicants may contact the HUD Office of Community Planning and Development via phone or the designated program email address.