Street Outreach Program (SOP)

The Street Outreach Program is a federal funding opportunity administered by the Administration for Children and Families within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, specifically through the Family and Youth Services Bureau and its Division of Runaway and Homeless Youth. This program is designed to address the urgent needs of youth under the age of 22 who are experiencing homelessness or are at risk of exploitation, abuse, or human trafficking. The program operates within a broader federal framework aimed at promoting safety, stability, and long-term well-being for vulnerable youth populations, aligning with national priorities related to child welfare, human services, and community-based intervention strategies. The primary objective of the program is to provide street-based outreach and engagement services that connect vulnerable youth with immediate safety resources and longer-term support systems. Funded projects must actively engage youth in environments where they congregate, including streets and other public spaces, and work to build trust through consistent outreach. The program emphasizes helping youth transition off the streets into safe and stable housing or emergency shelter, while also offering referrals to supportive services such as healthcare, counseling, education, and employment assistance. A central goal is to support pathways toward independence or family reunification where appropriate. Funding under this opportunity supports a wide range of allowable activities directly tied to outreach and service delivery. These include conducting face-to-face outreach, distributing basic necessities such as food and hygiene supplies, providing transportation to shelters, and facilitating access to 24 hour emergency housing options. Programs may also establish optional drop in centers offering services such as meals, showers, communication tools, and case management. However, funds cannot be used for construction, major renovations beyond limited thresholds, real property acquisition, or certain restricted activities such as fundraising or prohibited services. Projects must also incorporate trauma informed care and positive youth development frameworks to ensure services are responsive to the complex needs of participants. Eligibility for the program is limited to public and nonprofit private organizations, including faith based and community organizations that meet statutory requirements. Individuals, federal agencies, and foreign entities are not eligible, and organizations connected to the juvenile justice system are explicitly excluded. Applicants must also ensure that their proposed services do not duplicate existing federally funded programs in the same geographic area. A mandatory cost sharing requirement applies, requiring recipients to contribute at least ten percent of total project costs through cash or in kind contributions, reinforcing local investment in program success. Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov, and applicants are required to maintain active registrations in both SAM.gov and Grants.gov prior to submission. The application process includes submission of narrative components such as a project description, budget justification, and supporting documentation including organizational capacity materials and partnership agreements. Proposals are evaluated through a merit review process that assesses need, program design, organizational capacity, budget justification, sustainability planning, and alignment with federal priorities. Applicants must also demonstrate a clear plan for performance measurement and data reporting through designated federal systems. The timeline for this opportunity includes a firm application deadline of August 17, 2026, with an expected project start date of September 30, 2026. The program anticipates making approximately twenty awards, each supporting a three year project period divided into annual budget cycles. While the funding opportunity does not explicitly state a recurring cycle, it is part of an ongoing federal program historically released periodically. Successful applicants will receive a Notice of Award outlining funding terms and conditions, reporting requirements, and compliance obligations. Program contacts are provided for both programmatic and grants management inquiries, ensuring applicants have access to support throughout the application process. Overall, the Street Outreach Program represents a targeted federal investment in addressing youth homelessness and exploitation through proactive, community based engagement strategies. By emphasizing outreach, prevention, and coordinated service delivery, the program seeks to reduce risks faced by vulnerable youth and promote long term stability and well being.

Align program design with ACF priorities and clearly demonstrate outreach strategy measurable outcomes and organizational capacity