CFTH: Competitive Award for Services/Operations Addressing Houston’s Homeless Response System REI

Overview

_NOTE: After the initial deadline, there will be rolling submissions every third Friday in June, September, and December (or as updated via Letter of Clarification)._

Competitive Award for Services/Operations Addressing Houston’s Homeless Response System REI

The City of Houston, Harris County, and the Coalition for the Homeless (CFTH), lead agency to The Way Home (Continuum of Care), invite organizations to submit proposals under this Rolling Request for Expressions of Interest (REI). This initiative aims to address homelessness and housing instability through scalable, low-barrier, and innovative solutions. Eligible activities include permanent supportive housing, rapid rehousing, prevention and diversion, outreach, case management, shelter expansion, and essential supportive services.

Funding

Funding allocations are subject to change based on availability, funder priorities, and evolving community needs. The City of Houston, Harris County, and the Coalition for the Homeless reserve the right to adjust funding levels, reallocate funds, or modify priorities to align with local goals, emerging needs, and HUD guidelines.

Eligibility

_We've imported the main document for this grant to give you an overview. You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's [website]().
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Application Details

ROLLING REQUEST FOR
EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST (REI)
Competitive Award for
Services/Operations Addressing
Houston’s Homeless Response
System
CITY OF HOUSTON, HARRIS COUNTY
AND THE COALITION FOR THE
HOMELESS
Revised. 1.30.25

PART I: OVERVIEW
The City of Houston, in partnership with Harris County and the Coalition for the Homeless, lead
agency to The Way Home Homeless Response System (also known as the Continuum of Care, or
CoC), invites organizations to submit proposals under this Rolling Request for Expressions of
Interest (REI).
This REI is a proactive and adaptive initiative to address homelessness and housing instability
across the region. By accepting proposals on a rolling basis, it allows the Homeless Response
System to respond flexibly to emerging needs, ensuring timely support for the community’s most
vulnerable populations while maintaining alignment with HUD requirements and local priorities
Applicants are encouraged to propose innovative, effective, and scalable solutions that address
critical needs within the Homeless Response System. These needs include permanent supportive
housing, other permanent housing, prevention and diversion, navigation services, outreach, and
comprehensive supportive services for individuals and families experiencing or at risk of
homelessness. Proposals should prioritize low barrier approaches, accessibility to services, and
measurable outcomes to contribute to the overarching goal of reducing homelessness and
promoting housing stability.
All activities must adhere to HUD standards and comply with local and federal funding
requirements. Proposals will be evaluated using clear scoring criteria (outlined in Appendix A) to
ensure fairness, accountability, and alignment with system-wide goals.
If programmatic or funding requirements change, Letters of Clarification will be issued to
provide timely updates, ensuring transparency and consistency throughout the process.
PART II: SCOPE OF ACTIVITIES
This REI seeks to fund a range of programs and services that align with HUD guidelines and the
goals of The Way Home. Proposals may focus on one or more of the following activities:
1. PERMANENT SUPPORTIVE HOUSING (PSH):
• Purpose: Provide long-term, lease-based housing combined with intensive case
management for individuals and families experiencing chronic homelessness.
• Scope: Proposals must include a clear plan to provide long-term housing stability for
individuals and families experiencing chronic homelessness by offering tenancy support,
independent living skills development, and connections to medical and behavioral health
services. Services should align with the Housing First approach, be trauma-informed, and
include eviction prevention strategies to ensure ongoing stability and compliance with
HUD guidelines.
2. OTHER PERMANENT HOUSING (OPH):
• Purpose: Offer deeply affordable housing and support services for individuals who face
significant housing barriers but may not meet the HUD definition of chronic homelessness.
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• Scope: OPH programs should include voluntary services to support housing stability, such
as tenancy education and resource navigation.
3. RAPID REHOUSING (RRH):
• Purpose: Quickly move people experiencing homelessness into housing and provide
short-term rental assistance and support.
• Scope: Programs must prioritize fast placement into housing (target: within 30 days).
Support should include rent assistance, case management, and help securing income to
promote stability after assistance ends.
4. CASE MANAGEMENT SERVICES:
• Purpose: Provide personalized and holistic support to help individuals and families
navigate housing processes, address barriers, and achieve long-term stability through
tailored interventions and connections to critical resources.
• Scope: Proposals must detail how case management services will address a range of
needs to promote housing stability and overall well-being. Responsibilities include:
• Housing Stability:
o Assist clients with housing applications, landlord engagement, and lease
negotiations.
o Educate clients on tenant rights, responsibilities, and eviction prevention
strategies.
o Support transitions to permanent housing, ensuring coordination with the
Coordinated Entry (CE) system.
• Financial Planning and Income Generation:
o Develop individualized budgets and financial plans to ensure long-term
housing affordability.
o Connect clients to employment services, job readiness programs, and benefits
enrollment (e.g., SNAP, SSI/SSDI).
o Facilitate referrals to income supports and workforce development programs
that align with HUD goals, including second-chance employment initiatives.
• Health and Wellness Support:
o Facilitate access to physical and behavioral healthcare, including mental
health services, substance use treatment, and street medicine options where
available.
o Coordinate with healthcare providers to address immediate and ongoing
needs.
• Crisis Intervention and Resource Linkage:
o Provide problem-solving assistance to address urgent needs such as
emergency financial aid, legal support, and utility assistance.
o Link clients to community resources for childcare, transportation, and other
support services.
• Ongoing Case Management and Follow-Up:
o Conduct regular follow-ups to monitor progress, provide ongoing support, and
adjust service plans as necessary.
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o Track and report outcomes to ensure compliance with data collection and
reporting requirements.
• Alignment with CoC System Standards:
o Adhere to The Way Home’s CoC System Standards, including Housing First
principles, trauma-informed care, and low barrier approaches.
o Ensure consistent participation in systemwide initiatives, such as Coordinated
Entry, HMIS, and performance improvement efforts.
5. MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES:
• Purpose: Address mental health needs through trauma-informed care and clinical or peer-
supported interventions.
• Scope: Services may include therapy, crisis intervention, mobile mental health support,
and connections to psychiatric care, ensuring accessibility and responsiveness to the needs
of individuals in both housing and community settings.
6. PREVENTION AND DIVERSION SERVICES:
• Purpose: Prevent homelessness by offering problem-solving interventions, financial
assistance, and mediation to individuals and families at imminent risk of losing their
housing.
• Scope: Programs should prioritize stabilizing households to avoid shelter entry or
engagement with the homeless response system. Strategies may include connecting
clients with community resources, landlord mediation to prevent evictions, housing
search and placement services, and providing flexible financial assistance for rent,
utilities, or deposits. Programs must be client-centered, emphasizing creative solutions to
resolve crises quickly and effectively while ensuring accessibility for underserved
populations.
7. OUTREACH AND NAVIGATION SERVICES:
• Purpose: Connect individuals and families experiencing unsheltered homelessness with
housing and critical services, providing support throughout the housing process from initial
contact to move-in.
• Scope: Outreach and/or Navigation teams should engage unsheltered individuals,
offering on-the-ground support to connect them with immediate services and housing
options. Navigation services must provide personalized assistance, including:
o Helping clients obtain vital documents, such as IDs, birth certificates, or Social
Security cards.
o Securing application fees and deposits, as well as arranging transportation for
housing-related appointments.
o Addressing barriers to housing placement, such as financial challenges or lack of
necessary documentation.
o Offering mobile or community-based navigation to make services more
accessible.
o Performing Coordinated Entry assessments and activities.
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Proposals may also include street medicine services as an optional enhancement, such as mobile
health clinics or on-site care, to address physical or mental health needs directly in the field
during outreach efforts. Program should prioritize quick placements into housing, with a goal of
30 days or less, and align with the Coordinated Entry system to ensure streamlined access to
resources. Proposals can also include a focus on engaging/providing services to people who may
decline housing options due to their mental health symptoms and/or substance use disorder. A
client-centered, trauma-informed approach is strongly encouraged. Applicants are encouraged to
include details about plans to perform outreach activities on a semi-regular basis before 8am
and/or after 5pm.
8. EXPANDED EMERGENCY SHELTER BEDS:
• Purpose: Increase shelter capacity with low-barrier beds, including specialized options for
mental health and substance use needs.
• Scope: Shelters must adhere to 24/7 admission policies, coordinate placements through the
Homeless Management Information System (HMIS), and provide pathways to permanent
housing.
9. ESSENTIAL CLIENT SUPPORT SERVICES:
• Purpose: Enhance housing outcomes by addressing barriers such as lack of
documentation, transportation, or access to advocacy.
• Scope: Programs may include mobile advocacy teams, support for domestic violence
survivors, and assistance with obtaining vital documents.
10.INCOME AND EMPLOYMENT SUPPORTS:
• Purpose: Help individuals increase their income and achieve employment goals to stay
housed.
• Scope: Programs should offer job readiness training, connections to employers, resume
support, financial counseling, and services tailored to people with barriers like criminal
records or limited work experience.
11. HUBS OR CLIENT RESOURCE CENTERS
• Purpose: Serve as centralized access points for individuals and families seeking housing,
resources, and support services within the homeless response system. HUBS are designed
to streamline access to assistance by integrating Coordinated Entry (CE) leads, resource
navigation, and direct client support, ensuring that clients receive timely and effective
interventions.
• Scope: HUBS will act as multi-functional resource centers where trained staff and partner
agencies provide:
o Coordinated Entry (CE) Services: Conduct CE assessments, prioritize clients for
housing and resources based on vulnerability and need, and ensure alignment with
The Way Home’s system goals and HUD guidelines.
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o Resource Navigation: Offer guidance and connections to a wide range of services,
including housing programs, financial assistance, employment supports, and health
or behavioral healthcare.
o Walk-Up Assistance: Support clients who approach agencies directly by
conducting needs assessments, resolving immediate crises, and connecting them to
the appropriate programs or services.
o Shelter Integration: For HUBS connected to shelters, provide on-site support to
shelter guests, assist with exit planning, and ensure pathways to permanent housing
or other necessary services.
o Community Collaboration: Coordinate with local partners, including shelters,
service providers, and government agencies, to ensure clients receive
comprehensive and seamless support.
12. WEATHER PREPAREDNESS/DISASTER RESPONSE TEAM
Purpose:
Establish a multi-partner team dedicated to coordinating and responding to systemwide needs
during disasters, ensuring seamless collaboration to support individuals and families affected by
emergencies. This team will act on behalf of the Homeless Response System to mitigate the impact
of disasters on vulnerable populations.
Scope:
The Weather Preparedness/Disaster Response Team will consist of 15–20 members from 2–3
partner agencies, providing a coordinated response to disaster-related needs. Team responsibilities
include:
1. Warming Center and Emergency Shelter Support:
o Collaborate with warming centers and emergency shelters to ensure they meet
operational needs during disasters.
o Provide on-the-ground or virtual support for intake, coordination, and other
operational needs.
2. Client Assessment and Coordination:
o Deploy assessors to assist with intake line operations and conduct in-person client
assessments to ensure alignment with system priorities.
o Facilitate rapid referrals to resources based on client needs.
3. Monthly Meetings and Training:
o Hold regular monthly meetings to discuss preparedness plans, roles, and
responsibilities.
4. Disaster Planning and System Coordination:
o Work with The Way Home (TWH) partners to establish disaster preparedness
protocols, focusing on rapid response and system stabilization during emergencies.
o Develop strategies to support clients transitioning from temporary disaster
accommodations to permanent housing solutions.
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Key Features:
• The team will prioritize low-barrier, trauma-informed approaches to service delivery.
• Activities will align with Coordinated Entry (CE) processes, emphasizing seamless
integration into the broader Homeless Response System.
• Agencies involved must ensure flexibility and readiness to respond to disasters, including
preparedness for emergencies occurring outside of standard operating hours.
PART III: HUD COMPLIANCE AND MONITORING
All activities funded under this REI must comply with HUD guidelines, including:
1. Housing First Principles:
o Projects must eliminate preconditions for housing entry, such as sobriety or
participation in specific programs.
o Leases must align with fair housing standards and cannot include restrictive
requirements beyond standard market conditions.
2. Use of Coordinated Entry (CE):
o All programs must accept referrals exclusively through the Coordinated Entry
system to prioritize those most in need.
3. HMIS or Comparable Database Participation:
o Data must be entered into the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS)
or a Victim Service Provider (VSP) comparable database within 48 hours of client
interaction.
4. Performance Metrics:
o Programs must include clear, measurable outcomes such as housing retention rates,
reduced shelter stays, and successful diversion efforts.
PART IV: MONITORING AND COMPLIANCE
The City of Houston, Harris County and the Coalition for the Homeless will jointly monitor funded
projects to ensure compliance with performance standards and contractual obligations.
MONITORING PROCESSES:
• Monthly Reporting: Agencies must submit reports detailing progress toward outcomes,
financial expenditures, and system compliance.
• On-Site Reviews: Monitoring visits will assess program implementation, client services,
and compliance with HUD regulations.
• Corrective Action Plans: If deficiencies are identified, agencies will have an opportunity
to address issues through an approved action plan.
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CONTRACT TERMINATION:
Contracts may be terminated under the following conditions:
1. Failure to meet performance benchmarks.
2. Non-compliance with HUD, state, or local requirements.
3. Misuse of funds or inability to provide contracted services. Termination will follow due
process, including written notice, an opportunity for corrective action, and formal review
by the Office of Compliance.
4. As indicated in the executed agreement with the funder.
PART V: FUNDING OVERVIEW
A variety of funding streams supports this initiative, each designed to address specific needs within
the Homeless Response System. Current funding sources include, but are not limited to the
following list.
1. Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG): Federal funds for emergency shelters, outreach, and
homelessness prevention.
2. Rapid Unsheltered Survivor Housing (RUSH): RUSH grants, awarded under the
Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG) program, are made to states or local governments to
assist individuals and families experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness who
have been residing in a “declared disaster area” and have needs that are not otherwise
served or fully met by existing federal disaster relief programs.
3. Community Development Block Grant (CDBG): Flexible funding for community
development, including housing and services for low-income individuals.
4. Housing and Homeless Services Program (HHSP): State-administered funds allocated
to municipalities with populations of 285,500 or more to support homeless services,
including shelter operations, street outreach, case management, and other supportive
services. The specific funding amount will be determined at a future date.
5. HOME-ARP: Federal funds from the American Rescue Plan for affordable housing and
supportive services.
6. Private Contributions: Donations from philanthropic partners to enhance system
capacity. These funds may be used to fill in funding gaps to start projects sooner or enhance
service delivery.
Please note that additional funding streams, not currently listed above, may be awarded through
this REI.
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BUDGET OVERVIEW FOR CURRENTLY AVAILABLE FUNDS AND ACTIVITIES
City of Houston City of Houston City of Private
Houston
Activity
HOME-ARP RUSH CDBG
Other $4,141,296 $925,000 $885,648.00
Permanent
Housing
Outreach/ $1,411,378
Navigation
Homeless $776,290
Prevention or
Diversion
Expanded $2,700,000.00
Shelter Beds
Allowable $596,897 Not Allowable $300,000.00 $88,564.00
Admin
Important Notice on Funding Availability: Funding allocations are subject to change based on
availability, funder priorities, and evolving community needs. The City of Houston, Harris
County, and the Coalition for the Homeless reserve the right to adjust funding levels, reallocate
funds, or modify priorities to align with local goals, emerging needs, and HUD guidelines. Any
updates regarding funding availability or changes will be communicated transparently through
Letters of Clarification.
Additionally, only select activities from the approved list may be included in this funding round.
We anticipate opening additional activities as more funding becomes available. The REI process
will continue to roll out throughout the year.
PART VI: DETAILED APPLICATION TIMELINE
This REI is designed to ensure a seamless and transparent application process for all prospective
applicants. The timeline outlined below provides a structured framework for organizations to
prepare and submit proposals. Key milestones include the release of the REI, opportunities for
applicants to engage in Q&A sessions, deadlines for submission, and the announcement of funding
decisions.
By maintaining a clear timeline, the City of Houston, Harris County, and the Coalition for the
Homeless aim to ensure fairness, accountability, and adequate preparation time for all applicants.
Programs selected for funding are expected to adhere to the implementation schedule to meet the
community's urgent needs and align with Local and HUD guidelines.
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1. REI Release Date: January 31, 2025
2. Virtual Q&A Session: February 14, 2025, at 10:00 AM
o Registration required; submit questions in writing by February 20, 2025, at 3:00
PM.
3. Application Deadline: This is a rolling solicitation. Proposals are due Saturday, March
14, 2025, at 5:00 PM CST and thereafter every third Friday of the following months:
June, September, December by 5pm CST until the discontinuation of this solicitation or
as noted via letter of clarification.
4. Preliminary Funding Recommendations: 30-day after the application deadline
5. Contract Execution: 60-days after funding recommendation or when funding is
available
6. Program Start Date: May 15, 2025
PART VII: SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
To ensure a fair and transparent review process, all submitted proposals must adhere to the
following guidelines.
GENERAL SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
• Proposals must align with the scoring tool outlined in Appendix A and focus on the
activities supported under this REI.
• Submissions should provide a clear and comprehensive response to the REI scope,
demonstrating how the proposed activities will address homelessness and align with
HUD and local priorities.
• The proposal must be complete and include all required components to be considered for
funding.
FORMAT & PAGE LIMIT
• Page Limit: Submissions must not exceed 15 pages (excluding required attachments).
• Font & Spacing: Use 12-point font, single-spaced, with 1-inch margins.
• File Format: Submit as a PDF or Word document.
REQUIRED PROPOSAL COMPONENTS
1. Cover Page:
o Organization name, primary contact information, and project title.
o A brief summary of the proposed activities.
2. Proposal Narrative: (Use the scoring tool in Appendix A as your guide when
developing this section.)
o Program Description: Clearly describe the proposed program(s), target
population, and service model.
o Alignment with REI & System Goals: Explain how the proposal aligns with the
activities supported in this REI and contributes to reducing homelessness,
housing stability, and HUD/local priorities.
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o Implementation Plan: Provide a detailed staffing plan, expected timelines, and
specific performance metrics.
o Accessibility: Describe how the program ensures access to services, removes
barriers, and incorporates Housing First principles.
o Collaboration & Partnerships: Identify key partners and how services will
integrate with the Coordinated Entry system.
3. Budget & Financial Documentation:
o Completed budget form detailing program costs and justification of expenses.
o Documentation of 90-day working capital, financial audits, or statements
showing fiscal health.
o Identification of other funding sources supporting the program.
4. Key Staff & Organizational Capacity:
o Brief bios of key personnel managing the program.
o Evidence of past success in providing similar services.
o Organizational capacity to implement the program within the required timeline.
5. Letters of Support or MOUs (if applicable):
o Letters from partner organizations demonstrating collaboration and coordination.
SUBMISSION PROCESS & DEADLINE
• How to Submit: Applications must be emailed to all three partners:
o City of Houston: HCDPublicServices@houstontx.gov
o Harris County: HCDrfp@harriscountytx.gov
o Coalition for the Homeless: contracts@homelesshouston.org
• Rolling Deadline: Proposals are due March 14, 2025, at 5:00 PM CST, and then every
third Friday of the following months (June, September, December) until further notice.
ADDITIONAL NOTES
• Proposals must align with the activities supported in this REI. However, since this is
a rolling REI, not all activities may be funded in this round. Please refer to the budget
breakdown for details on currently available funding and guidance on eligible activities
for this cycle.
• Funding decisions will be based on scoring criteria in Appendix A, program alignment,
and funding availability.
• Selected programs must comply with HUD/local guidelines, Coordinated Entry (CE)
participation, and performance tracking requirements.
PART XIII: GRIEVANCES
Grievance Process:
Applicants who wish to contest the outcome of the application review or scoring process may
file a formal grievance. Grievances must be submitted in writing within 10 business days of the
notification of funding decisions.
Grievance Submission Requirements:
To ensure proper review and response, grievances must include:
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1. The name of the applicant organization.
2. A clear and concise explanation of the grievance, including specific details about the
perceived issue (e.g., scoring discrepancies, procedural concerns, or other relevant
matters).
3. Supporting documentation or evidence, if applicable.
4. Contact information for the individual submitting the grievance on behalf of the
organization.
Grievances should be submitted to:
• City of Houston: HCDPublicServices@houstontx.gov
• Harris County: HCDrfp@harriscountytx.gov
• Coalition for the Homeless: contracts@homelesshouston.org
Review and Response:
Grievances will be reviewed by a neutral party or designated committee not involved in the
original scoring process. The review panel reserves the right to request additional documentation
or clarification as needed.
A written response will be provided to the applicant within 15 business days of receipt of the
grievance. The decision of the review panel is final and cannot be further contested.
Exclusions:
Grievances related to funding allocations that result from available budget limitations or
established scoring thresholds will not be considered unless procedural errors are identified.
PART VIII: DEFINITIONS
Definitions of key terms, such as "Permanent Supportive Housing," "Housing First," and
"Coordinated Entry," are included in Appendix B to ensure public understanding.
PART XII: APPLICATION SELECTION CRITERIA (REFERENCED AS APPENDIX
A)
Applications that meet threshold requirements will be reviewed and scored by a designated
panel. The review panel reserves the right to recommend adjustments to budgets based on
available funds and scoring outcomes. Funders may also refuse funding to organizations with
unfavorable prior performance or non-compliance in previous phases. HMIS reports will be
reviewed to verify service delivery, frequency, and data accuracy.
Scoring Tool:
Applications will be evaluated using a scoring tool with a maximum total score of 145 points.
Full details of the scoring elements and their respective point values can be found in Appendix
A.
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REFERENCE TO APPLICATION SELECTION CRITERIA IN THE REI
1. Part III: Funding Overview:
2. Funding awards will be determined based on the scoring criteria outlined in Appendix A,
with priority given to proposals that align with the system's goals and meet HUD
compliance standards. Along with the scores, the review panel will also consider the
system's service needs and existing contracts providing similar services to ensure
continuity of care for clients.
3. Part V: Detailed Application Timeline:
o After the submission deadline, applications will be reviewed and scored per the
criteria detailed in Appendix A . Preliminary funding recommendations should be
announced by April 15, 2025.
4. Part IV: Monitoring and Compliance:
o All selected applications must adhere to the standards outlined in the scoring
criteria (see Appendix A) and maintain compliance with performance
benchmarks to ensure funding continuity. Additional compliance will be outlined
in the executed agreements.
5. Submission Guidelines (Part VII):
o Proposals must include elements described in Appendix A to maximize scoring
potential, including a detailed staffing plan, a completed budget form, and a
timeline for implementation.
CONCLUSION
This Rolling REI reflects a commitment to addressing homelessness and housing instability
through evidence-based strategies, compliance with HUD standards, and a collaborative approach
with our partners. For questions or assistance, please contact:
• City of Houston Compliance Office: HCDPublicServices@houstontx.gov
• Harris County: HCDrfp@harriscountytx.gov
• Coalition for the Homeless: contracts@homelesshouston.org
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APPENDIX A: SCORING CARD
Category Maximum Points
Organizational Expertise
Agencies have experience providing similar services within the past two years 5
Demonstrated ability to mobilize and implement operations quickly 5
Comprehensive staffing plan aligned with program goals 5
Evidence of partnerships, collaboration, and coordination within the Homeless
Response System 5
Use of innovative and scalable solutions to address homelessness 5
Capacity for data collection, HMIS participation, and compliance with HUD
requirements 5
Section Total 30
Supportive Services
Clearly defined target population aligned with HUD and or local
priorities/definitions 5
Provision of Services 10
Agencies demonstrated experience with the target population 5
Engagement with private landlords to increase housing options 5
Identification of barriers to housing stability and strategies to address them 5
Section Total 30
Project Information
Comprehensive project scope, including household targets, services, and financial
supports
5
Use of evidence-based or promising practices for service delivery 5
Clearly stated annual outcomes and measurable impact metrics 5
Plan to reduce barriers and maintain long-term housing stability 5
Realistic implementation timeline, including staffing and operational readiness 5
Agency is currently contracted with the City of Houston, Harris County, or CFTH to
provide services with COVID relief funds and could use/pivot currently funded staff 10
Section Total 35
Financial Analysis
Completed budget form with detailed financial projections 5
Most recent audit or financial statement demonstrating fiscal health 5
Clearly stated budget assumptions 5
Cost-effectiveness plan for achieving program outcomes 5
Identification of other funding sources to support the project 5
Threshold: Demonstration of 90-day working capital Threshold
Section Total 25
Access Reflections
Commitment to low barrier access to services 15
Inclusion of voices from people with lived experience 10
Section Total 25
Total Possible Points 145
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APPENDIX B: KEY DEFINITIONS
Area Median Income (AMI): The midpoint of a region's income distribution, used by HUD to
determine eligibility for housing assistance. AMI is updated annually and varies by household size.
Case Manager (CM):A staff member responsible for assisting clients in maintaining housing
stability. Duties include coordinating supportive services, addressing client needs, and providing
guidance during the housing process.
Chronically Homeless: An individual or family with a disabling condition who has been homeless
for at least 12 months consecutively or for four separate occasions over three years, totaling at
least 12 months.
Coordinated Entry (CE): A centralized process designed to assess and prioritize individuals
experiencing homelessness for housing and services. CE ensures access for everyone within the
CoC to resources and prioritizes those with the greatest need.
Continuum of Care (CoC): A regional or local planning body responsible for coordinating
homelessness services. The CoC for Houston, Harris County, Fort Bend County, and Montgomery
County is The Way Home.
Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG): A federal program that provides funds to support emergency
shelters, homelessness prevention, street outreach, and rapid rehousing.
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG): A federal program that funds activities to
provide housing and economic opportunities for low- and moderate-income individuals.
Housing and Homeless Services Program (HHSP): State funds provided to cities to address
homelessness through services such as shelter operations, case management, and outreach.
Housing First: An approach that prioritizes providing individuals with stable housing without
requiring preconditions like sobriety or participation in treatment programs. Supportive services
are offered to help maintain housing stability.
Homeless Management Information System (HMIS): A software application used to collect
and manage data on individuals experiencing homelessness and the services they receive. HMIS
participation is required for all CoC-funded programs.
Other Permanent Housing (OPH): Housing that combines rental assistance with voluntary
supportive services for individuals facing significant housing barriers who may not meet the
definition of chronic homelessness.
Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH): Long-term housing combined with wraparound services
for individuals with disabilities or chronic homelessness to ensure housing stability.
Prevention and Diversion:
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Interventions aimed at keeping individuals from entering homelessness by providing financial
assistance, mediation, or problem-solving support.
Fair Market Rent (FMR): The estimated amount, including rent and utilities, that a rental
property in a given area typically costs. HUD determines FMR annually.
Navigation Services: Personalized support to guide individuals from the housing referral process
to move-in, ensuring timely placement into appropriate housing.
Expanded Emergency Shelter Beds: Additional low-barrier beds added to shelters to increase
capacity, particularly for individuals with urgent needs related to mental health or substance use.
Essential Client Support Services: Services that help clients secure and maintain housing, such
as document preparation, transportation, and access to advocacy.
Street Outreach: Engaging individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness to connect them
with housing and services. Outreach teams may also provide pre-navigation support.
Subrecipient: An organization that receives funding through a larger grant recipient to deliver
services. Subrecipients are required to comply with the same programmatic and financial
requirements as the lead agency.
Tenant-Based Rental Assistance (TBRA): A subsidy provided to low-income individuals to help
cover housing costs such as rent, utilities, and security deposits.
Domestic Violence Mobile Advocacy: A service model where advocates provide mobile and
home-based support to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and trafficking,
ensuring safety and stability while respecting survivor confidentiality.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD): The federal agency responsible
for programs related to housing and urban development, including funding and guidelines for
homeless response systems.
The Way Home (TWH): The name for the TX-700 CoC, which includes more than 100 partners
working to end homelessness in Houston, Harris County, and surrounding areas.
Rapid Rehousing (RRH): A short-term housing intervention that helps individuals and families
quickly exit homelessness by providing financial assistance and case management to secure
permanent housing.
Verification of Disability (VOD): A formal document signed by a licensed professional
confirming that an individual has a disabling condition impacting their ability to work or live
independently.
Verification of Homelessness (VOH): Documents confirming an individual’s homeless history,
often required to access housing programs.
Scattered-Site Housing Unit:
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Rental units located in multiple locations throughout the community, used as part of housing
programs like PSH or RRH.
Site-Based Housing Unit: Rental units concentrated in a single location, often with on-site
services for tenants.
Emergency Housing Voucher (EHV): A program funded through the American Rescue Plan Act
to provide rental assistance to individuals experiencing homelessness, distributed through
Coordinated Entry.
Move-In Date (Lease-Up Date): The date when an individual or family officially moves into a
housing unit under a program such as RRH or OPH.
Parent Lease: A lease held by a housing provider for multiple units that can be used to place hard-
to-house individuals.
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