Day One Grant (Bezos Day One Funds)

Day One Grant Overview

Funder: Wisconsin Balance of State Continuum of Care (WIBOSCOC)

Status: Past application cycle (deadline was March 15, 2024)

Program Goal: One-time, non-federal funding opportunity to work towards ending family homelessness through a pilot program.

Geographic Scope: Wisconsin Balance of State Continuum of Care service area

Target Population:

Families experiencing housing insecurity or homelessness

Family defined as: at least one child under 18, plus one or more individuals living together (not required to be related by blood, marriage, or legal capacity)

Focus on families about to enter emergency shelter or already in shelter 1 week or less

Focus Areas:

Diversion staff and funds administration

Reduction in unsheltered homelessness among families

Reduction in length of time from identification to housed

Reduction in families experiencing first-time homelessness

Increase in homeownership among families exiting homelessness

Reduction in returns to Coordinated Entry

Increase of exits to permanent housing within 2 weeks of shelter stay

Eligible Project Types:

Section A: Diversion staff and funds administration

Section B: Data points targeting including system improvement projects, data acquisition/monitoring, partnership integration with non-housing systems (Child Welfare, healthcare, TANF, Foodshare, K-12 education, post-secondary), pilot flexible housing subsidy, toolkit development, diversion assessment tools

Eligible Costs for Diversion Funds:

Payment to family member or friend for allowing person to stay

Hotel payments

Court fees to stave off eviction

Security deposit and first month's rent

Mediation services

Transportation to safe place to stay

Car payments, tow lot fees, other payments for housing-related costs

Administration capped at 10% of total costs

Eligibility Requirements:

Applicant must be member of local coalition within WIBOSCOC

Eligible applicant types: non-profit, for-profit, housing authorities, city/county government, Community Action Programs (CAP)

Lead agency must be in good standing with WIBOSCOC and member of local homeless coalition

If applicant received Bezos Day 1 funds in last 5 years, not eligible

No match requirement

Required Qualifications:

Staff member administering diversion funds must have previous experience working with families experiencing housing insecurity and homelessness

Staff must complete required trainings and continue ongoing professional development

Required Training:

Diversion course with National Alliance to End Homelessness

Core Certification (formerly AIRS certification) - bonus

Participation in WIBOSCOC Conference

Continuing education through HUD Exchange

Requirements:

Must comply with Housing First philosophy and low-barrier entry

Must participate in Coordinated Entry (pre-screen, assessment, referral, follow-up)

Must comply with Balance of State CoC bylaws, governance charter, and policies

Committee participation required

Active involvement in Point-in-Time count (twice yearly)

Active involvement in local coalition

Attendance at quarterly Balance of State meetings

Must maintain good standing with BoS CoC policies

Must enter data into HMIS

Must submit monthly reports on relevant data points

Regular meetings with WIBOSCOC staff

Program start date no later than June 1, 2024

Annual progress review with right of non-renewal with 60 days notice

Recipients expected to present findings and achievements at future events

Equity/Civil Rights Requirements:

Applicants must identify steps to ensure meaningful participation by traditionally underserved populations (Black, Latino, Indigenous, Asian American, Pacific Islander, persons of color, religious minorities, LGBTQ+, rural residents, persons with disabilities, persons affected by persistent poverty)

Communications must be accessible for persons with hearing, visual, and other communication-related disabilities (Section 504 Rehabilitation Act, ADA)

Reasonable steps required for meaningful access by Limited English Proficiency (LEP) persons (Title VI Civil Rights Act 1964)

Contact: Carrie Poser, CoC Director | [email protected] | 715-598-3301