Dear colleagues:

In August 2022, a package of resources was released to address unsheltered homelessness and homeless encampments, including funds set aside specifically to address homelessness in rural communities. HUD awarded $486 million through the Special Continuum of Care (CoC) Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) which will be used to enhance communities’ capacity to humanely, equitably, and effectively address unsheltered homelessness by connecting vulnerable individuals and households to housing, healthcare, and supportive services.

The Special NOFO includes two set asides:

1: Unsheltered Homelessness Set Aside – serve people experiencing homelessness in any geographic area

2: Rural Set Aside – serve people experiencing homelessness, with a focus on people experiencing unsheltered homelessness, in rural areas as defined in the Special NOFO.

HMIS Project Setup Guidance:

As is stipulated in CoC regulation, all projects are required to participate in a Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) unless they are being provided by Victim Service Providers (VSPs). VSPs are required to use a comparable database for data collection and reporting on projects funded under this NOFO. Guidance is now available on accurately setting up projects in HMIS for the Special NOFO funding in the CoC Supplemental to Address Unsheltered and Rural Homelessness (Special NOFO) HMIS Project Setup Guidance. View the Guidance.

Questions:

If you have questions about this guidance, submit them to the HUD Exchange Ask A Question (AAQ) portal. In Step 2 of the question submission process, select “Homeless Management Information System (HMIS)” from the “My question is related to” drop down list.

Best,

Jacinda Goodwin

Program Specialist
National Center for Homeless Education (NCHE)