What We Do
We advance supportive housing by advocating for effective policies, equitably investing in communities, and strengthening the supportive housing field. Since our founding in 1991, we have been the only national nonprofit intermediary focused on increasing the availability of supportive housing.
We work to build equitable, thriving communities in five ways:
1. STRENGTHENING CROSS-SECTOR PARTNERSHIPS
CSH helps communities and government agencies design equitable solutions that are bigger than any single system can achieve alone. We work with cross-sector coalitions to shift public resources to proven solutions that offset public costs and improve outcomes.
2. ENGAGING POLICY AND DECISION MAKERS
CSH works with federal, state, and local governments to increase understanding and backing of supportive housing. Alongside our partners, we advocate for policy and programs that expand funding for housing, services, and economic security.
3. FUNDING HOUSING AND PROGRAMS
CSH provides funding to projects and initiatives that include supportive housing. Our loans and grants support ensures a diverse set of supportive housing options, encourages the use of new financing models, and builds the capacity of BIPOC-led (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) developers.
4. CREATING AND EVALUATING INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS
CSH develops and evaluates new models and demonstration programs with innovative, person-centered, and data-driven methods to make supportive housing work better for more people— especially individuals who face complex barriers to housing. We measure outcomes, evaluate impact, and center equitable strategies to proactively change systems.
5. EDUCATING AND EMPOWERING THE FIELD
CSH develops best practices, tools, and training programs that build capacity. We provide training, consulting, and technical assistance to help communities create and operate high-quality supportive housing.
Looking for Housing?
CSH does not directly operate any housing programs or offer referrals. Please consult these resources as a starting point for people looking for housing options.
In many communities, your local United Way may be a source of such information, and in an increasing number of communities you can dial 2-1-1 on your phone and be linked to information regarding a variety of services and programs, including housing (see www.211.org for more information).
You may also find useful information within the following online directories of homeless service providers and advocacy groups:
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s list of Local Homeless Assistance Providers
The National Coalition for the Homeless’ Directory of Local Homeless Services Organizations
Our Business Lines
TRAINING, TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE, AND THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
CSH strengthens the affordable and supportive housing fields with research-backed tools, trainings, resources, and knowledge sharing.
INVESTMENT
CSH boosts affordable and supportive housing unit creation and programs that help people thrive with powerful capital funds, specialty loan products, grant making, and development expertise.
POLICY AND ADVOCACY
CSH engages government leaders and public agencies through systems reform, policy collaboration, and advocacy.
Strategic Plan 2023-2027
CSH believes that all people should have universal access to affordable and accessible housing, services promoting their health and wellbeing, and economic security. The CSH 2023-2027 Strategic Plan is working to make this happen.
Our strategic plan designates three focus areas for our work: housing, services, and economic security. We aim to implement three drivers throughout our work,: focusing on equity, centering people and communities, and promoting quality.
Our Race Equity Vision
We envision a more just and equitable world where everyone has the housing and services they need to thrive in the communities they call home.
The CSH Race Equity Framework explains how we are operationalizing racial equity from within and provides practical approaches for organizations and practitioners seeking to center racial equity in their work to end homelessness.