Author: Jesse Dean

For Immediate Release | Media Contact: Jesse Dean, [email protected] or 347-931-0132

The appropriation will provide critical funding for 500 supportive housing units that can end the jail-homelessness cycle for people exiting Rikers. 

The New York City Council passed the fiscal year 2025 budget, allocating $6.4 million to fund 500 Justice Involved Supportive Housing (JISH) units for individuals leaving Rikers. This funding is critical for providing supportive housing units that greatly increases the chances for persons with a history of homelessness and incarceration, to achieve stability, recover from substance abuse disorder, manage mental illness, and finally end the jail-to-street homelessness-jail cycle. 

The allocation fulfills a 2019 commitment from city officials to expand access to the program and was championed by CSH with City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, Council Members Sandy Nurse and Carlina Rivera, Freedom Agenda, Vera Institute of Justice, The Fortune Society, and other partners.  

Approximately 51% of the population at Rikers, more than 2,500 people each year, struggle with untreated or complex behavioral health conditions. Incarcerating them costs approximately $1.4 billion annually. Without additional housing or support to address their health, many of these individuals upon leaving Rikers, will become homeless or will be re-arrested and return to jail. 

In contrast, supportive housing costs $108 million annually, saving the city significant money while also stopping the homelessness-to-jail cycle, assisting in decarcerating Rikers, and reducing the significant racial disparities in the city’s criminal legal and homeless systems. The JISH program provides individuals exiting Rikers with the higher-level of support they need to re-enter society and thrive in their communities. Several studies show that supportive housing promotes stability, improves connections to health and behavioral health services, and reduces recidivism.  

“The city fulfilling its commitment is a major victory for our residents with highly complex barriers to housing and for advocates who have long championed the JISH program,” said Lauren Velez, NYC Associate Director at CSH. “With these additional resources, the program can finally reach its full potential and offer crucial support to New Yorkers while saving taxpayer dollars that would otherwise flow to costly emergency response services.” 

“Justice-Involved Supportive Housing is key to increasing public safety and advancing successful re-entry for those returning to our communities from the justice system,” said Speaker Adrienne Adams. “It was one of the many commitments of the plan to close Rikers that remained unfulfilled, because of a shortfall in funding for the vital services that accompany the housing. It has been a Council priority to invest in proven safety solutions and secure the necessary funding for JISH over several budgets, and the Council is proud to invest $6.4 million of its own funding to close the gap for these housing units to be realized. Moving forward, it will require the Administration to baseline these funds and fulfill its obligation.” 

“Supportive housing is a lifeline for justice-involved individuals, offering them stability and a chance to rebuild their lives. We are deeply gratified by the Council’s commitment to fully fund the JISH program, ensuring both the maintenance of current units and the creation of new ones. This crucial investment underscores our dedication to providing real opportunities for successful reintegration and lasting positive change in our communities,” said Council Member Sandy Nurse (D-37). 

“Too often New Yorkers exit incarceration into the shelter system, making it more difficult to successfully reintegrate into the community and achieve stability. Access to supportive housing is an important intervention for individuals involved with the criminal legal system that centers compassion and dignity with access to programming and support. I am proud to have helped secure $6.4 million for JISH and look forward to continued work in coalition to support the most vulnerable residents of our city,” said Council Member Carlina Rivera (D-02).  

Darren Mack, Co-Director of Freedom Agenda said, “We are grateful that City Council responded to the tireless advocacy of formerly incarcerated people and allies to add funding for the JISH program in this year’s budget. Because of their commitment to funding true solutions for community safety and well-being, New York City will finally be able to create 380 more JISH units to break the jail to shelter cycle. We hope the administration will work with providers to get these units up and running immediately.“ 

Jullian Harris-Calvin, director of the Vera Institute of Justice’s Greater Justice New York initiative, said: “We applaud the City Council for securing $6.4 million for Justice-Involved Supportive Housing (JISH). Enabling justice-involved New Yorkers to access housing and supportive services helps interrupt cycles of instability, addressing the root causes of crime and keeping communities safe—all without relying on incarceration, which is costly, deadly, and increases the likelihood of rearrest. In addition, judges are often hesitant to release individuals who are unhoused back to their communities to await trial; greater access to JISH will enable some of the decarceration needed to close Rikers Island once and for all. This investment shows that the City Council is serious about safety, and we commend their focus on preventing crime before it happens rather than just reacting in its aftermath.”

The $6.4 million allocation will enhance the services funding for the 500 JISH units to keep up with today’s services costs, staff wages, and the higher service needs of the JISH population. 

Formerly incarcerated people, housing providers, and advocates from across the city came together to support the JISH request, including 43 organizations and nearly 80 individuals urging their support. 

“CSH is grateful for the leadership of the New York City Council, especially Speaker Adams and Council Members Rivera and Nurse, and an outstanding number of advocates. After last week’s Supreme Court ruling in the Grants Pass v Johnson case, which overturned constitutional protections for people experiencing homelessness and exposes them to fines, arrests, and incarceration, their leadership proves that policymakers have a choice in responding to homelessness with data-driven solutions. We thank them for recognizing that supportive housing is a cost-effective, proven solution for breaking the homeless to jail cycle,” said Deborah De Santis, CSH President and CEO.  

 

For Immediate Release | Contact Jesse Dean, [email protected] or 347-931-0132 

June 28, 2024 | New York, NY – CSH is deeply saddened and profoundly disappointed by today’s Supreme Court’s 6-3 ruling on Johnson v. Grants Pass that overturned constitutional protections for people experiencing homelessness.  CSH echoes Justice Sotomayor’s statement in her dissenting opinion that in part read, today, the court unequivocally “abdicates” its “role in safeguarding constitutional liberties for the most vulnerable among us.”   

This unconscionable decision endangers the lives of more than 653,000 people experiencing homelessness, exposing them to further harm and making it even more challenging to escape homelessness. 

“The Court’s majority decision blatantly ignores compelling evidence that penalizing homeless individuals with fines, arrests, and incarceration has been tried and repeatedly failed. Instead, it imposes unnecessary costs on taxpayers and perpetuates a vicious cycle of poverty and instability, further burdening an already overtaxed carceral system,” said Deborah De Santis, CSH President and CEO. “While it is not the Supreme Court’s role to solve homelessness, the ruling gives jurisdictions a blank slate to punish people who are homeless while doing nothing to address the primary drivers of rising homelessness, which are a widespread and severe shortage of affordable housing and services.” 

More than three decades of evidence and success stories from cities like Houston, Milwaukee, and Denver demonstrate the transformational impact of shifting resources from costly emergency responses to affordable housing and supportive services. These initiatives have significantly reduced homeless encampments, stabilized neighborhoods, and spurred economic growth. 

In stark contrast, the Grants Pass approach of penalizing people for using basic necessities like pillows and blankets when no shelter is available not only sidesteps real solutions but also shifts the burden to neighboring cities, increases taxpayer costs and perpetuates homelessness. 

With the latest data, older adults, and people becoming homeless for the first time are among the fastest growing segments of people falling into homelessness.  

“This ruling moves this country in a frighteningly disturbing direction where our older citizens and retirees with limited incomes run the risk of being jailed for merely being unable to pay for rising costs of basic necessities like rent, food, and medical care,” said De Santis.  

CSH calls on elected officials and community leaders to reject this damaging ruling and embrace common-sense, cost-effective strategies. These include mobilizing public health teams, connecting individuals to housing and supportive services, and leveraging insights from those with lived experiences of homelessness. Such approaches uphold individual dignity, improve community outcomes, and enhance public safety. 

Elected officials must seize this moment to stop deferring real solutions and take decisive action. CSH urges them to: 

• Advance federal and state policies that accelerate new affordable housing development and repair and preserve existing supportive and public housing.  
• Adequately fund supportive services coordinated across systems and that are voluntary and self-directed for participants.  
• Prioritize funding of rental assistance and eviction prevention programs for low-income individuals and families.  
• Pass federal and state policies that support the financial well-being of people living in supportive housing and livable wages for staff working in the supportive housing and services sectors. 

“The country can turn this setback into a catalyst for real, lasting change where everyone has a chance to have a place to call home. By investing in proven solutions, we can create sustainable, respectful, and thriving communities, reducing the burden on taxpayers and ensuring a dignified life for every individual,” added De Santis.  

For information and resources on the better way forward to addressing homelessness in your community visit www.csh.org/better-way-forward.  

About CSH 

CSH (Corporation for Supportive Housing) advances affordable and accessible housing aligned with services by advocating for effective policies and funding, equitably investing in communities, and strengthening the supportive housing field. Since our founding in 1991, CSH has been the only national nonprofit intermediary focused solely on increasing the availability of supportive housing. Over the course of our work, we have created more than 467,600 units of affordable and supportive housing and distributed over $1.5 billion in loans and grants. Our workforce is central to accomplishing this work. We employ approximately 170 people across 30 states and U.S. Territories. As an intermediary, we do not directly develop or operate housing but center our approach on collaboration with a wide range of people, partners, and sectors. For more information, visit www.csh.org. 

The appropriation will fund supportive housing services as a cost-effective model to address homelessness and housing instability.

For Immediate Release | Contact Jesse Dean, [email protected] or 347-931-0132 

June 28, 2024 | New York, NY – Yesterday morning, the Michigan legislature passed a state budget after an overnight vote. The budget includes a historic $20 million for supportive services, championed by Senator Jeff Irwin, Representative Felicia Brabec, CSH, Avalon Housing, and housing and service provider advocates across the state.

“We are incredibly grateful to Michigan legislators for recognizing the critical role supportive services play in solving homelessness,” said Catherine Distelrath, Michigan Director at CSH. “This represents a powerful investment in our communities, equipping supportive housing providers with the resources needed to deploy services that can help people achieve lasting housing stability.”

“When people are stably housed, we see less people in crisis in our emergency rooms, jails, and community mental health services – reducing the strain on these services. This approach improves lives and saves money long-term, and I’m excited about how this infusion of dollars will help people in Michigan,” said Senator Jeff Irwin.

“Along with many other supportive housing providers across the state, Avalon Housing works tirelessly to provide high quality services to our residents to help them maintain housing stability and thrive in their community”, said Aaron Cooper, Executive Director at Avalon Housing. “We are ecstatic about the state’s commitment of resources to this cause.”

The appropriation will provide grants to supportive housing services providers across the state and builds on the $6 million appropriation for the Supportive Services Pilot program the legislature passed in 2022. The funding will provide housing-related services for both people living in supportive housing and people experiencing homelessness who move into supportive housing and who need additional support to maintain housing stability.

The budget proposal was in response to CSH’s Supportive Services Transformation Fund (SSTF) model, which received sign-on support from seventy-seven housing and service organizations and more than fifty individuals, which helped to demonstrate the dire need for these resources across the state.

“CSH thanks Gov. Whitmer, Sen. Irwin, Rep. Brabec, and Health and Human Services Appropriation Sub-Committee Chairs Sen. Santana and Rep. Morse for their leadership and recognizing that supportive housing is a cost-effective, proven solution for addressing homelessness,” said Deborah De Santis, CSH President and CEO. “Michigan is leading by example and creating a road map for other states to replicate to address critical service gaps that prevent people from thriving in housing and ending their cycle of homelessness.”

The budget, which is a significant step towards addressing homelessness and housing instability, is now pending Gov. Whitmer’s signature.

 

About CSH

CSH (Corporation for Supportive Housing) advances affordable and accessible housing aligned with services by advocating for effective policies and funding, equitably investing in communities, and strengthening the supportive housing field. Since our founding in 1991, CSH has been the only national nonprofit intermediary focused solely on increasing the availability of supportive housing. Over the course of our work, we have created more than 467,600 units of affordable and supportive housing and distributed over $1.5 billion in loans and grants. Our workforce is central to accomplishing this work. We employ approximately 170 people across 30 states and U.S. Territories. As an intermediary, we do not directly develop or operate housing but center our approach on collaboration with a wide range of people, partners, and sectors. For more information, visit www.csh.org.

 

Correction 7/1/2024: This version has been corrected to cite Aaron Cooper as Executive Director of Avalon Housing and not CEO as was previously stated in error. 

Corporation for Supportive Housing (CSH) is accepting proposals from CPA firms to provide audit and tax services for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2024, with the option to renew for each of the four subsequent fiscal years. Proposals must be received by CSH by 5:00 PM EDT, Thursday, August 1, 2024. 

Timeline 

Activities would begin on or before July 1, 2024, and continue through May 31, 2026.  

Budget 
An amount not to exceed $50,000 is available for this project. 

Purpose 
Corporation for Supportive Housing (CSH) seeks an organization to collaborate with CSH to co-create, host, and support a family-led network of parents and caregivers with lived experiences at the intersection of housing instability and child welfare involvement. 

CSH envisions a “Families Network” that guides, informs, and supports those working and living at the intersection of housing instability and child welfare involvement. A Families Network can promote leadership opportunities and provide a space for healing and collaboration for families. CSH is excited to partner with an organization and with individuals with lived experience to co-create this Network’s design, infrastructure, and functionality.  

CSH’s inspiration for creating a Families Network comes from a year-long body of work focused on exploring recommendations for authentically co-designing and co-creating work with individuals with lived experience. The goal was to inform CSH and our partners on how to move towards power sharing and family-informed decision-making so that families navigating the housing and child welfare systems experience more equitable outcomes. In 2022, CSH created a fellowship position for a parent with lived experience to participate in CSH’s families, children, and youth work; and partnered with additional lived experience consultants to identify existing parent/caregiver networks focused on housing. While many parent/caregiver networks were identified, none specifically focused on housing.  

The Families Network will work in partnership with CSH’s One Roof and Keeping Families Together Initiatives and national sites implementing quality family housing and service interventions for families most impacted by child welfare and housing instability. CSH believes that a Families Network can help expand our collective learning and create opportunities for families to further develop their advocacy, empowerment, and impact at the intersection of housing instability and child welfare. 

To stand up a Network that is driven by and responsive to families with lived experience, we anticipate co-creating with 2-3 individuals with lived experience and launching the Families Network with an initial cohort of 5-7 individuals. This process of co-creation can either build on or expand a current parent/caregiver network, or standalone as an independent network. CSH brings existing relationships with professional lived experience consultants, potential Network participants, national and local housing, and child welfare partners, and welcomes collaboration to leverage the selected agency’s existing contacts.  

 Description of Planned Activities  

• Organize a series of working meetings for CSH staff, Families Network participants and related partners identified by CSH and selected agency   
• Co-design with CSH and lived experience partners the initial functioning of the Network to inform and support the design and implementation of quality family housing interventions 
• Collaborate with CSH, Network participants, One Roof and Keeping Families Together partners to implement and practice power sharing with the aim of improving the outcomes and quality of the housing interventions and reducing disparities of impacted families 
• Create, promote, and ensure mechanisms and best practices are in place to meaningfully support Network participants with lived experience 
• Ensure diversity of lived experience across systems, including child welfare, justice, and mental health systems 

Desired Results 

• To support a space for families, designed by families 
• To create a space of healing and collaboration for families with lived experience of housing instability/homelessness and involvement with the child welfare/child protection system 
• To create a space of shared learning and leadership  
• To support systems-change efforts by cementing lived experience with a focus on reducing racial inequities in programs and systems

Qualifications  

• Interest in working with CSH, a housing partner, to coordinate the facilitation and design of a Families Network 
• Supporting families is central to your organization’s mission and decision making 
• Organizational capacity to host and support a Families Network, including meeting coordination and technical support, providing pass through funding, working with families to ensure meaningful engagement and mutual benefit for their participation 
• Practice trauma-aware approaches in relationships with families and CSH staff 
• Acknowledge, understand, and work with intention towards addressing racial disparities and other intersectional disproportionate impact (including LGBT+) 

Proposal Submission  
Please submit a proposal of no more than 3 pages to [email protected] by June 21, 2024.   

Proposals should include: 

• Narrative highlighting your interest and readiness to bring a unique lens to the partnership and future Families Network trajectory 
• Examples of past experiences and or staff bios providing similar expertise  
• Brief budget summary and narrative 
• Special consideration will be given to proposals that demonstrate experience working with non-profits, are BIPOC (black, indigenous, and persons of color), LGBT+ and/or woman owned, and include people with lived experience of homelessness and/or supportive housing in leadership positions.  

Evaluation 

CSH will evaluate submissions and conduct one virtual collaborative planning conversation with valid applicant(s) before selecting an awardee, utilizing the following criteria: 

• Demonstrated successful performance of similar work 
• Alignment in values, collaborative spirit, track record to pay and support parents/caregivers, applicability/strength of existing relationships and reach 
• Staff experience and qualifications 
• Rate reasonableness and overall cost of services  

Please note that CSH requires subcontractors, including individuals and sole proprietors, to carry workers’ compensation insurance while performing work under a CSH subcontract. CSH may ask for references during the selection process. 

If you have any questions, please contact [email protected].    

Media Contacts:
For Damien Center:
Myranda Annakin. Porch Light PR, [email protected]
Kyle Galle, Director of Marketing & Communications, [email protected]

For financial investors:
Jesse Dean, CSH, [email protected]

For Immediate Release

April 30, 2024 | New York, NY – Damien Center, Indiana’s largest HIV/AIDS service provider, successfully secured financing for its new healthcare and supportive services center. The financing was provided by a consortium of social impact lenders through loans and New Markets Tax Credits (NMTC) financing.

The development of the project, which is estimated to cost more than $37 million, will be made possible through $7.2 million in private donations and sponsor funds and $22.6 million in debt provided by BlueHub Capital, Low Income Investment Fund, and Reinvestment Fund. The project, with consulting assistance from Solaris Community Capital, attracted a total of $27.7 million in NMTC financing provided by Indianapolis Redevelopment Fund, Corporation for Supportive Housing (CSH), and PNC Bank.  The valuable tax credits purchased by PNC Bank helped fill a critical funding gap.

“This project will positively impact our ability to address key issues facing low-income families and individuals in the Indianapolis community who need it the most,” said Alan Witchey, president and CEO at Damien Center. “In recent years, we’ve seen the need for affordable housing, healthcare, food, and other basic needs significantly rise, and we’ve been unable to address them adequately due to lack of space.”

The new 56,000 square-foot, state-of-the-art facility will offer opportunities for people with complex, chronic health conditions to achieve their highest level of health. Damien Center will expand its healthcare and supportive services to provide a one-stop service center to support individuals and families impacted by HIV/AIDS, as well as others in the community who have low incomes or may be experiencing homelessness, to provide access to quality healthcare and services.

“This project will allow us to help thousands of individuals each year who would otherwise not receive the services and care they need. It’s wonderful to see this group of organizations come together and make a difference locally,” added Witchey.

The key services Damien Center’s new state-of-the-art facility will provide include:

• Holistic Healthcare: The center will offer primary, dental, mental health, and vision care services, as well as a lab and pharmacy, ensuring comprehensive healthcare for all visitors.
• Expanded Social Services: The center will expand other support services beyond medical care by offering non-medical case management, a well-stocked food pantry, expanded homelessness and housing referral services, emergency financial assistance, and more. 
• Empowerment Through Employment: Recognizing the importance of economic empowerment, the center will also house an Employment Services Center, which will provide workforce development and training opportunities for individuals overcoming various barriers to employment. 
• Expanded Community Outreach and Support: The center will also allow Damien Center to expand its outreach services to build a robust network of community care, provide expanded medical case management, HIV testing and prevention services, and offer other community programs.

Damien Center plans to further its commitment to providing holistic, quality healthcare and comprehensive services by developing 40 affordable and supportive housing units adjacent to its new Healthcare and Supportive Service Center.

“We at BlueHub are honored to partner in financing the Damien Center’s expansion because of the many benefits it will bring to local residents,” said Karen Kelleher, President of BlueHub Loan Fund. “This significant step towards advancing health and social equity in Indiana not only expands access to essential healthcare services but actively builds a healthier, more resilient community. By co-lending with our CDFI partners, we are not just funding a building—we are investing in a beacon of hope and support for thousands of individuals and families facing health challenges and economic barriers.”

“CSH is proud to continue our longstanding partnership with Damien Center in this new endeavor, supporting their vital work in delivering comprehensive healthcare and social services to individuals overcoming barriers to quality care. This investment underscores our shared commitment to equitable community investments, advancing services aligned with affordable housing to empower individuals and communities to thrive,” said CSH Chief Lending Officer, Brigitt Jandreau.

“LIIF is proud to partner on this impactful Damien Center deal via our $6.5 million construction-perm loan leveraging the power of the New Markets Tax Credits program,” said Amir Ali, vice president for Community Lending Facilities and New Markets Tax Credits at Low Income Investment Fund (LIIF). “Our organization aspires to fund deals that foster an ecosystem of community support, and that criterion has been met via our investment in this brand-new, 56,000-square-foot federally qualified health center with 57% of clients identifying as BIPOC. This deal aligns with LIIF’s mission to create opportunity and equity in under-resourced communities, and we believe it will contribute to improved health outcomes and economic vitality in the area for years to come.”

“This transaction, Reinvestment Fund’s first health care deal in Indiana, reflects our commitment to providing capital for projects that will build strong, healthy and more equitable communities. Reinvestment Fund is proud to partner with the Damien Center, their dedicated team, and other mission-driven lenders on a project that will bring a state-of-the-art health and social services facility to Indianapolis,” said Bridget Wiedeman, Senior Director. “Through our support of Damien Center, built upon their long-standing service to the community, more people will have access to and enjoy the comprehensive, high quality, and life-enhancing health care they need and deserve.”

“With a mission to assist high impact organizations in accessing tax credits and structuring the most favorable funding available, we were grateful for the opportunity to work with Damien Center and guide them through the complexities of a multi-faceted NMTC financing,” said Joel Superfon, Managing Director of Solaris Community Capital. “We are proud to work with the Damien Center, and impact oriented CDEs and CDFI lenders, who share a similar mission to create and ensure equitable access to healthcare, social services, and economic opportunities.”

About BlueHub Capital:
BlueHub Capital is a mission-driven, nonprofit community development finance organization focused on building healthy communities where low-income people live and work. BlueHub uses innovative financial tools to support projects that make communities more vibrant places to live through four distinct programs: BlueHub Loan Fund (community development financing), BlueHub SUN (foreclosure relief), BlueHub Energy (clean energy access) and One Percent for America (citizenship financing). Visit http://www.bluehubcapital.org for more information about our impact.

About CSH
CSH (Corporation for Supportive Housing) advances affordable and accessible housing aligned with services by advocating for effective policies and funding, equitably investing in communities, and strengthening the supportive housing field. Since our founding in 1991, CSH has been the only national nonprofit intermediary focused solely on increasing the availability of supportive housing. Over the course of our work, we have created more than 467,600 units of affordable and supportive housing and distributed over $1.5 billion in loans and grants. Our workforce is central to accomplishing this work. We employ approximately 170 people across 30 states and U.S. Territories. As an intermediary, we do not directly develop or operate housing but center our approach on collaboration with a wide range of people, partners, and sectors. For more information, visit www.csh.org.   

About Damien Center:
Damien Center is Indiana’s oldest and largest AIDS service organization and leads the effort to prevent the spread of HIV. The Center opened in 1987 and offers a one-stop-shop model of care that includes preventive, supportive, and medical services that empowers people in Central Indiana affected by HIV/AIDS to move forward each day with dignity so they may live abundant and productive lives. Damien Center believes passionately in the dignity and worth of every person who seeks their services and strives to be a safe and welcoming place so that no barriers separate people from the services they need to prolong and enhance their lives. For more information visit: http://www.damien.org or follow them on Twitter at @DamienCenter or like them on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/thedamiencenter/.

About Reinvestment Fund
Reinvestment Fund is a mission-driven financial institution committed to making communities work for all people. We bring financial and analytical tools to partnerships that work to ensure that people in communities across the country have the opportunities they strive for: affordable places to live, access to nutritious food and health care, schools where their children can flourish, and strong, local businesses that support jobs. We use data to understand markets and how transactions can have the most powerful impact, which has consistently earned us the top Aeris rating of AAA for financial strength and four stars for impact management. Our asset and risk management systems have also earned us an AA- rating from S&P. Since our inception in 1985, Reinvestment Fund has provided over $3.2 billion in financing to strengthen neighborhoods, scale social enterprises, and build resilient communities. Learn more at reinvestment.com.

 

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April 8, 2024 – New York, NY – Corporation for Supportive Housing (CSH), in collaboration with housing policy researchers at the Urban Institute and 36 partner organizations, announces filing an amicus brief with the United States Supreme Court (SCOTUS) to stop proponents from backing punitive approaches that exacerbate rather than alleviate the challenges faced by people experiencing poverty and homelessness. The brief supports the Ninth Circuit’s decision to uphold the U.S. Constitution by prohibiting communities from fining or arresting people for merely sleeping outside when they have no access to shelter.

At the core of the Ninth Circuit case, Johnson v. Grants Pass, is the attempt from officials in Grants Pass, Oregon to penalize individuals for using a blanket or pillow on public property for comfort due to no other shelter options.

The case reflects a disturbing rise in hastily passed legislation taking place in states and cities across the country that makes merely existing in public while experiencing homelessness a crime. These policies are often enacted based on the false belief that homelessness is a choice or a result of personal failures.

These efforts distract us from the systemic causes of homelessness, which data show are chronic shortages of homes people can afford, persistent poverty, and an overreliance on institutionalizing people rather than providing coordinated, community-based health and support services. 

CSH and our colleagues at Urban Institute argue that punishing people for experiencing homelessness is ineffective, costly, and harmful. Criminalizing homelessness perpetuates cycles of poverty and institutionalization and diverts law enforcement resources away from preventing crime, protecting the rights of all individuals, and responders to emergencies.

Punitive measures fail to deter homelessness, exacerbate poverty and grow incarceration rates. They disproportionately harm vulnerable individuals, hindering efforts to connect them with essential services. In contrast, there is definitive proof that more cost-effective alternatives like investments in affordable housing, support services, and opportunities for economic security, work better for individuals and communities long term.

As an advocate for proven interventions like supportive housing, CSH stands for preserving human dignity and freedom and implores the SCOTUS to uphold the Constitution.

CSH gratefully acknowledges these partners for signing on this amicus brief:

Samantha Batko, Urban Institute*
Sarah Gillespie, Urban Institute*
3Keys     
Ability Housing, Inc.
Amethyst Place  
CaringWorks, Inc.
Carrfour Supportive Housing, Inc.
Center for Housing and Health     
Coalition on Homelessness & Housing in Ohio   
Collaborative Solutions, Inc.
Community Housing Network   
Englewood Community Development Corporation   
Episcopal Housing Corporation
Florida Supportive Housing Coalition    
Georgia Supportive Housing Coalition    
Gorman & Company      
HELP of Southern Nevada     
Hoosier Uplands Economic Development Corporation    
Horizon House   
Illinois Housing Council    
Lantern Community Services
Low Income Housing Institute
Massachusetts Housing and Shelter Alliance    
Minnesota Housing Partnership     
Nevada Housing Coalition    
New Hope Housing, Inc.
Partners for HOME     
Partnership for Strong Communities      
PATH      
Quest Communities     
Save Inc.       
Serving Seniors
Supportive Housing Advocates – New Jersey     
Supportive Housing Network New York     
Texas Homeless Network

Sarah Gillespie is Associate Vice President for Metropolitan Housing and Communities Policy at the Urban Institute, and Samantha Batko is Senior Fellow in the Metropolitan Housing and Communities Policy Center at the Urban Institute. The views expressed here are those of the individuals and should not be attributed to the Urban Institute, its Board of Trustees, or its funders.

About CSH

CSH (Corporation for Supportive Housing) advances affordable and accessible housing aligned with services by advocating for effective policies and funding, equitably investing in communities, and strengthening the supportive housing field. Since our founding in 1991, CSH has been the only national nonprofit intermediary focused solely on increasing the availability of supportive housing. Over the course of our work, we have created more than 467,600 units of affordable and supportive housing and distributed over $1.5 billion in loans and grants. Our workforce is central to accomplishing this work. We employ approximately 170 people across 30 states and U.S. Territories. As an intermediary, we do not directly develop or operate housing but center our approach on collaboration with a wide range of people, partners, and sectors. For more information, visit www.csh.org.   

CSH is seeking a subcontractor(s) to provide technical assistance (TA) funded by United States Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Office of Public and Indian Housing (PIH). This RFP includes multiple subcontracting opportunities which may be funded under multiple contracts to one or more subcontractors. Subcontractor(s) with fluency conducting technical assistance in Spanish are highly encouraged to apply.

Description:

The goal of the TA is to help Public Housing Agencies (PHAs) increase their knowledge of, and ability to successfully implement, HUD’s Housing Choice Voucher Program, including Special Purpose Vouchers such as the Emergency Housing Voucher (EHV) program, Foster Youth to Independence Initiative (FYI), and Family Unification Program (FUP).

In collaboration with CSH and HUD, the subcontractor(s) are responsible for:

• Providing capacity-building technical assistance and group learning activities around the Emergency Housing Voucher program in Spanish.
• Contributing to the development of an in-person training curriculum focused on helping Public Housing Agencies and their partners effectively utilize HUD’s Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) initiative, Family Unification Program (FUP), and other Housing Choice Vouchers to support work to end homelessness for youth and young adults.
• Supporting the development of a guide and webinar curriculum on creating waiting list preferences for Admissions and Continued Occupancy Policies (ACOPs) and Administrative Plans that focus on people experiencing unsheltered homelessness.
• Providing capacity building technical assistance to assigned Public Housing Agencies, as needed, on the development of waiting list preferences (for Admissions and Continued Occupancy Policies and Administrative Plans) for people experiencing unsheltered homelessness.
• Contributing to the development of products that support PHAs and their community partners in successfully implementing Special Purpose Vouchers (including Foster Youth to Independence, Family Unification Program, and Emergency Housing Vouchers), the Housing Choice Voucher program generally, and Public Housing.

Sub-contractor(s) should have a combination of the following qualifications and specialized expertise:

• Experience working at or with a PHA around the implementation of the Emergency Housing Voucher program, and ability to delivery TA and group learning in Spanish.
• Experience implementing HUD’s Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) and/or Family Unification Program (FUP) that served population 2 (youth experiencing or at risk of homelessness who are leaving or have left foster care).
• Familiarity with the development and implementation of waiting list preferences for Admissions and Continued Occupancy Policies (ACOPs) and Administrative Plans, particularly around preferences for people experiencing homelessness (experiencing implementing such preferences on either the PHA or CoC side a plus).
• Familiarity with key Fair Housing regulations and considerations in developing compliant waiting list preferences.
• Experience supporting PHAs in connecting with partners (such as Continuums of Care) around efforts to end homelessness (experience in connections around work with PHAs and CoCs to end unsheltered homelessness a plus).

Timeline:

Subcontracts awarded under this RFP may commence no earlier than March 22, 2024 and may extend through June 2030.

Funding Available:

An amount not to exceed $100,000 is available for these projects.

Application Process:

To be considered for this subcontracting opportunity, completed versions of the forms below and the additional items requested must be submitted to [email protected]. CSH will begin reviewing and evaluating applications on Friday, March 15, 2024. Applications will continue to be reviewed and evaluated until June 2026 or until all needs for subcontractors have been met. Successful applicants will be awarded conditionally, pending a conflict-of-interest review and submission of additional documents concerning rate substantiation and invoicing capacity.

You may apply as an individual subcontractor or as an organization, including up to 6 staff members in the application. The following forms are included:

• Attachment A: Commitment Letter
• Attachment B: Subcontractor Application
• Attachment C: Staff Experience and Expertise
• Attachment D: Financial Management & Administrative Requirements
• Attachment E: Experience Template

Additional Items Requested: In addition to the attachments above, please also submit: your resume and resumes for all staff members listed on Attachment C, and a two-paragraph description of your core competencies and accomplishments (or applying organization’s competencies). If applying as an organization, please also submit a sample of supporting documentation generated by your organization’s Financial Management System* that demonstrates your ability to comply with 2 CFR 200.302 and 2 CFR 200.303.

*Please note: proof of Financial Management System documentation does not apply to individual contractor/sole proprietors.

Organizations applying must be able to comply with the administrative and financial management requirements of the prime award from HUD, including the financial management standards for funds control and accountability, as specified in 2 CFR 200.302 and 2 CFR 200.303. Organizations cannot have existing, pending or expired debarments that preclude them from doing business with the United States government and cannot have convictions for, nor have any pending indictments for, fraud or a criminal offense in connection with a public contract or subcontract. Organizations who receive funding under a sub-recipient subaward must have an active registration on the System for Award Management found at sam.gov.

All application information and forms must be submitted for consideration.

Evaluation:

CSH will evaluate applications and select a valid proposal utilizing the following criteria:

• Demonstrated successful performance of substantially similar work;
• Staff experience and qualifications;
• Rate reasonableness and overall cost of services; and
• Ability to comply with the administrative and financial management requirements of the prime award from HUD.

We will contact you regarding the determination of adding you as a CSH subcontractor. Please note that CSH requires subcontractors, including individuals and sole proprietors, to carry workers’ compensation and commercial general liability insurance while performing work under a CSH subcontract. Worker’s compensation can be provided by CSH for a fee if the applying entity prefers. If requesting coverage from CSH, please state this in your application materials.

If you have any questions, please contact [email protected].

At CSH, we are deeply committed to policies that address the pressing needs of families across the nation. That’s why we are proud to voice our support for the Affordable Housing and Childcare Investment Act introduced by Representative Adam Schiff (D-C.A.) and co-sponsored by Reps. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.), Jimmy Gomez (D-C.A.), Juan Vargas (D-C.A.), and Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-N.J.).

This vital legislation aims to tackle the widespread, affordable housing and childcare center shortage head-on by investing significantly in the HOME Investment Partnerships Program. With annual funding of $1.5 billion for the next five fiscal years, along with an additional $500 million earmarked for constructing or renovating childcare facilities, this bill promises to make a substantial investment in families.

The proposed bill comes at a critical time, as the House appropriations recently proposed a staggering 67 percent cut to HOME funding. Such cuts would hinder an already insufficient pipeline of affordable homes and exacerbate the acute shortage of childcare facilities. By contrast, Rep. Schiff’s bill offers a lifeline, ensuring that families have access to safe and affordable housing and quality childcare services.

HOME is a cornerstone federal grant program that empowers state and local governments to develop affordable housing and support services for low-income households. Through flexible grants, communities can address the unique needs of their residents, bolstering the availability of safe housing and fostering supportive environments that promote well-being.

Families face immense pressures to balance work, finances, and childcare responsibilities in today’s challenging world. Access to affordable housing and quality childcare are not just a privilege for some; they are lifelines that enable families to flourish. When parents can secure homes they can afford, it alleviates financial stress and provides a stable foundation for their children to grow and thrive.

Additionally, reliable childcare allows parents the freedom to keep their jobs, knowing that their children are in nurturing hands. The relationship between affordable housing and quality childcare empowers parents to work and support their families and fosters a sense of security and well-being for the entire family unit. It’s not just about having a roof over one’s head or a place for children to spend their days—it’s about making the American dream a reality where families can truly thrive, both economically and emotionally.

As Deborah De Santis, President and CEO of CSH, stated in a press release from Rep. Adam Schiff, “Families are at the center of every community.” The Affordable Housing and Childcare Investment Act is an opportunity for Congress to stand up and support hardworking families everywhere. From our years of experience, we have witnessed firsthand how supportive housing and critical services like childcare can transform lives, empower individuals, and strengthen communities.

CSH proudly stands alongside other organizations, such as the National Education Association, American Institute of Architects Los Angeles (AIALA), City of Glendale, and LeadingAge, in supporting this crucial legislation. We commend Representative Schiff for his leadership in championing this cause, and we urge Congress to swiftly pass the Affordable Housing and Childcare Investment Act for the betterment of all.

Together, we must invest in the foundations of our society—housing and our families—to build a brighter, more equitable future for every individual and every community.

To read the press release from Rep. Adam Schiff, click here.

To read the full bill text, click here.