CoC Application

LAST UPDATED: Wednesday, August 1, 2018

Please click the link below to access the CoC Application for the Program Year 2019-2020.
*Both renewals and reallocated projects must complete the application. The application deadline is Monday, July 16, 2018 at 5:00PM.

UPDATE: The CoC has extended the Competition deadline for NEW PROJECT APPLICANTS ONLY. The new application deadline is Wednesday, August 15th by 8:00pm. The instructions for application submission can be accessed below.

Description

MS Balance of State CoC is accepting applications for the 2019-2020 Continuum of Care funding cycle. This funding will renew/fund projects that have end dates in 2018 and continue through 2019.

MS Balance of State CoC will conduct an analysis of its existing projects to determine the extent to which each project addresses the goals of:

• End chronic homelessness
• Ending homelessness among households with children by 2020
• End youth homelessness by 2020
• End veteran homelessness

MS Balance of State CoC may reduce and/or eliminate funds for renewal projects to develop new projects through the reallocation of those funds. Projects that are underperforming, obsolete, or ineffective may be reduced or eliminated. Projects applying for funding are subject to a review that will be conducted which may include surveying community partners and/or site visits.

NEW PROJECTS

New projects can only be:

• New permanent supportive housing projects that will serve 100% chronically homeless families and individuals (Dedicated PLUS)
• New rapid re-housing projects that will serve homeless individuals and families coming directly from the streets or emergency shelters, and includes persons fleeing domestic violence situations and other persons meeting the criteria of paragraph (4) of the definition of homelessness. This includes unaccompanied youth.
• Joint transitional housing (TH) and permanent housing-rapid rehousing (PH-RRH) component projects that will serve homeless individuals and families including those fleeing domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking (see NOFA for further details).
• Dedicated HMIS project (for the HMIS Lead only)
• Supportive Services project to develop or operate a centralized or coordinated assessment system.

CONSIDERATIONS FOR FUNDING

To be considered for funding, applicants must have at least 1 year of data in the MS Balance of State AWARDS HMIS or if providing services to victims of domestic violence, then participation is with non-identifying information in a comparable database. Also, all CoC application submissions must be in conformity to the CoC’s system-wide written program standards (click to view the standards).

BONUS FUNDING

DV FUNDING BONUS: HUD has made funds available through a Domestic Violence bonus for new projects. There is 10% of PPRN available for up to 3 new projects in this grant cycle. This includes funds for rapid re-housing projects and supportive service projects providing coordinated entry and for eligible activities that the Secretary determines are critical in order to assist survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking. The CoC may create up to 3 of the following type of new projects:

• PH-RRH projects,
• Joint TH and PH-RRH component projects,
• or SSO projects for coordinated entry (SSO-CE)

REGULAR BONUS FUNDING: HUD has also made funds available through a bonus for new projects. The CoC is eligible to apply for up to 6 percent of its Final Pro Rata Need (FPRN). The CoC may create one of the following type of new projects:

• PH-PSH;
• PH-RRH;
• Joint TH and PH-RRH;
• HMIS (dedicated) and;
• SSO-CE

TERMS FOR FUNDING

HUD will allow new projects to request funding for terms of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 15 years. Projects requesting leasing may only request up to 3 years. Project-based or sponsor-based rental assistance may request up to a 15-year term. New projects requesting capital costs (new constructions, acquisition, or rehabilitation) will be for 3 or 5 years. New projects must request at Fair Market Rent (FMR) rates. Renewals may request less than the Fair Market Rent Rate.

POLICY PRIORITIES

MS Balance of State CoC will follow HUD’s policy priorities for the FY2018 Program Competition, currently found in the FY2018 NOFA:

1. Ending homelessness for all persons. To end homelessness, CoCs should identify, engage, and effectively serve all persons experiencing homelessness.
2. Creating a systemic response to homelessness. CoCs should be using system performance measures such as the average length of homeless episodes, rates of return to homelessness, and rates of exit to permanent housing destinations to determine how effectively they are serving people experiencing homelessness.
3. Strategically allocating and using resources. Using cost, performance, and outcome data, CoCs should improve how resources are utilized to end homelessness.
4. Use a Housing First approach. Housing First prioritizes rapid placement and stabilization in permanent housing and doe

HUD THRESHOLD REQUIREMENTS

1. Applicant has active System for Award Management (SAM) registration with current information. To register for SAM, see instructions here.
2. Applicant has valid Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Number in application. To apply for a DUNS number, see instructions here.
3. Applicant has no outstanding delinquent Federal debts– it is HUD policy, consistent with the purposes and intent of 31 USC 3720B and 28 USC 3201(e), that applicants with outstanding deliqeunt federal debt will not be eligible to receive an award of funds unless: (a) A negotitated repayment scheduel is established and the repayment schedule is not deliquesnt, or (b) other arrangements satisfactory to HUD are made before the award of funds by HUD.
4. Applicant has no Debarment and/or Suspensions from doing business with the Federal Government.
5. Disclosed any violations of Federal criminal law.
6. Submitted the required certifications as specified in the FY18 Competition NOFA
7. Demonstrated the population to be served meets program eligibility requirements as described in the Act, and project application clearly established eligibility of project applicants. This includes any additional eligibility criteria for certain types of projects contained in  the FY18 Competition NOFA.
8. Agreed to participate in the Continuum of Care’s Homeless Management Information System (HMIS).
9.  (If renewal project application) Met HUD expectations, including: (a) applicant performance met the plans and goals established in the initial application,(b) the applicant demonstrated timeliness standards for grant being renewed and expenditure of grant funds, (c) the applicants performance in assisting program participants to achieve and maintain independence living and records of success
10. Met financial expectations as set forth by HUD including (a) Registering for the electronic Line of Credit Control System (eLOCCS – see registration instruction here) (b) Having Accounting Software (c) Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) (c) Annual A-133 audits (d) and other requirements as set forth by HUD
11. Demonstrate Project is Consistent with Jurisdictional Consolidated Plan(s). The Balance of State CoC’s coverage area be viewed here: https://msbos.org/coverage-area/ 

INSTRUCTIONS

All new project applications must be completed in e-snaps, the electronic grants management system used by HUD’s Office of Special Needs Assistance Programs (SNAPS). If you are new to the system, click the links below to access and register for e-snaps.

• e-snaps – Homepage
• If you do not have an e-snaps user account, select “Create a Profile” from the e-snaps log-in page.

A separate application must be completed for each project submission, with the following attachments:

• Most recent APR (if applicable)
• Most recent A-133 Audit or certified Financial Statements
• Copy of 501© (3) documentation
• Copy of BoS Membership Certificate indicating HMIS compliance (apply here)
• Copy of Agency Code of Conduct

Applications can be:

• **New & Preferred: submitted online via the CoC FY18 Project Application Submission
• mailed to MS Balance of State, ATTN: CoC Coordinator, P.O. Box 24147, Jackson, MS 39225
• hand delivered to MUTEH, 201 West Capitol Street, Suite 800, Jackson, MS 39201
• faxed to (866) 551-0916
• e-mailed to the CoC Coordinator rglenn@msbos.org

NOTE: This application is to only ensure that projects meet the minimal threshold requirements of the CoC. If the application meets the minimal requirement the applicant will be given permission to enter their application in Esnaps for rating and review. Applicant agencies must enter their accepted project in the e-snaps electronic grants management system prior to being ranked for funding. Applicants will receive written notice that their project has been accepted and will be ranked as part of the CoC Consolidated Application, or that their application has been denied and the reason for denial.

Support Documents

• CoC Written Program Standards (rev. 6-2017)
• Continuum of Care Interim Rule , Federal Register Vol. 77, No. 147, 24 CFR Part 578 (Published July 31, 2012)
• FY 2018 CoC Program NOFA
• FY 2018 CoC Competition NOFA: What’s New, Changes, and Highlights
• FY2018 CoC Competition Process
• CoC Application Appeals Process
• e-snaps – Homepage
• How to Register for System for Award Management (SAM)
• Applying for a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Number
• Electronic Line of Credit Control System (eLOCCS) Registration Guide

NOW AVAILABLE!:  Download 2018-2019 CoC Project Application [Editable Word Document]

Note: This document has editable fields which can filled and printed. Make sure to fill all information needed before printing a final copy. Document works best in Microsoft Word on a Windows©-based device, but is also compatible with Apple devices.