The Department of Housing and Urban Development has launched a Continuum of Care funding competition for fiscal year 2025, introducing what officials described as “the most significant policy reforms in the program’s history.” [Becker's Behavioral Health]

The policy shift redirects support for permanent housing toward transitional housing, moving most funding into a nationally competitive pool and elevating faith-based and treatment-centered solutions, according to a news release from the department.

Earlier this year, President Donald Trump declared a crime emergency in Washington, D.C., mobilized federal forces and worked to remove homeless encampments — moves that build on an executive order linking homelessness to mental illness, substance use and public safety.

Here are three things to know:
1) The HUD is offering $3.9 billion in competitive grants through the fiscal year 2025 Continuum of Care Competition Notice of Funding Opportunity.

2) HUD Secretary Scott Turner announced the funding with support from HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., and Paula White, senior advisor to the White House Faith Office.

3) The department will now require 70% of projects to compete for funding, ending automatic renewals for most programs.

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