EOHHS Opens Application for $2.25M in Grants to Support Homelessness Prevention Initiatives

Published on Tuesday, September 17, 2024

Grants are funded by Opioid Settlement Funds and Medicaid’s Home and Community Based Services 

Cranston, RI—The Rhode Island Executive Office of Health and Human Services is announcing today the opening of applications for $2.25 million in grants to support homelessness prevention initiatives. This initiative has been aligned with efforts from the Department of Housing to ensure a comprehensive and robust approach to homelessness prevention. 

“Housing is a pathway to better health outcomes, good-paying jobs, generational wealth and a stronger economy for our state,” said Governor Dan McKee. “This grant offering will help us get more Rhode Islanders on that pathway and continues our administration's commitment to addressing the housing crisis in Rhode Island.”   

The following organizations are invited to apply for this grant offering:   

• Medical, behavioral health, and community-based organizations including community mental health clinics, federally qualified health clinics, hospitals, substance use treatment centers, and other healthcare providers—such as home stabilization services providers.  These organizations should have experience and expertise in addressing an Opioid Use Disorder or Substance Use Disorder (OUD/SUD) and related health conditions.   

• Housing policy organizations that work towards promoting affordable housing, developing housing strategies, and implementing homelessness prevention initiatives.  These organizations should have a demonstrated understanding of the intersection between housing instability and OUD/SUD.   

• Harm reduction organizations that focus on harm reduction strategies and services, including but not limited to syringe exchange programs, naloxone distribution, overdose prevention, and overdose prevention centers. These organizations should have expertise in harm reduction interventions related to OUD/SUD populations.     

• Health Equity Zone partners, community-based organizations, and coalitions that aim to reduce health disparities and improve access to care for underserved populations.  These organizations should have a track record of working with OUD/SUD populations and/or addressing health inequities.     

• Current and past Consolidated Homeless Fund (CHF) applicants—such as homeless service providers and shelter operators—who have previously applied for and received funding from the CHF or other relevant funding sources for homelessness response or prevention. Applicants should demonstrate their experience and success in implementing effective programs or interventions for individuals with OUD/SUD and housing instability.   

• Criminal justice-serving organizations that provide services to individuals involved in the criminal justice system, such as re-entry programs, diversion programs, or alternatives to incarceration. These organizations should have a demonstrated understanding of the unique challenges faced by individuals with OUD/SUD who are transitioning from correctional facilities.     

• Other non-profit organizations, especially those led by individuals with lived experience of OUD/SUD and/or who represent minority communities. These organizations should have a focus on addressing health disparities and providing culturally competent services to diverse populations affected by OUD/SUD and homelessness.   

“Safe and reliable housing is foundational to Rhode Islanders seeking to lead healthy lives,” said EOHHS Secretary Richard Charest. “We are lucky that Rhode Island has many organizations and experts—at the state, local, and community level—that are working together to address the needs of individuals and families experiencing homelessness each and every day. This grant offering underlines that we cannot solve this problem alone and must seek collaborative opportunities to ensure all Rhode Islanders have the opportunity to live healthy and fulfilling lives.” 

This grant program aims to fund multiple activities over multiple years, enhancing but not duplicating the Department of Housing’s Consolidated Homeless Fund (CHF) solicitations.  Key activities include:  

• Statewide Mitigation Fund for Priority Populations 

• Landlord Incentives for Housing Priority Populations 

• Subsidies for Individuals or Families with OUD/SUD 

• Housing First Policy and Technical Assistance 

• Harm Reduction Model Implementation for Shelters and Providers 

• Supportive Services Partnership Incentives 

• Warming Station and Emergency Shelter Supportive Services 

• Interagency Partner Convening and Case Conferencing 

• Infectious Disease Supports 

• Night Outreach 

• Housing First Trainings 

• Recovery House Accessibility Fund 

• Recovery House Startup Assistance Fund and Incentives 

• Equity Supports 

• Housing is Healthcare Coordination 

• Supportive Services Toolkit Development 

• Quality Improvement 

“At EOHHS, we understand that people experiencing homelessness often also face factors like unemployment, substance use disorder, or behavioral health issues that compound their situation,” said EOHHS Assistant Secretary Ana Novais. “Not only do those factors further impact their health, they can also exacerbate feelings of hopelessness or confusion. That’s why a critical component of this grant offering is to bolster community organizations providing wraparound services that help individuals and families experiencing housing insecurity or homelessness address both their physical and mental health needs.” 

“Housing is the cornerstone of a healthy life and a strong community," said Interim Secretary of Housing Dan Connors. “To effectively address homelessness prevention, the housing shortage, and substance use disorders, we need everyone—state agencies, local groups, and community organizations—working together. This $2.25 million grant initiative is exactly the type of whole-of-government approach we need, showing that when multiple agencies come together, we can do more to create sustainable solutions that ensure every Rhode Islander can find a safe, affordable, and stable place to call home.” 

Quarterly reviews of applications will occur on a rolling basis.  Organizations can submit at any time, however applications submitted during the timeline outlined below will be prioritized due to funding deadlines.   

Organizations interested in applying should identify which activities they are interested in implementing and submit a comprehensive application addressing the threshold evaluation and technical criteria. Applicants will be updated regarding their application status throughout the process.  

To learn more and download an application, please visit https://eohhs.ri.gov/Homelessness-Grant-24.