Homeless Youth (26-444-80-0711-02) Technical Assistance Questions & Answers and Appendices

Technical Assistance Session:

This technical assistance session will provide participants with an overview of the 26-444-80-0711-02 Homeless Youth (HY) Notice of Funding Opportunity and information on how providers can apply for FY26.

Homeless Youth (HY) Appendices:

Homeless Youth Questions and Answers:

April 22, 2025: 

  1. Question: Can you provide an overview of the primary changes to from the previously released version and this version of the Homeless Youth NOFO:
    Answer:     Equity requirements were removed so as not to jeopardize federal funding applicants may have; Attachments and Appendices have been restructured; Revisions were made to Required application content requirements and associated scoring; and content revisions to required forms to accommodate revisions. Changes were also made to the Applicant eligibility requirements to allow units of local government, public schools, districts and Regional Offices of Education.
  2. Question: Will there be a new TA session for this Homeless Youth NOFO? Will it be different? Should I attend if I attended the earlier one?
    Answer:     Yes there will be a new TA session. Please attend. We will go over the program requirements as well as the requirements of the nofo, including any changes from previously posted NOFOs. Here is link to register: Technical Assistance Registration Homeless Youth Session.
  3. Question: If I already started preparing my application under the previously released version can I still use my same stuff:
    Answer:     No. There have been changes to content requirements and changes made to required forms. While much is the same, you will need to ensure new material and forms are addressed.
  4. Question: Is an Illinois public school district eligible to apply?
    Answer:     Yes. Eligible Applicants are limited to those public and private nonprofit community-based organizations subject to 26 U.S.C. 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) of the tax code (26 U.S.C. 501(c)(3) or 26 U.S.C. 501(c)(4)). In addition to the above non-profit community-based organizations, eligible applicants are inclusive of units of local government, public schools, districts and Regional Offices of Education.
  5. Question: I see the age range stated in the NOFO is 14-23. Currently, we serve youth between 18 and 24. From the way the NOFO is written, it sounds like providers can serve a subset of youth within this age range - so 18-23, etc. However, I wanted to specifically ask, are we ineligible if we serve 24-year-olds? Most of the youth we serve come to us before their 24th birthday, but I wanted to ask just so we don't start working on an application we are not eligible for.
    Answer:     The age range is 14-23. Youth served may not be enrolled on or after they have reached their 24th birthday. Please refer to the NOFO under each program component to see the various requirements/exceptions for termination once the youth turns 24.
  6. Question: We are expanding into the homeless youth space because many of the participants in our programs are experiencing homelessness. That said, we would need to purchase a property and get DCFS qualified. Would we be able to do that through this grant and operate the program? If funded, we would be able to work with DCFS to get approved and operate the program in the time to fulfill the 9-12-month program requirements. As director, I have experience with getting approved by DCFS. And we would offer our current mental, physical, nutritional wellness, life skills, and workforce development programs to the participants from this grant program. Is there a way to get approved (if you like our program design, etc.) and get funded for payment for the new land/building and licensing caveat for offering all 3 program components?
    Answer    : Please refer to the DCFS licensing requirements. For this NOFO you must be able to begin providing services within 90 days. If you are far enough along in the licensing process, a temporary or preliminary license if generally accepted by DCFS to provide services would be acceptable. However, please know that this HY grant may NOT be used for Capital expenditures. The grant may not be used to purchase land or a building. It can be used to rent space or cover depreciation for an owned building.
  7. Question: Is funding and minimum 4 slots per based on a LAN service area or specific geographic area?
    Answer:     No. You must be able to provide the required services and proposed beds/slots for each program component within the service area proposed for your application.
  8. Question: Does Illinois have a statute that deals with runaway and homeless youth?
    Answer:     Yes. The Illinois Juvenile Court Act. 705 ILCS 405/ Juvenile Court Act of 1987.
  9. Question: We have an electronic health record system that creates digital client files which include all required information, including signatures. Are we required to have a hard copy of every client file if it is also tracked electronically?
    Answer:     A confidential record keeping system, which includes a central standardized file on all clients should be developed, maintained and kept in a locked file cabinet. Files on each client shall include the intake/assessment, legal documents, care plan, agreements for care, and case notes reflective of the ongoing care and services to the youth. Maintenance of client confidentiality-both on paper and/or in computer must meet requirements.
  10. Question: Can NOFO be discussed over the phone?
    Answer:     No, please direct your questions to the DHS.YouthServicesInfo@illinois.gov email.
  11. Question: Is there a special code I need to use in order to apply for the Homeless Youth opportunity? If so, how do I access this code?
    Answer    : No code necessary, access the Homeless Youth (26-444-80-0711-02) Notice of Funding Opportunity on the DHS website.
  12. Question: Is it possible for a homeless service/shelter provider to apply for funding to provide outreach, shelter and transitional housing for transition-aged-youth who are 18-24? Or, would applicants need to also serve minors 14-17?
    Answer:     YES It would be acceptable to serve this age group. Please note the IDHS priorities identified in the NOFO. IDHS intends to prioritize programs that are designed to provide Outreach/Outreach Case management and Emergency Shelter/Interim Housing homeless youth services to minor youth (14-17).
  13. Question: Is the 4-bed requirement to mean the applicant programs should have at least 4 beds accessible for youth served and funded by this grant? On the call, the staff noted that if you have less than 4 beds your application would be rejected. Can you explain that expectation?
    Answer:     Yes. Applications will NOT be considered eligible that propose fewer than 4 daily program slots/beds in any of the 3 required components. Applicants will hopefully propose more than 4 in each area, however, the minimum is set at 4 each. Applicants will be held accountable for the number they propose in each area and not the minimum.
  14. Question: I am reaching out because I noticed a change in the FY26 Homeless Youth application submission due date. Within the original NOFO the submission due date was May 7th, but according to the updated NOFO the new submission due date is May 21st.
    Answer:     The Homeless Youth Notice of Funding Opportunity 26-444-80-0711-01 was RESCINDED. A new Homeless Youth Notice of Funding Opportunity was posted.  
  15. Question: How to receive manual CSA entry and invitation code to apply for the Homeless Youth (HY) (26-444-80-0711-02)?
    Answer:     If you are a new IDHS grantee-provider or an existing IDHS grantee-provider, you will need to contact your IDHS division contact person or the IDHS contact person on the posted Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to enter your organization's information in the CSA Tracking System before your registration will be approved. Do not register before contacting your IDHS division contact person to enter your organization's information in the CSA.

April 30, 2025:

  1. Question: I have a building available but I am having trouble receiving funding for start-up. It is an empty school and just waiting for us to get the funding needed to start. We really need help. We have had over 25 children live with us through the years.
    Answer:     Grant funds may not be used for capital expenditures. Funds may be used to fund things needed for the program such as beds, dressers, etc. necessary to house the youth. If you own the building you may charge depreciation to the grant for the portion used for the program. The same would be the case for renovations that would fall into the category of capital expenditures, non-capital expenditures/renovations may be charged to the grant - example certain repairs, paint etc. The grant can be charged for all costs associated with implementing the program.
  2. Question: We currently serve homeless youth ages 18 and up and refer younger individuals to other providers who are appropriately licensed. Would we be eligible?
    Answer:     Yes this would be allowed. Please see the Funding Priorities identified in the NOFO in Section 3.i.C. as we intend to give priority to those that intend to serve minor youth.
  3. Question:  Is a child welfare license required if the agency is only serving youth ages 18-24?
    Answer:      Generally this answer is no.  However, to be certain that question needs to be posed to DCFS Licensing - you will need to explain your plan to serve youth, setting, etc.
  4. Question:  Is there anyway we can get a copy of this PowerPoint slide show?
    Answer:     We are not providing copies of the slides. All information in the slides can be found in the NOFO.
  5. Question:  Just to confirm, is the logic model a required document?
    Answer:      The logic model is for informational purposes. 
  6. Question: The slide stated the subject line for application submissions should be "HY 444-80-0711 Request" but the NOFO says the subject line should be "[Applicant Organization Name] HY 444-80-0711" - Which is correct?
    Answer:     The latter.  Our apologies. Please ensure the subject line is "[Applicant Organization Name] HY 444-80-0711". 
  7. Question: If we were wanting to budget for minor non-capital renovations, should they be included under Construction or Occupancy category?
    Answer:     Occupancy. FYI if selected, we will be able to make any necessary adjustments in the process of approving budgets.
  8. Question: Would the costs of housing participants fall under Occupancy or Grant Exclusive?
    Answer:     It would depend on the cost but for the most part it would be Occupancy.
  9. Question: The slide that reads 4 slots for each area, understood regarding 4 beds for emergency housing, 4 beds for transitional living. How is 4 slots for Outreach defined; the ability to outreach and refer 4 youth to other providers for support?
    Answer:     The 4 slots for outreach is specific to Outreach Case Management (OR-CM). The minimum of 4 would be the equivalent of how many youth you have the capacity to provide case management services to, at any one time. For example, you have one Case Manager, and they can handle a caseload of 15 youth at any one time. Your OR-CM slot number would be 15. You may plan to serve up to 50 kids per year on OR-CM but that is your projection. An OR-CM client would be a kid that meets the definition of homeless but is not currently housed within your facility.  An example would be a youth that has been kicked out of this home but living with a friend.

May 5, 2025:

  1. Question: I have two technical questions regarding the order of attachments for 26-444-80-0711-02. In the "Required Format" section of the NOFO it states in bullet g) The entire application, including attachments, must be sequentially page numbered and compiled in the order specified below.
    Attachment A7 - PDF copy of Applicants FY26 12-Month CSA Budget and Budget Narrative
    The Budget Narrative is already mentioned in bullet 5 of the Program Narrative of this same section, so should this attachment just be a PDF export of the 12-month CSA budget and not the narrative again?
    Attachment A10 - Grantee Conflict of Interest Disclosure
    Should this attachment be included between A9 and P1 of the attachments as its listed in the "Required Format" list, or should it be the last attachment in order submitted based on the "Submission Instructions" section of the NOFO where it reads: Applicants must electronically submit the complete application including all required narratives and attachments in the prescribed order:
    Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance (pdf)
    Program Narrative & Attachments
    Budget (entered into the CSA system as described in Section 4)
    Grantee Conflict of Interest Disclosure.pdf
    Answer:     Yes, this Attachment is a PDF copy of the budget entered in CSA. The Budget Narrative is the final part of the Program Narrative. A PDF copy of the Budget should be included after Agency Licensure as part of the attachments. Grantee Conflict of Interest should be in the order listed, after A9 and before P1. But we will accept the application in either order due to conflicting guidance in the NOFO.

May 6, 2025:

  1. Question: On the Executive Summary document, please clarify if the last line with "Projected total # to be served in FY26" the number of different clients served in a year (when length of stay varies it may be hard to project) or if it is based on the total nights (as reported in the PPRs these past 3 years).
    Answer:     Projected total # to be served in FY26 is not counting beds/slots, that is the prior question. Total Projected # Served will count the actual total number of kids you anticipate serving in each category added together (excluding Outreach Brief Contacts). We are not counting bed nights - that is a usage number we will capture if you are selected for funding. We already know the maximum number of bed nights based on your projected number of beds as we expect each "bed" to be available for 365 days per year.
  2. Question: In the executive summary document it says to, "explain how this documentation  proves your organization meets the minimum 2 years/experience requirement in the  community for which you are proposing to serve under this grant. List and identify the  attached supporting documents (include as Attachment 1). My question is, would this be  listed as "Attachment 1" and included in the submission document before "Attachment A1". I  was just confused where to put it in the application, as it is not listed on the checklist (except  as part of the exec summary document).
    Answer:     The Executive Summary you are quoting is the OLD version. Please ensure you are using the Appendices located here: Homeless Youth (26-444-80-0711-02) Technical Assistance Questions & Answers and Appendices. The Executive Summary is included at the beginning of the program narrative.

May 7, 2025:

  1. Question: The NOFO lists the standard 3 required program areas, however the Executive Summary asks us to respond to 4, separating Outreach and Outreach Case Management, and following that, to sign off on 3 at the end. Can you please describe how it was intended for applicants to frame our responses?
    Answer:     There are 3 major components to the Homeless Youth Program, 1) Outreach/Outreach Case Management; 2) Emergency Shelter/Interim Housing and 3) Transitional Living. The Outreach component is inclusive of both outreach, brief contacts and outreach case management, and it is the outreach case management portion that carries the minimum requirement. The services available to youth in these programs include: housing, food, needed goods, and assistance in obtaining and maintaining available support and services in the community, educational services, basic life skills, employment and/or vocational training. The Executive Summary should explain how your agency plans to provide all 3 components, not 4.
    Secondly, based upon this FAQ exchange, I am uncertain if we providers draft a logic model and submit? Or if the one you all provided as an Appendix is simply a tool you have shared for our info?
    Answer:     As stated in #20, the Logic Model is for informational purposes only.
  2. Question: When completing P2 Program Placement Options - Transitional Living Placements, if choosing Scattered Site in the case when youth will be involved in the selection of the apartment (based on their needs) how should we fill out the "Title" and "Address" boxes?
    Answer:     Give the title of the agency contact and the agency address.

May 14, 2025:

  1. Question: Is the payment of rent for transitional housing an allowable expense. What is not allowed besides capital expenditures.
    Answer:     Yes, rent is an allowable expense for Transitional Living housing. However, this presumes you do not own the building being rented. In which case you would only be able to charge allocable depreciation. IDHS grants are governed by 2 CFR. Part 200, Subpart E-Cost Principles. Principles and 30 ILCS 708 which include information on allowable costs, audit requirements, and financial records. Also, see Section 3.i.H. of NOFO.
  2. Can you please clarify: do we need to include a logic model as a part of our application submission? Yes or no?
    Answer:     No, it is for informational purposes only. As noted in Question #28 and #20.
  3. Question: To have a minimum of 4 ES beds, does that require 4 for ages 14-17 and 4 for 18-23 youth? Or if we offered 3 for minors and 4 for 18+ does that still meet the expectation?
    Answer:     The Homeless Youth program serves youth 14-23 years of age. The Emergency Shelter component of the program does not specify beds by age group. You may propose to serve all or a portion of the age group. If serving minor youth, the agency must have the necessary licenses to offer Emergency Shelter for under 18 youth. Per your question it appears you are proposing 7 beds for Emergency Shelter and that exceeds the minimum of 4 required beds. So yes that would meet the expectation.

May 16, 2025:

  1. Question: I tried to access the GATA budget for 2026 for the application entry. But when I choose 2026, nothing opens. Is that available for entry? Please advise.
    Answer:     If you already have CSA access, go to your profile, click on the GATA Budgets tab and enter the HY NOFO number, then you should be able to enter the budget. Refer to page 7 of the GATA budget manual for specific instructions.
  2. Question: Our school district is not registered in the CSA Tracker, but we are in GATA and SAM, etc. I tried to make an account for an external ID but I cannot. I know the NOFO said we would lose points if we cannot enter the grant budget into the CSA Tracker.
    Answer:     See question #15. When requesting access also include the agencies W9 and the CSA Registration.
  3. Question: Does the entire application with Attachments and narratives need to be sequentially numbered on each document?
    Answer:     Yes, please refer to Section 4. Application Contents and Format, 8. Required Format-g. of the NOFO.