Questions & Answers - Supportive Housing Program (26-444-80-0658-02)

Questions & Answers - Supportive Housing Program 26-444-80-0658-02

Virtual TA Session

Questions & Answers

4/9/2025

  1. Question: I am a current provider. Can my contract be renewed without a full application?
    • Answer: A new application is required for this FY26 NOFO. There were two annual renewals under the FY23 NOFO, one each in FY24 and FY25. No additional renewals are allowed.
  2. Question: Can you explain this statement in the Renewal section? "Applications for renewal or supplementation of existing projects are/are not eligible to compete with applications for new State awards."
    • Answer: This typo has been corrected to read: "Applications for renewal or supplementation of existing projects are eligible to compete with applications for new State awards."
  3. Question: Are we still entering a Funding Plan in the Illinois Homeless Portal or are we to submit separate narrative content and attachments?
    • Answer: To be considered for award, every applicant must submit a complete Application as described in the NOFO and Attachment A - Program Application.
  4. Question: When are Funding Plans due for FY 26 for the Supportive Housing Program?
    • Answer: Successful applicants will complete an Annual Funding Plan as part of the grant obligation process.
  5. Question: Is this a new program?
    • Answer: The Supportive Housing Program was established in 2009 through 305 ILCS 5/12-4.5.
  6. Question: Are applicants required to partner with a public housing authority?
    • Answer: Partnering with a public housing authority is not required.
  7. Question: Is registration required for the 4/2 TA Session?
    • Answer: Registration is not required.
  8. Question: Can you tell me how much I should budget for? The same amount as currently approved?
    • Answer: The NOFO indicates a grant range from $20,000 to $1,500,000. Budgeting is part of program design; it will be unique to and determined by each applicant.
  9. Question: Is this only available to already existing PSH and Transitional housing programs that are currently housing residents?
    • Answer: Applicants must provide at least one permanent or transitional supportive housing option to couple with the proposed supportive services during the grant term. Units identified for the program that will not be occupied at the start of FY26 (7/1/25) must meet the eligibility requirements described in the NOFO at Sec. 6(i)(B)(8).
  10. Question: If our agency does not have a current permanent or transitional housing program, are we eligible to apply for rental assistance funding for clients who are already housed but are at risk of homelessness or for clients who have secured community housing but need rental assistance?
    • Answer: No, as payments on behalf of a client are ineligible under SHP (Sec. 3(G)(1)). Paying tenant rent (rental assistance) and utilities are two examples of payments that might be made on behalf of a client. While not eligible under SHP, applicants often leverage other programs targeted to assisting tenants with rent and utilities.
  11. Question: Can you confirm that "community based housing" includes scattered site units located throughout the city?
    • Answer: Scattered site units are eligible.
  12. Question: Should the "authorization" be on its page or include in budget narrative (of attachment A)?
    • Answer: The "Authorization" is separate from the Budget Narrative of Attachment A.
  13. Question: For program narratives with page limits - is there a required font/text size?
    • Answer: No text size or specific font is mandated. Reviewers should be able to read the text without magnification. The Dept. recommends nothing smaller than a size 10 text. Each applicant is allowed one additional page for content that cannot fit within the noted page limitations.
  14. Question: Current Fire Safety Inspection - would this be for our office space?
    • Answer: All units identified for the program must meet local health and safety code requirements. Compliance with this requirement is met by submitting the current fire safety inspection for all units.
  15. Question: What is the definition of Transitional Facility?
    • Answer: Two of the three mentions in the NOFO refer to transitional facilities. This is to clarify that "Transitional Facilities" and "Transitional Housing" have the same definition for purposes of this NOFO: "Transitional Housing (TH) provides temporary housing with supportive services to individuals and families experiencing homelessness with the goal of interim stability and support to successfully move to and maintain permanent housing. TH projects can cover housing costs and accompanying supportive services for program participants for up to 24 months. Participants in a TH project must have a signed lease, sublease, or occupancy agreement with the following requirements: an initial term of at least one month; automatically renewable upon expiration, except by prior notice by either party; and a maximum term of 24 months. NOTE: Rental assistance is not an eligible activity under the Supportive Housing Program, so that portion of "housing costs" would need to be leveraged from another source."
  16. Question: The GA posted on the website has an incorrect Funding Opportunity Number. Should we submit this?
    • Answer: The error is being corrected and an updated version will be posted as soon as available.

4/11/25

  1. Question: I am writing to find out if Partnership Agreements/MOUS are required for this application.
    • Answer: The Attachment A checklist includes "9. Partnership Agreements/MOUs with partner organizations" as a required submission. The intent of this requirement is to document collaboration described in the application. Submission of an executed MOU is a best practice, but any written instrument indicating the activities to be undertaken by the partnering agency for the grant, signed by an authorized signatory of that agency, will suffice for the application. A more formal document meeting all the NOFO criteria will be required for successful applicants and monitored as a required deliverable per NOFO Section 3(i)(E)(1)(h).
  2. Question: Are we required to upload something under "Attachment A - 4.A supplemental application data"? If so, what types of documents can be used to satisfy this requirement?
    • Answer: That's the form that comes right after the checklist. Attachment A has been updated to indicate "A. APPLICANT AND PROJECT DETAILS (SUPPLEMENTAL APPLICANT DATA). Request an updated Attachment A in Word from Charlotte.d.flickinger@illinois.gov
  3. Question: Are clients who are at-risk of homelessness, with or without chronic disabilities, who are residing in their own homes (or doubling up) eligible to participate, or is eligibility limited to residents of Permanent Supportive Housing or Transitional Housing units?
    • Answer: The requirements for participant eligibility stated in the NOFO provide that people with zero to low income residing in permanent housing who are formerly homeless, at risk of becoming homeless, and/or have chronic disabilities. People who reside in transitional facilities are also eligible (NOFO Section 3(i)(H)). Housing types can include dedicated Transitional Housing, Supportive Housing, and all other types of community-based permanent housing that meet required quality standards and provide tenants with optional supportive services. (NOFO Section 1(H)).
  4. Question: If clients reside in PSH units not owned or connected to the applicant; but they receive support services at JOURNEYS, are they eligible?
    • Answer: Eligible nonprofits, CBOs, and local governments are not required to own or have a direct connection with the units. Applicant control of the units is only required where the applicant selects eligibility through developing permanent supportive housing with the LIHTC or PSH programs offered by the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA).
  5. Question: Are participant landlords considered partners for purposes of submitting Attachment A Checklist Item 9: Partnership Agreements/MOUs with partner organizations?
    • Answer: No, agreement with the owner of the permanent housing unit is only required where the applicant is eligible via development of a supportive housing project funded by IHDA
  6. Question: Would you expand on the expectations for Attachment A Question C(2): "Equity-focused Culture (up to 8 points). Describe how the organization has and continues to build its capacity to operate with a racial/cultural equity lens. Provide examples of employing equity principals into outreach and engagement, programming, and creating or updating equity-driven policies. Supporting documentation may include current relevant policies, training, documentation of prior outcomes, and other information the applicant deems relevant."
    • Answer: DHS is working to counteract systemic racism and inequity, and to prioritize and maximize diversity throughout its service provision process. This work involves addressing existing institutionalized inequities, aiming to create transformation, and operationalizing equity and racial justice. It also focuses on the creation of a culture of inclusivity for all regardless of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, or ability. The purpose of this question is to promote use of an equity lens - to be deliberately inclusive as an organization makes decisions impacting others - by employing equity principals in program design. Generally, the principles of equity value (1) Centering Lived Experiences: Acknowledging and valuing the experiences of the target population, especially those most affected by the program; (2) Building Community Capacity: Engaging community members in the design and implementation of the program, fostering a sense of ownership and accountability; (3) Mitigating Bias: Recognizing and addressing personal and systemic biases that can impact program design and implementation; (4) Equity-Mindedness: Adopting an equity-minded approach to language and action, ensuring that the program is designed to accommodate differences and address inequities; (5) Humility and Continuous Learning: Approaching the design process with humility and a commitment to continuous learning and improvement; (6) Designing with Diverse Co-creators: Including diverse voices and perspectives in the design process to ensure that the program is relevant and responsive to the needs of the target population; (7) Clarity in Language, Goals, and Measures: Using clear and accessible language, defining specific goals, and using appropriate measures to assess the program's impact; and (8) Continual Learning and Data Analysis: Regularly evaluating the program, analyzing data, and using findings to refine the design and implementation. (Sources:Using an Equity Lens; Nonprofit Advancement; Leadership Center for Attorney General Studies; Illinois Worknet Equity Lens Guide; Oregon Equity Lens Guide)
  7. Question: My organization owns several permanent supportive housing programs. Do we need to submit a separate Attachment A for each program?
    • Answer: Yes, a full application with all required components, as set forth in NOFO Section 9(i)(A)1-4, is required for every program for which supportive services funding is being requested.
  8. Question: How does an organization obtain access to the budget (CSA) portal if they don't have an existing account?
    • Answer: Complete the FY 26 SHP Uniform Grant Application and email it to charlotte.d.flickinger@illinois.gov to obtain initial access to the CSA/budget portal.
  9. Question: Does this program grant shelter operate or shelter staff salaries?
    • Answer: Emergency shelters do not qualify for this program; however, if the type of housing is either transitional or permanent, program (case worker) and administrative staff salaries and fringe are eligible costs.
  10. Question: What client costs are covered under this program and, if rental assistance is not allowed, how can we obtain that?
    • Answer: Eligible services are those needed to help the client obtain or retain permanent housing and move toward self-sufficiency. Ineligible costs include any payment on behalf of a client, such as rent or utilities. Leveraging another source is typically how applicants obtain rental assistance for their clients.
  11. Question: Funding Match Documentation. Is completing the chart in the Application Checklist sufficient or is Attachment A - Checklist Item #14 looking for copies of our match (i.e., grant agreements)?
    • Answer: The expectation is that applicants will provide support for the information inserted into the MATCH INFORMATION chart in Attachment A. A grant agreement would be appropriate documentation of a commitment to provide match.
  12. Question: Board list - should we put our attached board list between "Applicant Data" and Narratives" or at the very end of our application packet under optional attachments?
    • Answer: Our preference is for applicants to place the supplement (attached board list) in the body of the application between "Applicant Data" and "Narratives."
  13. Question: Capacity/Agency Qualifications - Confirming the page maximum is 3 pages since it seems like a lot of questions for 3 pages (4 questions total = less than one page per question)?
    • Answer: Yes, three pages is the limit. It may be helpful to note that supporting attachments for each question will not count toward this total and there is one optional bonus page that may be used if necessary narrative will not fit.
  14. Question: The Capacity/Agency Qualifications point total is 30 points but the copy of the interactive application (Attachment A) totals 32 points. What are the points for each question in this section?
    • Answer: The correct point total for this category is 30 points and each questions may achieve up to the points noted here for each: 1. Operational Capacity (8 points); Equity-based Culture (8 points); Staff Expertise (8 points; Performance - Data Mgmt (3 points); and Performance - General (3 points). A copy of the updated application is available in an editable Word document from charlotte.d.flickinger@illinois.gov .
  15. Question: We have a question regarding one of the program areas of the application (Community Identification/ Description - Section 2b). The application asks to "describe the extent to which target populations present in the proposed service area are overrepresented in the overall homeless population, including people of color and LGBTQ+, youth experiencing homelessness, and others to be served." Considering the current administration's Executive Order will this question be omitted or modified in any way?
    • Answer: This question will not be modified or omitted. Supportive Housing Program funds are not impacted by federal executive orders as all revenue appropriated to this program is state-sourced.
  17. Question: The above-linked page contains two different versions of the Uniform Application. Just to confirm, should applicants use this version of the file, even though it contains an outdated funding opportunity number?
    • Answer: The error on this form has been corrected.
  18. Question: Is completion of the Programmatic Risk Assessment required upon submission?
    • Answer: The Programmatic Risk Assessment is not required at application. We will perform that as part of the obligation process.
  19. Question: Is this only available to already existing PSH and Transitional housing programs that are currently housing residents?
    • Answer: Applicants must provide at least one permanent or transitional supportive housing option to couple with the proposed supportive services during the grant term. Units identified for the program that will not be occupied at the start of FY26 (7/1/25) must meet the eligibility requirements described in the NOFO at Sec. 6(i)(B)(8).
  20. Question: We have 5 separate projects we are applying for. Does this mean that each project gets its own submission package/application with its own budget, uniform grant assistance form, Attachment A, COI, etc? Or is it one budget but separate Attachment As?
    • Answer: Applicants should submit a complete application for each project for which they are requesting funding, including the budget. Attachment A contemplates a single project and though much of the information will be duplicative, a separate, complete application (UGA, Conflict, CSA Budget, Attachment A) is required for each.
  21. Question: Does this grant shelter operating or shelter staff salaries?
    • Answer: An emergency shelter would not qualify for this program; however, if the type of housing is either transitional or permanent, program (case worker) and administrative staff salaries and fringe are eligible costs.
  22. Question: Can cover transitional housing costs for our clients? If we can't pay rental assistance, then how can we do that? Entirely through other funding sources? So, basically, this grant just pays for supportive services?
    • Answer: You can cover all costs for services but any payment on behalf of a client, such as rent or utilities, is not eligible. These would be found from another source, as you state.
  23. Question: Current Fire Safety Inspection - what are we required to inspect - office and all units?
    • Answer: The applicant should submit a copy of the fire inspection certificate for the location where services are primarily provided. All units identified for the program must meet local health and safety code requirements. Compliance with this requirement will be monitored during the term of the grant.
  24. Question: Are we required to upload something under "Attachment A - 4.A supplemental application data"? If so, what types of documents can be used to satisfy this requirement?

04/23/25

  1. Question: Are indirect costs allowed and, if so, will the 15% de minimus federal rate be applied to FY26 grants?
    • Answer: Yes, indirect costs are allowed, and the Department will allow 15% de minimus rate for FY26. If the CSA budget does not yet provide for the recent increase from 10% to 15%, the applicant should manually adjust the calculation.
  2. Question: Will you articulate the difference between charging indirect expenses vs. direct admin on IDHS contracts?
    • Answer: IDHS guidance that includes the definition of indirect and administrative costs is found here: IDHS: Indirect Costs. Generally, the Department follows federal requirements for administrative and indirect costs found at 2 CFR 200. The IDHS linked guidance references 2 CFR 200.414 and other portions of 2 CFR 200 relating to administrative and indirect costs.
  3. Question: On the Funding Application Checklist, there are two (2) number 10s - one is labeled "Eligibility Documentation", the other is labeled "Resumes of Key Staff." Is this a typo? How should I number the attachments?
    • Answer: There are two checklist items numbered "10," which is an unfortunate typographical error. Though not required, it would be helpful to distinguish these two items in the submission by using a subset of "10" for "Resumes of Key Staff," such as "10a."
  4. Question: Can a grant under the Scattered Site Permanent Supportive Housing Program be used to fulfil the match requirement?
    • Answer: Matching with State grants is allowable; however, the grant funds used for match must be associated with eligible SHP program costs, as shown in this very basic illustration: $100K Grant = $75K IDHS SHP Funds for allowable expenses + $25K other IDHS or public/private funding supporting different services and expenses allowable under the SHP program.
  5. Question: For the Resumes of Key Staff and/or Job Descriptions attachment, some of the positions are currently vacant. Can we provide the job descriptions for all of these positions, or should we include the resumes for the current staff and job descriptions for vacant positions?
    • Answer: Job descriptions must be submitted for vacant positions and resumes must be submitted to for filled positions, but the best practice would be to provide job descriptions for all positions in the program workflow and resumes for exiting staff in those positions.
  6. Question: For the Workflow/Org Chart, are you looking for the Agency Org Chart or Program Org Chart?
    • Answer: The agency organizational chart is required, and the program organizational chart could be beneficial to show the workflow, but is not required.
  7. Question: Are Partnership Agreements/MOUS are required for this application?
    • Answer: The Attachment A checklist includes "9. Partnership Agreements/MOUs with partner organizations" as a required submission. The intent of this requirement is to document collaboration described in the application. As such, a written agreement and/or an MOU are required for all partners identified in the application. Submission of an executed MOU would be a best practice, but any written instrument indicating the activities to be undertaken by the partnering agency for the grant, signed by an authorized signatory of that agency, will suffice for the application. A more formal document meeting all the NOFO criteria will be required for successful applicants and monitored as a required deliverable per NOFO Section 3(i)(E)(1)(h): All Recipients will have a written agreement or Memorandum of Understanding with all partners, including referrals to other social service agencies. The agreement or memorandum must include: a description of the type(s) of service to be provided; a description detailing how referrals will be handled by each entity; and a description of any follow-up actions.
  8. Question: Is rental assistance funding through public housing authority-issued project-based vouchers and Section 811 that support a number of SHP program units eligible for match?
    • Answer: Yes, funds committed to SHP units for rental assistance are eligible match with appropriate documentation.
  9. Question: Do tenant contributions toward rent qualify as match?
    • Answer: No, tenant contributions toward rent do not qualify for match under the SHP program.
  10. Question: Would a DHS - Substance Use and Recovery (SUPR) licensed Recovery Home qualify as transitional housing for this NOFO? Residents pay rent and recovery homes are not considered a level of care.
    • Answer: While a recovery home is not the standard/preferred model of permanent supportive housing, it can be eligible so long as it is not a congregate shelter but has individual bedrooms, meets quality standards, and will provide the requisite supportive services.
  11. Question: The FY26 budget includes both the traditionally utilized "Supportive Housing" category and a new option for "Emergency Transitional Housing." Would a Transitional Housing program complete the "Emergency Transitional Housing" category?
    • Answer: No, Transitional Housing applicants to the Supportive Housing Program should complete the "Supportive Housing" category. The other category is reserved for other programs.
  12. Question: The NOFO states the order of the four major application components, which differs from the order provided in the Attachment A checklist document. Which order is preferred?
    • Answer: The application forms should be submitted in the order on the checklist found in the Program Application (Attachment A), but the Department will accept either order.
  13. Question: Where should I send the completed application?
  14. Question: My program has scattered sites, including two apartment buildings and individual units in multiple buildings. Can this be submitted as one project?
    • Answer: A program may contain multiple sites. A program must: (a) share a Geographic Service Area as described in Attachment A; (b) be identical as to project type (Permanent Supportive or Transitional Housing); (c) serve the same Target Population, and (d) not exceed the maximum award amount. Within these limitations, the size and scope of the Program are determined by each applicant and should be fully described as required by the NOFO and Attachment A.
  15. Question: Do we submit the application as one pdf or separate attachments per the checklist?
    • Answer: Ideally, applicants will submit one .pdf containing all the required and supplemental information, but the Department understands technological limitations may preclude this, so will accept applications consisting of multiple documents.
  16. Question: Are attachments included in the page limitations?
    • Answer: No, attachments and supporting documents do not count toward the page maximum.
  17. Question: DEI is against federal policies, but we still plan to incorporate a "belonging" staff training. Is this allowable?
    • Answer: SHP is funded by the State of Illinois and not subject to federal DEI policies. The NOFO, as well as Attachment A - Program Application, provide incentive for applicants to embrace an Equity-focused Culture.
  18. Question: What training should be provided to show an Equity-Focused culture? Do we need to distribute flyers for this training?
    • Answer: Staff training is one example of the way organizations promote an equity-focused culture, but it is not required. See Questions 32, which also generally addresses how organizations might infuse an equity focus into their culture.
  19. Question: For Attachment A - Checklist Item 10. Eligibility Documentation, do applicants need to submit documentation of all three eligibility types?
    • Answer: No, an applicant need only submit documentation of eligibility under one of the listed categories: (a) Not-for-Profit or Community-based Organization; (b) Governmental Unit; or (c) Project Site(s) Owner.
  20. Question: Is the purchase of a generator needed to help Participants with mobility and chronic medical issues in the event of power failure an allowable cost?
    • Answer: The Department follows 2 CFR 200 and will review all proposed expenditures to determine if they meet requirements for the purchase of equipment under that regulation. As detailed in IDHS Allowable Costs Presentation, all costs must be necessary and reasonable based on the activities contained in the approved budget; costs must be allocable to the project; costs must be justified and explained in the budget narrative; and costs must be adequately documented. The Department will make eligibility determinations on a case-by-case basis as part of the Merit Review process and notify successful applicants of the decision as part of the grant obligation process.

4/24/2025

  1. Question: Can I submit the application in separate emails if the server will not accept one email due to its size?
    • Answer: Yes. Please mark the submission 1 of X, 2 of X, etc. to promote efficient recombination.
  2. Question: Will you create a new user to enable first-time access to the CSA system so my organization can complete the budget?
  3. Question: Will HUD rental assistance payments to SHP units count toward the cash requirement in the match criteria (that half of the 25% match be cash)?
    • Answer: Yes.