Federal Grant Award Summary

Connections For The Homeless received a $662,977 Project Grant award from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Assistant Secretary for Community Planning and Development, under the Continuum of Care (CoC) Program (CFDA 14.267) for the period May 1, 2026 through April 30, 2027. The funding supports the organization's comprehensive homelessness services delivery in suburban Cook County, Illinois, including operation of an 80-bed non-congregate 24/7 shelter with supportive services, daytime drop-in centers at two Evanston locations providing case management and basic necessities, and street outreach conducted by a dedicated engagement team. The award enables continuation of the organization's core service components designed to provide emergency shelter, street outreach, homelessness prevention, rapid rehousing, and case management to individuals and families experiencing homelessness.

The CoC Program funds support eligible activities across multiple service components including permanent supportive housing, rapid rehousing, transitional housing, supportive services, and Homeless Management Information Systems (HMIS). Connections For The Homeless leverages its full-time nurse and behavioral health specialist staff to deliver comprehensive support while coordinating services with regional partners including the Alliance To End Homelessness, the City of Evanston, Cook County, and the Illinois Department of Human Services. The organization's service model specifically targets vulnerable populations including youth ages 24 and younger, veterans, and families with children, aligning with the CoC Program's broader objective of minimizing trauma and dislocation while promoting self-sufficiency among persons experiencing homelessness.