Non-congregate shelter development program (NCS)

The City of Bridgeport, Connecticut Housing and Community Development Department is soliciting requests for funding proposals to develop non-congregate shelters through acquisition, rehabilitation, or new construction, with proposals due September 30, 2026. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofit entities with a principal place of business in Bridgeport and a minimum of five years of experience providing homelessness services or managing year-round shelters and permanent supportive housing between 2019 and 2024.

Non-congregate shelter is defined as emergency temporary housing providing private rooms or units with private bathrooms and shared kitchen facilities where occupants are not required to sign leases or pay occupancy fees. All units must include four walls, a lockable private door, a private bathroom with shower or tub, and smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Development teams must establish partnerships with the Continuum of Care, local planning bodies, or other homeless service providers and secure additional leveraging funds, as HOME-ARP dollars cannot be the sole funding source. Qualifying populations include individuals and families experiencing homelessness, those at risk of homelessness, victims fleeing domestic violence or human trafficking, and unaccompanied youth under 25. Projects must include detailed operational plans for supportive services through other funding streams, as operations and services are not eligible HOME-ARP expenses.

The City of Bridgeport received a $4,671,199 American Rescue Plan allocation, with $2,250,000 designated specifically for non-congregate shelter acquisition and development. Funding is provided as a cost-reimbursement grant with a two-year spending requirement from the effective grant date. Minimum use periods range from three to ten years depending on project type, with restricted use periods of ten to fifteen years.

A Preliminary Project Assessment (PPA) submission is due July 30, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. EST, with an informational webinar scheduled for July 8, 2026. PPA outcomes will be announced September 15, 2026, with approved or conditionally approved applicants invited to submit full applications. Applicants must submit the PPA form, IRS 501(c)(3) certification, Continuum of Care membership documentation, memoranda of understanding, site aerial photos, project schedule, and sources and uses budget to Ann.Binkley@Bridgeportct.com.