Supportive Housing Pool Fund

The Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) has issued a Request for Information (RFI) for the Supportive Housing Pool Fund (SHPF), a new flexible funding mechanism created through the Affordable Homes Act to advance supportive housing statewide. The procurement seeks comprehensive stakeholder feedback on implementing a critical funding pool designed to provide financial and service support for permanent supportive housing projects targeting vulnerable populations, including chronically homeless individuals, people with behavioral health or substance addiction needs, survivors of domestic violence, foster care transitions, youth, seniors, and veterans. Respondents must complete the SHPF RFI Response Form by February 21, 2025, at 4:00 PM through COMMBUYS (Bid #BD-25-1076-OCDDE-OCD01-112361), providing detailed insights on organizational capabilities, existing funding sources, development processes, and potential implementation strategies. The RFI requires organizations to address key evaluation areas such as population prioritization, funding request timing, demonstration of exhausted existing funding sources, and opportunities for incorporating non-governmental funding from philanthropic and healthcare entities. Specific deliverables include comprehensive information about operating costs, supportive service funding, MassHealth billing practices, and barriers to developing supportive housing projects.

The SHPF appears open to various organizational types, with potential administration through agencies like the Community Economic Development Assistance Corporation, Massachusetts Housing Partnership Fund, or Massachusetts Housing Finance Agency. The fund will be financed through diverse sources including legislative appropriations, gifts, grants, private contributions, loan repayments, fees, and investment income, suggesting a broad approach to funding eligibility. While specific set-aside designations are not explicitly detailed, the comprehensive nature of the fund implies potential opportunities for multiple organizational types, including non-profits, housing developers, and service providers. The Affordable Homes Act underlying this initiative provides $5.16 billion in spending over five years, with the SHPF representing a significant component of Massachusetts' housing strategy. Financial assistance will be provided through grants, loans, or other support mechanisms, with a focus on projects offering stable housing and comprehensive supportive services including staffing, case management, service coordination, and tenancy-related services. The budget template indicates potential funding ranges across state, federal, local, and private sources, though specific award values are not predetermined in the RFI documentation.