Continuum of Care

HISTORY OF CONTINUUM OF CARE (CoC) - Since 1994, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has been encouraging communities to address the problems of housing and homelessness in a coordinated, comprehensive, and strategic fashion. This concept is designed to help communities develop the capacity to envision, organize, and plan comprehensive and long-term solutions to addressing the problem of homelessness.

WHAT DOES "CONTINUUM OF CARE" MEAN?
Continuum of care is a HUD term that:

Refers to a system of providing services to the homeless. The "continuum" of services includes outreach and assessment, supportive services, emergency shelter, transitional housing, permanent supportive housing, permanent affordable housing, and community education and advocacy.
Is a community plan to organize the deliver housing and supportive services to meet the specific needs of people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless as they move to stable housing and maximum self-sufficiency. Action steps to end homelessness and prevent a return to homelessness are identified.
Supports competition for HUD Homeless Assistance grants. North Dakota has one Continuum of Care process that is done yearly. The cycle culminates in a funding request submitted to HUD for locally determined projects that address the causes and needs of the homeless.

HOW DOES A CONTINUUM OF CARE HELP COMMUNITIES?
All federal assistance dollars and matching funds go directly to the community for which they are intended. Therefore, Continuum of Care funds work locally to provide jobs, sustain jobs, and sustain residents in your community. To view the ND Cities and community projects that have received CoC funding from 2001 to 2007, click on the "ND Funding Awards" link to the right.

More Information

ND Funding Awards
Regional Coalitions
Plan to end homelessness
Member Agencies

Relationship of Entities in Continuum of Care (CoC) - Organizational Planning Structure

North Dakota Coalition
for Homeless People

As a voice for people who are homeless, the North Dakota Coalition for Homeless People coordinates and supports efforts to provide basic human needs and housing.