Who We Are

For further information contact Jennifer Lee, Director of Homeless Services, United Way of Suwannee Valley, 386-752-5604 x 107.

FY2025 Funding

Key Dates 2025

FY 2025 HUD Application Project Proposal Form DUE DECEMBER 2, 2025

2025 HUD NOFO Scoring Sheet

FY2025 CoC Program NOFO Full Analysis

2025 HUD CoC NOFO DUE JANUARY 14,2026

Attention:  This is a very time sensitive matter.

2025 HUD CoC Program Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)

On November 13, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) officially released the FY 2025 Continuum of Care (CoC) Program Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). This annual funding opportunity establishes the criteria, priorities, and process for communities applying for homelessness program funding under HUD’s CoC Program.  The application is due to HUD by January 14, 2026, 8:00 PM EST.   Project applications are due to United Way of Suwannee Valley by 5:00 pm, December 10, 2025.

The 2025 NOFO focuses on treatment, recovery, and unsheltered homelessness.  The new priorities for the 2025 NOFO are listed below.

1. Ending the Crisis of Homelessness on Our Streets

The number of people experiencing unsheltered homelessness is at an all-time high. People living on the streets and in encampments have high rates of substance use disorder and mental illness. According to a nationwide study, 75% of people experiencing unsheltered homelessness report a substance use disorder and 78% report a mental health condition. The study found that substance use disorder contributed to the loss of housing for 50% of the unsheltered population, and mental health conditions contributed to loss of housing for 51% of the population.

CoCs should direct resources towards outreach, intervention, and assistance that helps people regain self-sufficiency. Consistent with Executive Order 14321 “Ending Crime and Disorder on America’s Streets,” CoCs should work with law enforcement, first responders, and their state and local governments to reduce encampments, public camping, and public drug use in order to address barriers to maintaining housing and increasing self-sufficiency.

2. Prioritizing Treatment and Recovery

CoCs should prioritize projects that provide the treatment and services people need to recover and regain self-sufficiency including on-site behavioral health treatment, robust wraparound supportive services, and participation requirements. This NOFO devotes resources to Transitional Housing programs and Supportive Service Only projects with the goal of improving health and long-term economic independence for the homeless. HUD encourages CoCs to utilize the full array of mainstream programs and local and private resources to provide housing and healthcare needed to maintain safe and stable housing.

3. Advancing Public Safety

Safety and security for all members of the public, especially those living unsheltered, is essential to promoting a community-wide commitment to the goal of ending homelessness. CoCs should cooperate with law enforcement to advance public safety for the entire community impacted by homelessness. No one should sleep outside on the street or in dangerous encampments, and everyone should be able to enjoy public spaces safely. HUD encourages CoCs to assist in preventing and minimizing the trauma associated with living on the streets or in encampments, especially for women and youth that are the victims of sexual assault and trafficking. Unchecked public camping and public illicit drug use inhibit nonprofit providers and local government from effectively addressing homelessness.

First responders are critical partners in engaging people into treatment and services and protecting public order and vulnerable individuals experiencing homelessness. In Grants Pass v. Johnson, the Supreme Court of the United States upheld the authority of local governments to prohibit public camping.

4. Promoting Self-Sufficiency.

One of the primary purposes of the CoC Program is to optimize self-sufficiency. CoCs should partner with workforce development centers, employers, childcare, and other supportive service providers to increase employment and employment income for program participants. CoCs should prioritize projects that help lead to long-term economic independence for individuals and families to exit homelessness and prevent future returns to homelessness.

5. Improving Outcomes.

CoCs should review all projects eligible for renewal under this NOFO to determine their effectiveness in reducing homelessness and increasing self-sufficiency. CoCs should prioritize projects that promote self-sufficiency, increase employment income over government assistance, and promote treatment and recovery.

This NOFO includes several options to help CoCs improve their effectiveness, including reallocation, expansion, and transition grants, and CoC’s should take advantage of these options to expand the pool of providers, including faith-based providers, and improve the overall performance of the CoC.

6. Minimizing Trauma.

One of the purposes of the CoC program is to minimize the trauma associated with homelessness. CoCs should encourage providers to provide trauma informed care and ensure participant safety in programs, especially for youth and survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. Women experiencing homelessness or domestic violence should have access to safe, single-sex spaces and other considerations for personal privacy (24 CFR 578.93(b).

United Way of Suwannee Valley and partner agencies are currently reviewing the FY 2025 NOFO to assess local impacts and align project applications with the updated federal priorities.

Applicants and partners can review the full notice and submission requirements on Grants.gov and the 2025 NOFO is attached to this email.

We will continue to provide updates as HUD releases clarifications, timelines, and additional guidance throughout the FY 2025 CoC competition period.

If you are interested in applying for a project to be included in the 2025 HUD CoC Program NOFO application, Letters of Intent are due to Suzanne at suzanne@unitedwsv.org by 5pm, November 25, 2025.  The Letter of Intent should include a summery of the project with priorities listed, project category, amount of request and budget.

Helping Our Neighbors: Emergency & First Aid Kits

One simple, practical way to support individuals experiencing homelessness is by assembling and donating emergency kits or first aid kits. These small packages can provide comfort, safety, and dignity in difficult times.

What to Include:

• Basic First Aid: bandages, antiseptic wipes, antibiotic ointment, gauze pads, medical tape, alcohol pads.
• Hygiene Items: toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, deodorant, feminine hygiene products, hand sanitizer.
• Emergency Essentials: bottled water, non-perishable snacks (granola bars, peanut butter crackers), poncho, socks, gloves, flashlight with batteries.
• Health & Safety: reusable face masks, sunscreen, insect repellent (especially important in Florida’s climate).

Packaging Tips:

• Use a sturdy gallon-sized resealable bag or a small waterproof pouch.
• Keep items travel-sized to make them lightweight and easy to carry.
• Clearly label food items and avoid anything that can spoil or melt in the Florida heat.

How to Give:

• Carry a couple of kits in your car to share when you encounter someone in need.
• Connect with local shelters, outreach teams, or community organizations who can distribute them directly.
• Consider donating in bulk to your local United Way or partnering agencies.

Together, we can make a meaningful difference — one kit at a time.