Continuum of Care Program Grant
SARAH is designated by the federal department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) as the Continuum of Care (CoC) Lead Agency for San Antonio/Bexar County. The Continuum of Care (CoC) Program is designed to promote community-wide commitment to the goal of ending homelessness; provide funding for efforts by nonprofit providers, and State and local governments to quickly rehouse homeless individuals and families while minimizing the trauma and dislocation caused to homeless individuals, families, and communities by homelessness.

Continuum of Care Policies 

Local CoC Policies
Federal Grant Recipient Monthly Call Materials 2022
April 2022 Links: View Recording – Download Slides
May 2022 Links: View Recording – Download Slides

Funding Competitions & Archives

Current CoC Funding Competition Detail 

Archives: CoC NOFO Submission & Policies 
FY21 CoC Program NOFO Competition
The FY21 CoC Program NOFO Competition has passed.
​SARAH will update this page when HUD announces funding allocations.

For any questions, email grants@sarahomeless.org.
2022
*Check back at a later date for 2022 details*
2021
FY21 CoC NOFO Application Materials:
FY21 CoC NOFO Application Resources:
YHDP Round 2 Application Materials:
2020
2019
2018
2017
2016

Homelink Information for Agencies and Service Providers

What is Homelink?
Homelink is San Antonio and Bexar County’s local Coordinated Entry System – a uniform, community-wide approach to connect persons who are literally homeless to housing resources. This page is for homeless service providers who enter data into the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) and assist clients with housing. If you are experiencing homelessness and need resources, please click here.

WANT TO BE A HOMELINK NETWORK
​PARTNER OR ACCESS POINT?

​For Organizations or Agencies Interested in Homelink
If you’d like to learn more about how your agency/organization can partner with SARAH to begin conducting assessments, accept housing referrals through Homelink, or learn how to become a Homelink Access Point, we offer a Homelink Orientation Training. We ask that a supervisor from an interested agency fill out this Google form before registering for this training. For any other inquiries, please email CE@sarahomeless.org.

New Homelink Notification & Referral Process

This new referral process is a refined version of the previous that utilizes the Google Sheets format for easy Notification of Availability requests, tracking, and follow-up. This Notification of Availability and Referral process, coupled with the new Priority Pool Policy, enables referral requests any business day filled within two business days. Hence, we can help more clients much faster!

Housing Assistance Programs

SARAH will only accept vouchers from housing providers. If you are experiencing homelessness,
​please click here to view resources and learn how to enroll in Homelink

SAHA Emergency Housing Vouchers (EHV)

​*Applications are Currently Closed*

The Emergency Housing Voucher (EHV) Program is a collaboration between the San Antonio Housing Authority (SAHA) and SARAH to distribute this assistance provided by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to help agencies transition literally homeless individuals/families into Project-Based Vouchers (PBV). Service providers or caseworkers can apply on behalf of their client(s) that are currently experiencing homelessness and displaying a level of self-sufficiency that would not require case management to maintain their housing.
​

Guidance for Partner Agencies & Housing Providers

Who is eligible?
Homelink client/family
Homelessness Status (any of the following)
  • Literally Homeless;
  • At risk of homelessness;
  • Fleeing, or attempting t flee, domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking or human trafficking; or
  • Recently homeless and for  whom  providing rental assistance will prevent the family’s homelessness or high risk of housing instability

Meets the “low income” limited (See FAQs – page 3)

The referring agency must provide at least 90 days of post-move-in housing stabilization case management.
SAHA How are EHVs different than Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV)?
  • Must have open Homelink Enrollment
  • Access to supportive services such as housing search assistance
  • Fewer criteria for denial of assistance at eligibility (See FAQs – page 2)
How to Apply *Applications are Currently Closed*
  1. Application packets are accepted by agency staff only.
  2. Request Referral Packet from vouchers@sarahomeless.org and complete all required information.
  3. Complete the SARAH Project-Based Vouchers (PBV) Application Submission Form. Attach the completed referral packet to the Application Submission form or email the application packet to vouchers@sarahomeless.org. (Referral packets received without the Submission Form being completed will not be reviewed).
  4. SARAH will review and forward all complete application packets to SAHA for pre-eligibility screening.
  5. Upon successful pre-eligibility screening, SAHA will schedule an eligibility appointment. A voucher will be issued as long as all documentation is present.

HABC Emergency Housing Vouchers (EHV)

*Applications are Currently Closed*

The Emergency Housing Vouchers (EHV) Program is a collaboration between the Housing Authority of Bexar County (HABC) and SARAH to distribute this assistance provided by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to assist literally homeless individuals and families. Service providers or caseworkers can apply on behalf of their client(s) that are currently experiencing homelessness and displaying a level of self-sufficiency that would not require case management to maintain their housing.
​

Guidance for Partner Agencies & Housing Providers

Who is eligible?
1. This is a target program for;
  • Individuals or families who are homeless.
  • Individuals or families who are at-risk of homelessness.
  • Individuals or families who are fleeing, or attempting to flee, domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking or human trafficking.
  • Individuals or families who are recently homeless.
2. Family must meet the 2021 HUD Eligibility Income Limit for Bexar County.
3. Family must be referred by the partner agency.
How are HABC EHVs different than Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV)?
  • All statutory and regulatory requirements regarding the HCV program are applicable to EHVs, including the use of all HUD-required contracts and forms. There are a few key differences, including:
  • Eligibility requirements (See FAQs under “Resources”)
  • Partnerships with local Continuum of Care (CoC) agencies
  • Access to supportive services such as housing search assistance
  • Fewer criteria for denial of assistance at eligibility (See FAQs – page 2)
How to Apply *Applications are Currently Closed*
  1. Application packets are accepted by agency staff only.
  2. Request Referral Packet from vouchers@sarahomeless.org and complete all required information.
  3. Complete the SARAH Project-Based Vouchers (PBV) Application Submission Form. Attach the completed referral packet to the Application Submission form or email the application packet to vouchers@sarahomeless.org. (Referral packets received without the Submission Form being completed will not be reviewed).
  4. HABC will review client application within 24 hours of receiving it.
  5. Clients will be contacted by HABC within 7 days to schedule an eligibility appointment (Appointments will be happening in-person).

Family Referral Program 


The Family Referral Program is a collaboration between the San Antonio Housing Authority (SAHA) and SARAH to help agencies transition literally homeless families into Project-Based Vouchers (PBV). Service providers or caseworkers can apply on behalf of their client(s) that are currently experiencing homelessness and displaying a level of self-sufficiency that would not require case management to maintain their housing.
​

Guidance for Partner Agencies & Housing Providers

Who is eligible?
  • Individuals or families experiencing homelessness
  • Have no outstanding debt to SAHA and meet criminal background requirements
  • Income between 30-50% of Area Median Income (AMI)
Who is prioritized?
  • Families with longer lengths of homelessness
  • Survivors of Domestic Violence
  • Families with an open Child Protective Services (CPS) case
Program Requirements
Requirements of Referring Agencies for NEED TYPE 1:
  • Must provide the family with transition assistance, including deposit, first month’s rent, and furniture assistance
  • Must conduct one site visit with the family in housing to discuss community resources that might be beneficial to the family
  • Conduct follow-up after transitioning for a minimum of 90 days

Requirements of Referring Agencies for NEED TYPE 2:
  • Assist family with complete and accurate application
  • Conduct self-sufficiency assessment
How to Apply
  1. Application packets are accepted by agency staff only.
  2. Request Referral Packet from CE@sarahomeless.org and complete all required information.
  3. Complete the SARAH Project-Based Vouchers (PBV) Application Submission Form. Attach the completed referral packet to the Application Submission form or email the application packet to CE@sarahomeless.org. (Referral packets received without the Submission Form being completed will not be reviewed).
  4. SARAH will review and forward all complete application packets to SAHA for pre-eligibility screening.
  5. Upon successful pre-eligibility screening, SAHA will schedule an eligibility appointment. A voucher will be issued as long as all documentation is present.

Move-On Preference Program


​The Move-On Preference Program is a permanent housing solution program for agencies to assist and seamlessly transition participants currently housed through Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) into subsidized housing with SAHA.
​

Guidance for Partner Agencies & Housing Providers

Who is eligible?
  • Individuals and families currently in PSH
  • Have been housed stably for 12+ months
  • Have no outstanding debt to SAHA and meet criminal background requirements
  • Income below 30% Area Median Income (AMI)
  • Referring agency can provide 90 days of After Care to ensure a successful transition
How to apply?
  1. Application packets are accepted by agency staff only.
  2. Request Referral Packet from CE@sarahomeless.org and complete all required information.
  3. Complete the SARAH Project-Based Vouchers (PBV) Application Submission Form. Attach the completed referral packet to the Application Submission form or email the application packet to CE@sarahomeless.org. (Referral packets received without the Submission Form being completed will not be reviewed).
  4. SARAH will review and forward all complete application packets to SAHA for pre-eligibility screening.
  5. Upon successful pre-eligibility screening, SAHA will schedule an eligibility appointment. A voucher will be issued as long as all documentation is present.

COVID-19 Voucher Program 

*Applications are Temporarily Closed *

The COVID Voucher Program is a collaboration between the San Antonio Housing Authority (SAHA) and SARAH to distribute this assistance provided to help agencies transition literally homeless individuals/families into Project-Based Vouchers (PBV). Service providers or caseworkers must apply on behalf of their client(s) that are currently experiencing homelessness and displaying a level of self-sufficiency that would not require case management to maintain their housing.
​

Guidance for Partner Agencies & Housing Providers

Who is eligible?
  • Homelink client/family impacted by COVID pandemic

  • Homelessness Status (any of the following)
    o Literally Homeless;
    o At risk of homelessness; or
    o Fleeing, or attempting to flee, domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking or human traffickig

  • Meets the “low income” limited (See FAQs – page 3) 
​
  • The referring agency must provide at least 90 days of post-move-in housing stabilization case management.
How to Apply 
1.    Application packets are accepted by agency staff only.
2.    Request Referral Packet from vouchers@sarahomeless.org and complete all required information.
3.    SARAH will review and forward all complete application packets to SAHA for pre-eligibility screening.
4.    Upon successful pre-eligibility screening, SAHA will schedule an eligibility appointment. A voucher will be issued as long as all documentation is present.

Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program

Introduction to YHDP

​Learn how SARAH, community partners, and the Youth Action Board of San Antonio (YAB) joined forces to receive $6.88 million in HUD youth action funds for our community!

All About YHDP In Our Community

Learn more about how YHDP is positively impacting youth and young adults in our community.
YHDP Partners
See the organizations involved and the work being done to prevent and end youth homelessness.​​
YAB & Youth Equity
Meet the Youth Action
Board of San Antonio and learn how they work to establish
​youth equity.
Take Action
Join the #WESAY #HouseAllYouth Movement and learn how you can participate in our current initiatives.

Other Partner Resources

We will post resources for our Continuum of Care (CoC) partners that you can use when helping your clients. If you are experiencing homelessness, please visit our Access to Housing page or visit www.SACRD.org
​Eviction Prevention Toolkit
​SARAH’s Housing Strategies Workgroup has created a toolkit to help rental housing providers and case managers prevent evictions for their tenants and clients. Housing Strategies Workgroup Eviction Prevention Toolkit (Updated 7/29/2020)

PLACE Program


Guidance for Partner Agencies & Landlords
The Provider Liability Assurance for Community Empowerment, or PLACE, is a program established in collaboration with the City of San Antonio to offset the risk assumed by housing agencies and rental housing providers. The funds from this assurance program are designed to assist landlords and agencies in housing high-barrier clients such as displaced persons, homeless veterans, or chronically homeless individuals.
​
*Please note that this application must come from a service provider or agency. If you are experiencing homelessness, please click here to view resources and learn how to enroll in Homelink
​Who is eligible?
​​Housing agencies and rental housing providers with potential clients/residents that have broken leases, evictions, criminal history, little or not enough credit or income to qualify for housing without the assistance of agencies.
PLACE Program Facts
  • Guarantees that apartment damages will be covered if they occur
  • Covers holding fees and pays damages up to $1,500
  • Does not provide upfront payment like risk fees, administrative fees, or security deposits
  • Does not include rent; does not move in clients before the required inspection date
  • Agencies can obtain funding from this program by enrolling their agency in this program. If they are approved, their staff will have the ability to request these funds on behalf of their clients that are seeking housing.
  • Funding will be set aside for approved clients, which can be accessed once/if the funding is needed.
How to Apply 
  1. Complete the PLACE Agency Application form. Mandatory requirements for agencies are outlined in this form; agencies will receive an approved copy confirming participation in the PLACE program.
  2. Complete the Client Enrollment form and either attach the Client Release of Information form to the Google form or email it to CE@sarahomless.org after submitting the Enrollment form.
  3. The lease and move-in inspection form must be submitted within 14 days of enrollment. The documents can be attached to the Enrollment form at submission or subsequently emailed to CE@sarahomeless.org.
  4. Only if applicable: complete and submit the Request for Funds form if the property manager reports the need to ‘hold’ a unit for the client based on housing inspection delay prior to move-in, or if the landlord reports damages to the unit upon client move-out
​​How will housing providers/landlords receive PLACE funding?
​The Request for Funds will be submitted once all pertinent information (W-9 from the property manager, move-in inspection, pictures, invoices, etc.) has been received to support the damage claim.

Documentation from the housing authority stating the date of inspection will suffice for the holding fee. The damage reimbursement will be approved by SARAH and property managers will receive checks for damages within 3-5 business days.

​SARAH Homeless ​Diversion Program


​Flex funding has been allocated from SARAH to assist Homelink Hubs and Network Partners in helping their clients that are experiencing homelessness to find safe housing solutions.

To have access to these diversion funds, partners must work at a Homelink Hub or be a Homelink Network Partner, complete a diversion training and assessment to become a Certified Diversion Specialist and perform diversion/problem-solving conversations with all clients accessing Homelink.

South Alamo Regional
​Alliance for the Homeless

4100 E. Piedras, Suite 105, San Antonio, TX 78228
Office hours: Monday - Friday 8AM - 5PM
contactsarah@sarahomeless.org
www.sarahomeless.org
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