Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
The Community Development Block Grant program (CDBG) provides federal funding to communities for projects that benefit low-to moderate-income persons. The program also helps communities meet urgent needs such as eliminating slums and blight, providing affordable housing, and creating jobs. It is administered by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
The CDBG program was created by Congress in 1974. Its primary objective is to develop viable urban communities by providing decent housing and a suitable living environment and expanding economic opportunities, principally for low- and moderate-income persons. It also helps improve the overall quality of life in urban and rural areas. The program differs from other HUD grants that are more specific in their purpose and target audience.
Federal funds are distributed through a dual-entitlement formula that takes into account population, poverty, incidence of overcrowded housing and the age of housing stock. HUD awards these funds to States and territories, which then award them to non-entitlement counties and cities and towns that participate in the State and Small Cities program.
Unlike other programs, the Community Development Block Grant program allows local governments to spend their allocated funds how they choose. This flexibility empowers communities to create strategies that best meet their needs. The program also promotes consolidated planning by encouraging local government and private sector partnerships.
The CDBG program offers two funding categories – Community Development and Special Projects. Applications are accepted during a competitive process each year. The application deadline is April 21, 2026. Eligible applicants include unit(s) of general local government in non-entitlement communities and their eligible sub-recipients, including federally recognized Native American communities and colonias and nonfederally recognized, locally incorporated, private nonprofit corporations.
Recovery Housing Program (RHP)
The Recovery Housing Program (RHP) is a pilot authorized by the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act, which passed in 2018. RHP supports individuals on their path to self-sufficiency through stable, temporary housing. The RHP grant provides up to two years of housing assistance or until the individual obtains permanent housing. The RHP funding is used to develop or maintain housing for individuals who have substance use disorder and have a need for transitional housing.
The RHP community allocation is awarded through a formula established by HUD in the Federal Register. To receive funds, states must meet specific criteria including having an age adjusted drug overdose death rate above the national average. RHP funds are allocated to 24 states and the District of Columbia. MSHDA is one of these grantees.
MSHDA uses RHP to expand the capacity of certified recovery residences in the state. Funds help pay leasing, rental, and utility costs as well as eligible administrative expenses. Grantees are encouraged to coordinate RHP-funded projects with other federal and non-federal assistance related to substance use, homelessness and those at risk of becoming homeless, employment, and wraparound services.
In addition to expanding the availability of affordable, safe, and quality housing, the RHP grant is also helping to reduce drug overdose deaths in our communities. By supporting transitional housing for individuals who struggle with addiction, RHP is enabling them to get the help they need and start the long journey toward recovery.
HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME)
The HOME Investment Partnerships Program is authorized by Title II of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act and provides Federal funds to local governments, for-profit and non-profit private developers, and Community Housing Development Organizations (CHDO) to finance activities that build or buy and rehabilitate quality affordable rental and homeownership opportunities for low-income households earning 80 percent or less of area median income. HOME funds can be used for a wide range of projects, including first-time homebuyer subdivision new construction, owner-occupied rehabilitation, and tenant-based rental assistance. The HOME Program also provides set-asides for CHDOs to operate their own housing programs. Applications for HOME Program Activities and Project Activities are available on the HOME Application Portal. These include the HOME NOFA and Program Income applications. Click on the tiles to learn more about each activity.
Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG)
The Emergency Solutions Grant, formerly the Homeless Assistance Program, provides grants for rehabilitation or conversion of buildings to homeless shelters; operating expenses; essential services; street outreach for the homeless; and homeless prevention activities. Eligible applicant organizations include units of general purpose local governments and private nonprofit organizations that have a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. Applicants must work with the Continuum of Care/Coordinated Entry in their area to ensure coordination and effectiveness.
The HEAT Act (Homeless Emergency Assistance and Rapid Transition to Housing) Amendments to the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, which took effect in January 2012, significantly changed the program by revising its name and moving away from focusing on homeless assistance programs aimed at those living in emergency or transitional shelters towards a goal of housing stability. To achieve this, the program offers flexible and tailored support services to help individuals regain housing self-sufficiency and avoid returning to homelessness.
The West Virginia Community Advancement and Development program administers the ESG program locally. WVCAD sub-awards the funds to agencies throughout the state with dedicated staff who have the local knowledge and reach necessary to effectively serve those in need. These agencies deliver program services, which include individualized case management, equitable provisions of supportive services, rental and utility assistance, housing information, and other related costs.
Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS (HOPWA)
HOPWA is the only Federal program dedicated to housing for low-income persons living with HIV/AIDS. The program is a critical component in maintaining stable housing and access to health care, which in turn improves the ability of households to manage their disease and become virally suppressed.
In order to be eligible for HOPWA assistance, households must meet minimum client eligibility requirements, including a household income at or below the New York City Eligible Metropolitan Statistical Area (NY EMSA) median income by family size (currently 80% of area median income). The program provides two primary forms of housing assistance:
Project-Based Rental Assistance (PBRA) provides long-term rental assistance directly to households in affordable housing developments with support services. Clients can choose to live in congregate facilities or in scattered-site units. Those who choose to live in scattered-site housing must also receive ongoing supportive services. STRMU provides short-term rental, mortgage, and utility assistance for households in financial crisis as a result of their HIV health condition or a change in their economic circumstances.
DSHS provides standardized program forms to assist Project Sponsors in facilitating household program enrollment and service delivery. It is important for all agencies to use these forms and complete them accurately in order to avoid any potential repercussions from DSHS.
Throughout the year, the HOPWA program hosts several training opportunities for community members and agencies to provide education about HIV/AIDS-related issues and topics. Some of these trainings are designed to be interactive and provide participants the opportunity to ask questions. Others are intended to provide an overview of HOPWA programs and the housing assistance offered through them.