Addressing homelessness is a challenge. Cities, counties, states, and even the federal government struggle with not only identifying the proper solutions but also in securing proper financing for the identified response.
In an effort to streamline access to local homeless and housing funds, the Tulare County Health & Human Services Agency recently collaborated with the Kings/Tulare Homeless Alliance to create a brand-new opportunity: The Integrated Pool for Homeless Initiatives Locally, or PHIL.
PHIL allows interested service providers, local governments, or other stakeholders to apply for up to four separate funding programs under the same application, including Tulare County’s Homeless Mentally Ill Outreach & Treatment program. Under the terms of the recently released Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA), applicants to PHIL are encouraged to work across agencies, leverage existing resources, and submit fully integrated projects, which will further increase efficiencies to the local homeless system.
PHIL also weaves other Agency priorities into its requirements—such as a commitment to equity—as awarded agencies will need to receive training on racial equity as a condition of funding. Overall, PHIL represents an ongoing commitment by HHSA to leverage opportunities, align programs, and identify ways to improve the overall efficiency and effectiveness of its homeless efforts.
The PHIL NOFA is located here, and applications are due April 17. Should you have questions about HHSA Homeless Initiatives, reach out to Chaz Felix, Homeless Initiatives Program Coordinator, at [email protected].