The City of Charlottesville has announced the opening of the application period for the Housing Operations and Program Services Grant, commonly referred to as the HOPS Grant. This grant program is designed to provide essential operational support to nonprofit organizations, public housing agencies, and service providers that focus on assisting low-income residents and those experiencing housing instability. The HOPS Grant is a dedicated funding stream under the Charlottesville Affordable Housing Fund, specifically aimed at enhancing housing-related services rather than funding capital or development projects.

The primary goals of the HOPS Grant include enhancing housing stability by providing financial support for services such as homelessness prevention, tenant assistance, and eviction prevention. The program aims to stabilize housing for low- and moderate-income households in Charlottesville. Additionally, it seeks to support vulnerable populations, particularly those at risk of homelessness and individuals earning up to 60% of the Area Median Income. The grant also promotes alignment with Continuum of Care strategies to prevent and reduce homelessness through supportive services, including rapid rehousing and outreach programs. Furthermore, the HOPS Grant aims to strengthen the capacity and operations of service providers, enabling them to deliver essential housing services more effectively.

A total of $575,000 is available for this grant program, with individual grants ranging from $500,000 to $1 million. The funding can be utilized for operational and programmatic costs related to housing services, ensuring that organizations can maintain and enhance their service delivery capabilities. Importantly, there is no matching requirement for applicants, making it more accessible for eligible organizations to apply.

Eligible applicants for the HOPS Grant include nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status or similar designations, public housing agencies, and organizations actively providing housing-related services within Charlottesville. Programs that align with the City’s strategic goals, particularly those focused on homelessness prevention, tenant assistance, and rapid rehousing, are encouraged to apply. Special consideration will be given to programs serving households with incomes of up to 60% of the Area Median Income and those that align with Continuum of Care strategies.

The application process requires interested organizations to submit their proposals by the deadline of October 18, 2024. Specific submission requirements and application questions will be outlined in the application materials, which can be accessed through the City of Charlottesville's official website. Organizations are encouraged to prepare their applications in advance to ensure they meet the deadline.

Evaluation criteria for the grant will focus on the alignment of proposed programs with the goals of the HOPS Grant, the capacity of the organization to deliver services, and the potential impact on housing stability for low-income residents. The City of Charlottesville aims to support programs that demonstrate a clear understanding of the needs of the community and a commitment to addressing housing instability.

For further information, applicants can contact the City of Charlottesville via email at williamsan@charlottesville.gov or by phone at 434-970-3513. It is advisable for potential applicants to review all relevant materials and guidelines provided by the City to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the grant's objectives and requirements.