The William Penn Foundation (WPF) is accepting proposals for its initiative to Prevent Homelessness for Families with Young Children, aimed at stabilizing housing for families with children aged 0 to 8 in Philadelphia. This program seeks to reduce homelessness by addressing short-term housing crises and fostering long-term stability through targeted interventions.

Eligible projects must focus on preventing homelessness and may include critical, in-time supports to stabilize families in the short term, as well as holistic programs that promote sustainable housing stability. However, proposals cannot include services for people already experiencing homelessness, new housing development, first-time homebuyer programs, mental and behavioral health supports, public benefits and tax credits, or job training and placement. Collaborations with other organizations that provide these services are encouraged.

WPF has allocated $7.5 million for this initiative, with a maximum of $800,000 available per project for direct expenses over three years. At least $1 million of the total funding will be reserved for organizations with annual budgets under $2 million or led by individuals from historically excluded groups. Applicants are encouraged to propose innovative, evidence-based approaches and consider partnerships that leverage complementary resources and expertise to achieve impactful outcomes.

Applications must be submitted via the WPF Grants Portal by January 31, 2025. Selected organizations will participate in site visits for further evaluation, and projects must clearly demonstrate how they will stabilize housing for families and promote well-being for children. WPF aims to fund diverse strategies that align with the initiative’s objectives and address Philadelphia’s pressing housing challenges.

An optional informational webinar will be held on Monday, December 16, 2024, at 11:00 AM ET, with a recording available afterward. Interested applicants can access the full RFP packet for detailed eligibility criteria, evaluation metrics, and application guidelines. This opportunity represents a significant investment in reducing housing instability and ensuring healthier, more secure futures for families with young children.