The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR), Bureau for Children and Families (BCF) today announced a request for applications for entities interested in developing, maintaining, and supervising homeless shelters, services, and programs throughout the state. The goals of this initiative include providing a holistic care approach to homelessness; promoting access to and effect utilization of mainstream programs; empowering and optimizing self-sufficiency; and providing housing to individuals and families while minimizing trauma and dislocation.
According to the 2018 Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Exchange Continuum of Care Homeless Assistance Programs Homeless Populations and Subpopulations report for West Virginia, there was a homeless population of 1,243. Out of the total homeless population in West Virginia, 1,060 were in a homeless shelter or a transitional housing program and 183 were not sheltered.
“Taking a holistic care approach to homelessness will ensure the most effective and cost-efficient process to provide indigent/incapacitated persons with emergency shelter, nutrition, and medical care,” said Linda Watts, Commissioner of DHHR’s Bureau for Children and Families.
Applicants who demonstrate superior knowledge, proficiency and fiscal efficiency in providing case management and service delivery and referral for homeless individuals and families will be eligible for funding. Applicants must also demonstrate experience in recruiting, retaining, and training staff to provide services to homeless individuals and families.
Applicants interested in applying for this initiative are limited to HUD Exchange Continuum of Care (CoC) program providers in West Virginia with experience working with the homeless population. The selected entity will continue to fund existing BCF contracted programs and collaborate with the remaining HUD CoCs in West Virginia.
Applications must be received by June 6, 2019. Visit
dhhr.wv.gov/bcf for more information.