Role of Funders:
What types of funding are needed to develop effective and sustainable supportive housing?
Three key types of funding are required for effective and sustainable supportive housing projects:
- Capital Funding: Grants or loans used to acquire, construct or rehabilitate supportive housing buildings.
- Operating Funding: Rental subsidies or operating contracts used for the day-to-day administration and management of a supportive housing building or to lease an apartment from a private landlord. In order to keep the housing affordable to low income households, tenants in supportive housing typically pay 30% of their income in rent while subsidies or operating contracts pay the remaining cost of managing the property.
- Services Funding: Support services, including case management, mental health or substance abuse counseling and job training are provided on-site in supportive housing, often with referrals made to community programs. These services range in size and are usually funded by separate government contracts or through philanthropic grants. The services may be delivered by an agency that is different from the supportive housing property manager or housing developer.
Source: Guide to Supportive Housing Resources in New York, Supportive Housing Network of New York
Other questions & answers related to this topic:
Why is homelessness an important issue for funders?
What other networks exist for funders with an interest in causes related to homelessness?
Private and Family Foundations: What is Your Role?
Community Foundations and Regional Funders: What is Your Role?
What are some tips for funders interested in funding efforts to fight chronic homelessness?
How can I find supportive housing programs and other initiatives to end homelessness in my own community or state?
What other types of support can funders provide to help fight homelessness?