Transitional Living for Homeless Youth: A Federal Grant Opportunity from Health and Human Services (HHS)

Funding Opportunity Number: 93.550

On May 29, we ran information about a HUD competitive grant program called the “Youth Homeless Demonstration Program.”  That opportunity is specifically for large-scale interventions and resources to create local systems aimed at helping young people.  Readers are reminded that applications are due June 28 for that competition.  There are currently several other grant competitions open: for veterans, survivors of sex-trafficking, native populations, and other individuals and populations.

This particular funding opportunity deals with “transition” programs.  It is meant for interventions on a smaller scale and is offered by HHS.  

In response to growing concern for youth in need of long-term, supportive assistance that emergency shelter programs were not designed to provide, Congress created the TLP for older homeless youth as part of the 1988 Amendments to the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974. In 2018, the TLP assisted nearly 1,900 homeless youth safely and appropriately transition from shelter care. Services offered through the TLP are designed to assist young people who are experiencing homelessness make a successful transition to self-sufficient living (Note: Information here is taken from HHS application materials).

TLP funds smaller-scale local project helping young persons who are homeless.  TLP provides safe, stable, and appropriate shelter for runaway and homeless youth ages 16 to under 22 for up to 18 months and, under extenuating circumstances, can be extended to 21 months. TLPs provide comprehensive services that supports the transition of homeless youth to self-sufficiency and stable, independent living.

Through the provision of shelter and an array of comprehensive services, TLP youth will realize improvements in four core outcome areas:  

·         safe and stable housing

·         education/employment

·         permanent connections, and

·         social and emotional well-being.

The funding agency supports organizations and communities that work every day to end youth homelessness, adolescent pregnancy, and domestic violence.  The purpose of the TLP grant program is to provide safe, stable, and appropriate housing for youth ages 16 to under 22 years of age and their young families who are experiencing homelessness.  Housing for such youth may be provided for 18 months (540 days) or, under extenuating circumstances, up to 21 months (635 days).

HHS is committed to safety, permanency, well-being, and self-sufficiency for runaway and homeless youth: youth and young adults who cannot live safely with a parent, legal guardian, or relative and have no safe, alternative living arrangement.

The TLP projects utilize a trauma-informed approach, which involves understanding and responding to the symptoms of chronic, interpersonal trauma and traumatic stress, as well as the behavioral and mental health consequences of trauma and prevention of re-traumatization. For more information about the effects of trauma and utilizing a trauma-informed approach, visit https://www.traumainformedcare.chcs.org/resource/samhsas-national-center-for-traumainformed-care.

TLP projects also utilize a Positive Youth Development (PYD) framework that includes healthy messages, safe and structured places, adult role models, skill development, and opportunities to serve others.  PYD is an intentional, prosocial approach that engages youth within their communities, schools, organizations, peer groups, and families in a manner that is productive and constructive.  Employing PYD also means promoting increased youth leadership capacity through intentional projects and activities designed to enhance this skill set. For more information on PYD, visit https://rhyclearinghouse.acf.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/PosYthDevel.pdf.

Note this important requirement of the program: All TLP Projects MUST provide shelter AND supportive services.  Choosing one or the other is not an option.

This particular grant opportunity is open to a very wide range of applicants, from nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS to Native American tribal organizations.  The eligible entities are listed in the materials.  If in doubt about your organization’s eligibility for the program, please contact the HHS Program Officer:  Tyanna Williams, (202) 205-8348, tyanna.williams@acf.hhs.gov for more details. 

Here is the information on expected award amounts:  Maximum project award: $250,000 per budget period.  Minimum project award: $100,000 per budget period.  Average projected award amount: $175,000 per budget period.

With any questions, please contact the HHS Program Officer directly.

Note: Different grant programs have different deadlines.

The deadline for applications in this competition, the TLP, is:  June 21, 2022.