Browse Grants Federal Grants State Grants Nonprofit Grants Small Business
API / JSON

Grants for Homeless Shelters

Federal agencies and state governments provide grants supporting homeless shelter operations, facility improvements, emergency housing programs, and wrap-around support services. These grants fund nonprofits, faith-based organizations, local governments, and Continuums of Care operating emergency shelters and transitional housing. Below are 367 verified funding opportunities for homeless shelter programs.

Who Can Apply: Nonprofit organizations (501(c)(3)), faith-based organizations, local governments, public housing authorities, Continuums of Care, and tribal governments operating homeless shelters and emergency housing programs.

Types of Homeless Shelter Programs Funded

🏠 Emergency Shelter Operations

Operating costs for emergency shelters including staffing, utilities, food, supplies, insurance, security, and day-to-day facility management. Both low-barrier shelters and shelters with programmatic requirements qualify.

🔨 Facility Improvements

Shelter renovations, accessibility upgrades, health and safety improvements, capacity expansion, building acquisition, and facility rehabilitation. Includes ADA compliance, weatherization, and infrastructure improvements.

🛏️ Transitional Housing

Medium-term housing (up to 24 months) with intensive supportive services including case management, life skills training, employment services, and substance abuse treatment. Helps individuals transition to permanent housing.

💼 Support Services

Case management, mental health services, substance abuse counseling, job training, medical care, childcare, transportation, legal assistance, and other wraparound services for shelter residents.

Who Can Apply for Homeless Shelter Grants?

Eligible Applicants

  • Nonprofit organizations: 501(c)(3) homeless service providers, rescue missions, community action agencies
  • Faith-based organizations: Churches, religious charities operating shelter programs
  • Local governments: Cities, counties, municipalities operating shelter facilities
  • Public housing authorities: Housing agencies providing emergency shelter
  • Continuums of Care: Regional homeless service coalitions coordinating shelter systems
  • Tribal governments: Federally recognized tribes and tribal housing authorities

Common Funding Priorities

  • Serving chronically homeless individuals with disabilities
  • Family shelters prioritizing children's needs
  • Low-barrier shelters removing entry obstacles
  • Housing-first approaches emphasizing rapid rehousing
  • Trauma-informed care and services
  • Coordinated entry systems integration
  • HMIS data reporting and outcome tracking
  • Partnerships with healthcare and social services

Major Federal Homeless Shelter Programs

HUD Continuum of Care (CoC)

The largest federal homeless program providing competitive grants for emergency shelters, transitional housing, permanent supportive housing, and support services. Annual competition through local Continuums of Care. Emphasizes Housing First, rapid rehousing, and outcome measurement through HMIS.

Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG)

Formula grants to states and localities for emergency shelter operations, street outreach, homelessness prevention, and rapid rehousing. Distributed through state/local governments to nonprofit shelter providers. Can fund shelter operations, essential services, and case management.

Community Development Block Grants (CDBG)

Flexible funding for community development including homeless shelter facility improvements, acquisition, and construction. Localities can allocate CDBG funds for shelter capital projects, renovations, and accessibility upgrades.

Runaway & Homeless Youth (RHY)

HHS programs providing emergency shelter and transitional living for homeless youth under age 25. Includes Basic Center Program (emergency shelter), Transitional Living Program (18-24 months housing), and street outreach.

Available Funding Opportunities

These grants support organizations operating homeless shelters and emergency housing programs. Individuals experiencing homelessness should contact local shelters directly or dial 211 for assistance.

Showing 50 of 367 grants

Browse All Grants

Frequently Asked Questions

Can individuals apply for homeless shelter grants?

No. Homeless shelter grants fund organizations operating shelters—not individuals experiencing homelessness. If you need emergency shelter, contact your local Continuum of Care, dial 211, or visit emergency shelters directly. These grants fund the organizations that provide those services.

What's the difference between CoC and ESG shelter funding?

Continuum of Care (CoC) grants are competitive awards requiring local CoC participation, emphasizing permanent supportive housing and outcomes. Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG) are formula grants distributed by states/localities, allowing more flexible use for emergency shelter operations and essential services. Most shelter providers pursue both funding streams.

Do shelter grants require matching funds?

Yes, most federal programs require matches. CoC grants typically require 25% match (cash or in-kind). ESG requires 100% match (can be in-kind). CDBG doesn't require match. In-kind contributions include donated facilities, volunteer time, pro bono services, and donated goods. Some programs reduce match requirements for rural areas or smaller organizations.

What data reporting is required for homeless shelter grants?

HUD-funded programs require participation in the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) to track client demographics, services provided, and housing outcomes. Shelters must report: client intake data, length of stay, exit destinations, income at entry/exit, and permanent housing placements. Annual Performance Reports (APRs) document program outcomes. Victim service providers use comparable databases instead of HMIS for confidentiality.

Can faith-based shelters receive federal funding?

Yes. Faith-based organizations can apply for and receive federal homeless shelter grants. However, federally funded programs cannot require participation in religious activities, discriminate based on religion, or use funds for inherently religious activities (worship, religious instruction). Faith-based shelters can maintain religious identity while operating federally funded programs separately from religious programming.

What are low-barrier shelters and why are they prioritized?

Low-barrier shelters remove entry obstacles like sobriety requirements, identification, income standards, and program participation mandates. They accept individuals "as they are" without preconditions. HUD prioritizes low-barrier approaches because barriers prevent the most vulnerable from accessing shelter. Many CoC grants now require or strongly prefer low-barrier shelter models that serve chronically homeless individuals with active substance use or mental illness.

Essential Resources for Shelter Operators

🏛️ HUD Exchange

Comprehensive resource center for CoC and ESG programs. Includes grant application guidance, compliance tools, training webinars, and technical assistance. Essential for understanding HUD homeless program requirements.

📊 HMIS Resources

Homeless Management Information System training, data standards, privacy guidelines, and reporting tools. Required data system for all HUD-funded homeless programs except victim services.

💡 National Alliance to End Homelessness

Policy advocacy, best practices, research reports, and training for homeless service providers. Excellent resource for Housing First implementation and evidence-based shelter practices.

📞 HUD Technical Assistance

Free technical assistance for CoC and ESG grantees. Contact your HUD field office or use the Ask A Question system on HUD Exchange for compliance questions and program guidance.

Related Grant Resources

Grants for Homeless Hardship Grants Grants for Veterans Browse All Grants

Ready to Apply for Homeless Shelter Grants?

Explore our complete database of 4230 federal, state, and local grants to find funding opportunities for your homeless shelter or housing program.

Browse All Grants