Special Needs Housing: Combating Homelessness
Recognizes an HFA for a new or enhanced program that best provides affordable housing and services for individuals or families who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
Note: Individual housing developments are not eligible for submission.
Judging Criteria
Special Needs Housing entries will be judged on the degree to which they:
- Are innovative
- Are replicable
- Respond to an important state housing need
- Demonstrate measurable benefits to HFA targeted customers
- Have a proven track record of success in the marketplace
- Provide benefits that outweigh costs
- Demonstrate effective use of resources
- Effectively employ partnerships
- Achieve strategic objectives
If you have questions, please email awards@ncsha.org or call 202-624-7710.
2025 Winner
Illinois Housing Development Authority
2025 Entries
Illinois Housing Development Authority:
Illinois Court-Based Rental Assistance Program
The Illinois Court-Based Rental Assistance Program (CBRAP) provides funding to Illinois tenants and housing providers/ landlords across Illinois who have pending cases in eviction court. Applicants may qualify for up to $15,000 in emergency rental payments that can can be applied to past due rent, up to $500 for court costs, and up to two months’ future rent to prevent eviction. In 2024, CBRAP became the first permanent emergency rental assistance program funded by the state of Illinois.
Kentucky Housing Corporation:
Housing Connector Team: Ensuring Special Purpose Voucher Holders’ Success
In response to low lease-up rates for 300 Mainstream Vouchers, KHC created the Housing Connector Team to provide housing navigation and supportive services across the Balance of State to households experiencing or with a history of homelessness using Special Purpose Vouchers. The HCT helped SPV holders overcome barriers to leasing and housing retention and ensured lease up of all SPVs. The HCT fosters collaboration between KHC departments, CoC partner agencies, SPV holders, & their landlords.
Oregon Housing and Community Services:
Eviction Prevention Rapid Response (EPRR)
Eviction Prevention Rapid Response offers immediate rent assistance and legal services to households with a scheduled eviction hearing to prevent displacement. The program provides up to $8,000 in emergency rental assistance per household and coordinates with legal and mediation partners to offer wraparound support. Community Action Agencies and legal partners refer clients to the program, which accepts applications online and over the phone to facilitate rapid response and access.
