Helping people remove barriers to housing without paying rent directly
Supportive Services Only (SSO)
Supportive Services Only projects fund services rather than rent, leasing, or housing operations. They can support outreach, housing navigation, case management, document help, benefits connection, or other services that help people move toward housing. This path fits organizations that are strong at services and coordination.
What problem does this solve?
People often remain homeless because they cannot get documents, complete applications, find landlords, connect to benefits, or navigate complex systems. SSO addresses these service barriers even when the project does not pay rent directly.
This may be a good fit if...
Your organization is strong at outreach, navigation, case management, or service coordination.
You can explain how services will lead to housing outcomes.
You have partnerships with shelters, housing providers, landlords, health providers, or coordinated entry.
You can track service delivery and housing-related results.
This may not be the best fit if...
Your main need is rental assistance, leasing, or building operations.
You cannot connect services to housing outcomes.
You do not yet know which population would be served.
You are not ready for federal documentation and reporting requirements.
What would the program actually do?
A person is identified through outreach, coordinated entry, shelter, or a partner referral.
Staff learn what barriers are keeping the person from housing.
The project helps with documents, benefits, transportation, landlord communication, referrals, and housing planning.
Staff coordinate with housing providers or other programs that can pay housing costs.
The participant moves closer to housing or stabilizes with the right support team.
What can funding usually support?
Supportive services such as outreach, case management, housing navigation, and service coordination.
HMIS data entry and reporting.
Project administration.
What should you have ready?
Can you describe the housing barrier your services will solve?
Do you already serve this population or have referral partners?
Do you have staff qualified to provide the services?
Can you coordinate with housing providers and local referral systems?
Can you track whether services lead to housing progress?
Think this might fit?
Start with a Letter of Intent
If your organization can provide services that directly help people access housing, submit a Letter of Intent and describe the service model.