New Case Study Posted on HUD User

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Small Grant Maker Fills Resource Gaps for Local Homeless Service Providers

HUD User publishes a series of case studies based on federal, state, and local strategies that increase affordable housing opportunities and support sustainable community development. The projects and community development efforts featured in these reports have demonstrated innovation through a multitude of partnerships and initiatives.

The city of Philadelphia established the Homeless Assistance Fund, Inc. (HAFI) through the sale of a naval housing property. Since 2007, HAFI has assisted nearly 2,000 households by providing more than $3 million in grants to 19 organizations that use evidence-based practices to transition families and individuals from homeless shelters to permanent housing. The most recent grant cycle from 2019 to 2021 provided $209,000 in grants to six organizations that support youth experiencing homelessness, with a particular focus on those who are dealing with trauma; are single parents; or are members of the lesbian gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or questioning (LGBTQ) community. HAFI received the 2020 HUD Secretary's Award for Public-Philanthropic Partnerships for its innovative grant-making model.

Visit HUD User's Case Studies page to learn more about affordable housing and to view other innovative funding strategies.