Dear CoC Providers and Partners,

I want to share an important update regarding the FY 2026 HUD Continuum of Care (CoC) Program Competition.

There is good news. Today, the District Court of Rhode Island issued a decision in the lawsuit challenging HUD’s FY 2026 CoC NOFO. The Court ruled that the FY 2026 NOFO and all of its associated deadlines are vacated in full.

This is significant because HUD cannot move forward with the FY 2026 NOFO as it was previously written, including the significant set-aside and other changes that would have substantially impacted communities and homelessness programs across the country. 

What does this mean for Summit County?

At this time, the previous FY 2026 NOFO and its deadlines are no longer in effect. This means the August 26 submission deadline associated with the previous NOFO is no longer applicable. 

However, we do not yet know what HUD’s next steps will be. HUD will need to determine how it intends to proceed with the FY 2026 CoC funding process, and we will need to wait for additional direction before we can provide definitive guidance to our providers. 

For now, I encourage everyone to hold onto the work you have already completed, including narratives, budgets, supporting documentation, match information, and other application materials. We have invested a tremendous amount of time and effort preparing for this competition, and much of that work may still be useful depending on what HUD does next.

I also want to take a moment to acknowledge something that I know we have all experienced: this has been an incredibly challenging process.

The uncertainty, changing requirements, compressed timelines, competing deadlines, and lack of clear direction have created an extraordinary amount of work and stress for our providers, our Rank and Review Committee, our Board, and the CoC staff. I recognize the amount of time and energy each of you has invested throughout this process, often while continuing to provide critical services to people experiencing homelessness. 

Thank you for your patience, your flexibility, and most importantly, your grace. I know there have been times when we have not had the answers you deserved or when information has changed faster than we could communicate it. I sincerely appreciate your understanding as we have worked to navigate circumstances that have been largely outside of our control.

Please know that the Summit County CoC will continue to monitor this situation closely. I will send follow-up correspondence early next week with additional information and guidance as we have a better understanding of what this decision means for our local competition and the work you have already completed.

For now, please take a breath and know that you do not need to continue working toward the previous August 26 deadline. We will communicate next steps once we have reliable information.

Thank you again for your partnership, patience, and continued commitment to the individuals and families we collectively serve.

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Summit County Continuum of Care 2026 Annual Report

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