Rapid Response Program
🏛 Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Oct 18, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for organizations responding to urgent housing crises and homelessness emergencies. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public agencies, and community-based organizations with demonstrated experience in rapid housing intervention. The program operates nationwide and supports temporary and permanent housing solutions, emergency assistance, and supportive services. Activities include rapid rehousing, emergency shelters, case management, and supportive services for people experiencing homelessness.
⚖️ Cost sharing / matching required — applicants must contribute their own funds.
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Program description
The ROSS Rapid Response Program (RRP) awards one-time assistance via a cost-reimbursable grant for service coordination and limited direct services for residents of HUD-assisted housing. The RRP utilizes a simplified application process to promote local leadership and flexibility in addressing urgent social needs caused by unanticipated emergencies. Examples of these emergencies can include but are not limited to:
• Natural disasters (e.g., wildfires or hurricanes)
• Public health crises (e.g., gun violence, community-level contamination or environmental hazards)
• Economic disruptions (e.g., closure of a major employment center that employs residents at the target site)
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
- 501(c)(3) Public Charity
- City / Municipal Government
- County Government
- Nonprofits
- Public Authority
- Tribal Nation
Demographic focus
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance)
- Project Narrative (describing program and timeline)
- Organizational capability statement
- Budget and budget justification
- Letters of support from partners and local government
- Evidence of organizational experience with homelessness services
- Detailed implementation timeline
Program contact
- 👤 Department of Housing and Urban Development
- 📞 202-402-2440
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 14.870 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$816,750
-
$816,750
-
$816,750
-
$816,750
-
$816,750
-
$816,750
-
$816,749
-
$815,418
-
$748,372
-
$747,326
Top States by Funding
- NY 13 awards $6.9M
- TX 9 awards $4.9M
- OH 9 awards $4.9M
- NJ 12 awards $4.6M
- PA 8 awards $4.0M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 14.870). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2018 est. | $35,000,000 | |
| 2019 | $30,781,000 | |
| 2020 | $37,045,000 | |
| 2021 | $34,208,000 | |
| 2022 | $33,416,849 | |
| 2023 | $30,556,772 | |
| 2024 est. | $39,696,716 | |
| 2025 est. | $35,000,000 |
FAQ
Who can apply for ROSS Rapid Response funding?
Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, state and local government agencies, and community-based organizations. Organizations must have experience in homelessness services or housing programs.
What types of activities does this program fund?
The program funds rapid rehousing, emergency shelter operations, case management, housing search assistance, and supportive services. It prioritizes quick housing placement for people experiencing homelessness.
What is the typical timeline for receiving funds after award?
HUD typically processes fund disbursement within 30-60 days of award notification. Implementation should begin immediately after funds are received.
How competitive is this grant?
ROSS is moderately competitive. Successful applications demonstrate clear emergency need, established organizational capacity, and measurable outcomes.
What is the typical funding range?
Awards vary by need and organization size, typically ranging from $50,000 to $500,000 annually. Consult the NOFO for specific allocation amounts.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Emphasize your organization's track record responding to homelessness crises. Document past emergency programs and outcomes clearly.
- Show readiness to deploy funds quickly. Include detailed implementation timelines and pre-existing partnerships with housing providers.
- Provide specific data on your target population. Include current homelessness counts, demographics, and geographic service area.
- Align your proposal with HUD's current homelessness priorities. Reference the Home, Together strategy or current federal initiatives.
- Build strong letters of support from local government, funders, and service partners. Demonstrate coordinated community response.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Vague implementation plans delay fund deployment. Applicants without documented homelessness expertise struggle to convince reviewers of capacity. Weak partnerships reduce credibility and program effectiveness.
Similar grants
- OPEN Local Government Emergency Housing Support (LGEHS) — Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development
- CLOSED Rapid Response Team (RRT) Cooperative Agreement — Food and Drug Administration
- CLOSED Resident Opportunity and Self-Sufficiency Service Coordinator (ROSS-SC) Program – Fiscal Year 2026 — Department of Housing and Urban Development
- OPEN Public Health Crisis Response Cooperative Agreement — Centers for Disease Control - OPHPR
- CLOSED Partnership for Disaster Health Response System — Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response