Prevent Homelessness for Families with Young Children

Background

Research from Children’s HealthWatch found that unstable housing among families with children will cost the U.S. $111 billion in avoidable health and education expenditures over the next ten years.

There is a clear connection between housing stability and well-being. As summarized by Children’s HealthWatch, “children living in stable homes have better physical and mental health outcomes, better educational achievement, decreased risk of hospitalization, and are less likely to experience other economic hardships. On the other hand, housing instability (i.e. being behind on rent, multiple moves, past or present experience of homelessness) harms the health of children and families and is associated with increased risk of other hardships, including food and energy insecurity.”  

Philadelphia faces significant challenges related to affordable housing, a lack of sufficient supply, and housing instability. The city's housing market has seen rising demand, but wages have not kept pace with housing costs, leading to affordability issues for many residents. Helping families stay in their homes requires a multifaceted approach that addresses immediate needs and long-term sustainability.

Opportunity Overview

WPF seeks to support efforts that increase access to interventions that prevent homelessness for families with young children. Funding will be limited to projects that will positively impact families with young children, ages 0 – 8.

Funding may be directed to efforts that provide critical, in-time supports that help stabilize a family’s housing in the short-term and/or provide holistic supports that promote long-term stability.

Please note, under this RFP, the Foundation will only consider proposals to support interventions focused on preventing homelessness. Programs focused on services to people experiencing homelessness, new housing development, and/or first-time home buyer programs are not eligible for this opportunity. We will also not consider programs focused on providing access to mental and behavioral health supports, public benefits and tax credits, and job training or placement, although applicants are welcome to demonstrate how they collaborate with programs that support these activities.

We are requesting proposals for up to three years of funding. After reviewing proposals, WPF will conduct site visits and gather additional information from a limited number of organizations.

Organizations that propose projects in partnership with other applicants will be considered on their individual merits. However, the Foundation recognizes that making significant progress on the objective is difficult and encourages organizations to include partnerships that leverage complementary strengths, resources, and expertise to reach proposed goals.

Furthermore, the Foundation recognizes that there are many different tactics or approaches that could be used to advance the objective stated above. All proposals that meet the review criteria described below are encouraged.

WPF has $7.5 million available to advance this objective at this time. The maximum amount of funding that organizations may request for direct expenses is $800,000 over three years. (This does not include the overhead amount that will be added to project budgets, based on a formula described on the “How to Apply” section of our website).

At least $1 million of the total amount awarded under this RFP will be reserved for grants to organizations that have budgets under $2 million per year and/or are led by individuals who are members of groups with a history of discrimination or exclusion.

Full Request for Proposals (RFP) and Application 

Download the full RFP packet for more information about this opportunity including eligibility, review criteria, learning and evaluation, budget, and link to an application template.

All applications must be submitted through the Grants Portal.

Webinar

An informational webinar took place on December 16, 2024: