13. Congregate Housing Services Program Overview
The Congregate Housing Services Program (CHSP) offers grant funding to States, units of general local government, public housing authorities (PHAs), tribally designated housing entities (TDHES) and local nonprofit housing sponsors to provide meals and other supportive services needed by frail elderly residents and residents with disabilities in federally subsidized housing. Although HUD has neither solicited nor funded applications for new CHSP grants in recent years, Congress has continued to provide funds to extend expiring grants on an annual basis.
Authorization was first under the CHSA of 1978; the Housing and Community Development Amendments of 1978, Title IV, as amended, Public Law 95-557, 42 U.S.C. 8001. The revised Congregate Housing Services Program is authorized by Section 802 of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act, 42 U.S.C. 8011, with regulations at 24 CFR 700 for HUD and 7 CFR 1944 for RHS.
For more information, visit the CHSP Program page on HUD’s website.
What Types of Assistance Are Available?
Assistance is in the form of grants to provide at least one hot meal per day in a group setting, seven days per week, plus other supportive services necessary for independent living. Projects may not duplicate services that are already available at affordable rates. HUD administers this program in coordination with the Rural Housing Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Which Residents of Federally Assisted Housing Are Eligible?
Services may be used by frail elderly (62 years or older), disabled and temporarily disabled persons who are residents of federally subsidized housing and are unable to perform at least three activities of daily living. An independent professional assessment committee works with a Service Coordinator appointed by the grantee to determine individual eligibility for services and to recommend a service package to the housing management.
How Are Federal Funds Utilized?
Under CHSP:
- HUD provides funds of up to 40 percent of the cost of supportive services,
- Grantees pay at least 50 percent of the costs and
- Program participants pay fees amounting to at least 10 percent of the program costs. Fees may be up to 20 percent of a participant’s adjusted income.