WHAT IS SHELTER PLUS CARE (SPC)?
Shelter Plus Care is a housing federal program funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) designed to provide rental subsidies and supportive services to homeless individuals with disabilities, primarily those with chronic mental illness, substance abuse, and HIV/AIDS. Shelter Plus Care is primarily administered by the State of North Carolina Department of Health & Human Services-Adult Mental Health (DHHS). DHHS and it’s network of Local Administrative Agencies throughout the state have committed to providing the direct support services and rental assistance components of the program.

The collaboration of local providers, municipalities, state agencies, and the federal government is the backbone of existing Shelter Plus Care programs. In keeping with Shelter Plus Care’s intent to reduce homelessness, program participants are encouraged to work towards greater stability and self sufficiency by developing short and long term goals with their service provider. Service providers assist individuals with various housing related needs including communication with their landlord. Participants are supported in pursuing treatment, case management, educational and job training opportunities, if they choose. The ‘care’ component must be equivalent to the rent portion of the subsidy on a grant by grant basis.

ELIGIBILITY
To be eligible for the Shelter Plus Care (SPC) program, individuals must meet the homelessness and disability criteria as defined by HUD. Program participants pay 30% of their income towards rent and Shelter Plus Care subsidizes the remaining portion of the rent. Participants are able to choose their own living units, provided the units meet Housing Quality Standards and fall within Fair Market Rent established for the area by HUD.