Creating Homes Initiative 3.0
Creating Homes Initiative 3.0 supports Tennessee organizations creating permanent housing for adults with mental illness or substance use disorder and incarceration histories, to foster recovery and community integration.
Funder: Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services
Due Dates: October 8, 2026 (Intent to Apply) | November 5, 2026 (Proposal)
Funding Amounts: At least $100,000 requested per proposal; approximately $5 million available for up to 10 awards over March 1, 2027–February 28, 2029
Summary: Funds new permanent housing in Tennessee for people with mental illness or substance use disorder who have experienced incarceration.
Key Information: The applicant must own, or have a mutually signed agreement to acquire, the proposed property by submission.
Description
Creating Homes Initiative 3.0 is run by the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services’ Division of Mental Health Services. It funds development, new construction, acquisition, rehabilitation, or conversion of infrastructure to create new, safe, quality, affordable permanent housing across Tennessee. The housing must serve adults experiencing mental illness and/or substance use disorder who are returning from prisons or jails or have previously been incarcerated.
The program builds on the state’s Creating Homes Initiative and emphasizes housing that supports recovery and community integration. Residents must have access to recovery supports, including assessment, case management, recovery and life skills, and recidivism and relapse prevention. Permanent housing has no set time limit on a resident’s stay.
