Capacity Building

Grassroots cohort

The Grassroots Homeless Service Provider Capacity Building Cohort aims to empower Black-led grassroots organizations to grow their ability to serve unhoused people as effectively as possible. Recognizing the systemic barriers these organizations face, particularly in accessing funding and resources, this initiative seeks to bridge gaps and provide targeted support to Black-led service providers.

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About the Cohort

Purpose

The ECHO Grassroots Homeless Service Provider Capacity Building Cohort was established in response to the unique challenges faced by Black-led homeless service organizations. The ECHO Planning Team, led by Capacity Building Manager Bill Wallace, conducted a series of interviews with these organizations to assess barriers and needs. These interviews were aimed at understanding the challenges and needs of these organizations. A total of 15 interviews were conducted in various locations outside of the ECHO office. The interviews revealed common issues such as funding constraints, bureaucratic hurdles, and the need for tailored support services.

Recognizing that Black individuals are disproportionately affected by homelessness and its associated social determinants, ECHO aims to support Black-led grassroots organizations in enhancing their capacity to serve unhoused populations more effectively. This initiative seeks to address systemic barriers, improve access to resources, and provide support tailored to the unique needs of these communities.

Structure
Participating organizations receive:
- Training in nonprofit management, fundraising, and more topics to grow impact
- Certificate in Organizational Development from Austin Community College (ACC)
- Stipends to support meaningful participation
- $120,000 direct operational grant
- $65,000 direct program grant
- Connections to other community organizations, funders, and policymakers
The Cohort consists of three phases:
- Phase 1 (Sep-Nov 2024): Orientation and Initial Training
- Phase 2 (Jan-Apr 2025): Advanced Training and Support
- Phase 3 (May-Sep 2025): Community Integration and Continuous Support

Goals
1. Build Organizational Capacity: Provide back-end support and non-profit management training to equip organizational leaders with the tools they need to maintain and grow a successful organization.
2. Enhance Knowledge of the Homeless Response System (HRS): Build understanding of where an organization can fit into the existing funding landscape and improve knowledge of the HRS.
3. Foster a Community of Practice: Develop a deeper community of practice among organizations participating in the cohort and between cohort members and other agencies within the HRS.