Organizations in Des Moines and Polk County have been awarded $3.5 million from a total of $9.5 million in federal funds to support homelessness initiatives through the Continuum of Care program, according to a release from the Iowa Finance Authority. “This funding will provide critically needed support to service providers on the front lines of assisting individuals and families experiencing homelessness,” IFA Executive Director Debi Durham said. Planning organizations (called Continuums of Care or CoCs) apply for the program through one annual consolidated application. Funding requests are prioritized using a mix of performance data and local needs based on research-driven approaches that support the nation’s goals to prevent and end homelessness, according to the release.