According to HUD, "The CoC Program is designed to promote a community-wide commitment to the goal of ending homelessness; to provide funding for efforts by nonprofit providers, States, and local governments to quickly re-house homeless individuals, families, persons fleeing domestic violence, and youth while minimizing the trauma and dislocation caused by homelessness; to promote access to and effective utilization of mainstream programs by homeless individuals and families; and to optimize self-sufficiency among those experiencing homelessness."

Each year, the Long Island CoC must objectively rank CoC-funded projects based on their performance. The Ranking Committee determines the scorecard for all projects, as well applications for new project funds. Projects either fall into Tier I, which HUD typically views as the top priority for funding, or Tier II, which typically places them at risk for funding cuts from HUD. The CoC may also decide to reallocate funds from lower performing projects to create new project or expand higher performing projects.