Introductory Webinar: CORES 101 Overview of the Certification & Application

Recorded and published in December 2025

Notice: This 101 overview does not include information on CORES 2.0 and related submission deadlines. In anticipation of CORES 2.0 coming in 2027, organizations initiating their CORES application by submitting a pre-screen after October 15, 2026, are subject to revised submission requirements and an expedited application submission process. In addition, no new pre-screens will be accepted in the current CORES application platform on or after December 1, 2026, until CORES 2.0 is launched in January 2027. Read more here. Direct questions can be sent to [email protected].

This introductory video provides an overview of the Framework for a System of Resident Services Coordination, reviews CORES certification requirements and the application process, and highlights a number of resources and tools that may be useful for organizations seeking to build their resident services capacity.

About CORES: The Certified Organization for Resident Engagement & Services (CORES) certification is an organization-level certification for affordable housing owner-operators and third party service providers that have a robust system of resident services that drives towards better resident outcomes and well-being.

CORES communicates the quality and strength of an organization’s programs to potential investors, funders, and partners. Due to its ability to recognize organizations with experience providing high-quality resident services, CORES has an important role to play in the impact investing space. Awareness of tools favored by different types of funders can be helpful to operators and service providers to develop partnerships, seek investment, and expand the use of operating best practices. The certification is also included in a number of state LIHTC Qualified Allocation Plan (QAP) applications.

It is based on Stewards of Affordable Housing for the Future’s Framework and Guidelines for the System of Resident Services Coordination and covers several key areas:

• Commitment & Integration of Resident Services at Organizational Level
• Resident Services Staffing Infrastructure and Support
• Program and Partnership Development
• Using Data to Drive Program Design and Evaluation
• Funding & Sustainability

Slides for this webinar can be found here.