Emergency Solutions Grant

With the authorization of the HEARTH Act in May 2009, Congress made significant changes to the McKinney-Vento Act programs.  One of the changes replaced the Emergency Shelter Grant program (ESG) with the Emergency Solutions Grant, also called ESG.  Funds made to the County are to be used for the purpose of carrying out eligible homeless assistance activities.

The second installment of PY 2011 ESG funding totals $49,607 and will be focused on supporting Rapid Re-housing and ESG program Administration activities.  PY 2011 funds may be matched with State resources under the Emergency Housing Account and SupportiveHousing Assistance Programs.  PY 2011 ESG funding is expected to serve approximately 7 homeless individuals or families.

PY 2012 ESG funding totals $157,499 and may fund Street Outreach, Emergency Shelter, Homelessness Prevention, Rapid Re-Housing, HMIS administration, and general ESG Program administration.  PY 2012 funds may be matched with Shelter Levy funding (local), private donations, foundation support, and State resources under the Emergency Housing Account and Supportive Housing Assistance Programs.  PY 2012 ESG funding is expected to serve approximately 671 persons who are either homeless or at-risk of becoming homeless over the initial 12-month period.

Washington County has contracted with Community Action to undertake specific grant project activities via subcontracts with a consortium of service providers.  Specific services directed toward sustaining or implementing the activities described above may be provided through the following agencies: Community Action, Family Bridge, HomePlate Youth Services, Luke-Dorf, Inc., Open Door Counseling Center, Good Neighbor Center, Domestic Violence Resource Center, and Lutheran Community Services (Hope Spring).  As lead agency for disbursement of ESG funds, Community Action is responsible for insuring that the contracted agencies deliver eligible services and provide project match as required under ESG program regulations.