Emergency Shelter Grant

Emergency Shelter Grant ("ESG") resources are made available to Washington County under the Stewart B. McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. Funds made available to the County are to be used for the purpose of carrying out eligible homeless assistance activities. Washington County has contracted with Community Action to undertake specific grant project activity via sub-contracts with a consortium of providers. Eligible project activity includes essential homeless services, operation of a homeless day shelter, a family-oriented shelter and a shelter for victims of domestic violence, information and referral services, case management and counseling services and provision of rental fees and deposits.

Specific services directed toward sustaining or implementing homelessness prevention are provided through the following agencies: Community Action, Family Bridge, Open Door Counseling Center, Good Neighbor Center, Domestic Violence Resource Center and Lutheran Community Services. It is expected that approximately 1,080 homeless persons will benefit over the initial 12-month period.

The 2010 ESG award totals $88,350 and is matched by $53,008 in Washington County Public Safety Serial Levy; $13,252 in Community Action Emergency Housing Account; and $22,090 in Continuum of Care funding. 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 listed.