The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act of 2020 introduced several critical programs to address the widespread impacts of the pandemic. Among these, the Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) program received a significant boost to combat homelessness and prevent its spread during this unprecedented time. This enhanced funding, known as ESG-CV, is designed to support communities in their efforts to assist individuals and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
Understanding the ESG-CV Program
The CARES Act amended the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, channeling supplemental appropriations through the Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG). This funding is specifically intended to help communities prevent, prepare for, and respond to the coronavirus among those experiencing homelessness or receiving homelessness assistance. Furthermore, it aims to bolster homelessness assistance and prevention activities that mitigate the broader impacts of the coronavirus crisis.
Pennsylvania, through its Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED), received a substantial second allocation of ESG-CV funds, totaling $19,930,907. This allocation was determined using a new formula from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), which considers factors like the total homeless population, unsheltered homeless individuals, very low-income renters, and overcrowded or inadequately equipped renter households.
Of this second round of funding, $2,997,961 was specifically directed to the Code Blue program, providing crucial winter sheltering during the 2020-2021 season. The remaining $16,932,946 was made available for broader application to support initiatives aimed at rapidly ending or preventing homelessness for vulnerable populations across Pennsylvania.
How ESG-CV Funds Can Be Used
ESG-CV funds offer considerable flexibility, allowing grantees to address a range of needs related to homelessness during the pandemic. Eligible activities align with the Emergency Solutions Grant Interim Rule and Notice CPD 20-08, encompassing a variety of interventions to prepare for, prevent the spread of, and respond to the coronavirus. These include:
- Emergency Shelter: Supporting the operation of emergency shelters to provide safe and sanitary accommodations.
- Temporary Emergency Shelter: Establishing temporary shelter solutions to meet increased demand or specific needs during the pandemic.
- Rapid Rehousing: Assisting homeless individuals and families to quickly secure stable housing in the community.
- Homelessness Prevention: Implementing programs to prevent at-risk individuals and families from becoming homeless.
- Landlord Incentives: Offering incentives to landlords to encourage them to house homeless individuals and families.
- Street Outreach: Connecting with unsheltered homeless individuals to offer essential services and support.
- Hazard Pay: Providing hazard pay to frontline workers in homeless services who face increased risks due to the pandemic.
- Homeless Management Information System (HMIS): Improving data collection and management through HMIS to better understand and address homelessness.
- Administration: Allowing for reasonable administrative costs associated with managing ESG-CV programs.
Who is Eligible to Apply for ESG-CV Funding?
DCED welcomes applications from a wide range of local government entities in Pennsylvania. Eligible applicants include:
- General-purpose units of local government such as cities, boroughs, townships, and towns.
- Counties and home rule municipalities.
- Communities applying “on behalf of” other municipalities.
Local governments can also apply on behalf of non-profit organizations. Non-profit organizations themselves are eligible to apply, but only for regional projects that demonstrate a need across multiple counties (defined by DCED as more than one county). This regional approach encourages collaboration and broader impact in addressing homelessness.
Funding Details and Requirements
The ESG-CV program offers substantial financial support with flexible funding levels.
- Minimum Funding: $25,000
- Maximum Funding: No maximum limit specified.
- Matching Funds: No matching funds are required for ESG-CV awards, making it more accessible for communities in need.
Accessing More Information
For those interested in learning more about the ESG-CV program and its guidelines, the following resources are available:
- ESG CV 1: Allowable Activities – Details allowable activities under ESG-CV Round 1.
- ESG CV2 Application PowerPoint – A PowerPoint presentation on the ESG-CV Round 2 application process.
These resources provide valuable insights into the specifics of the program and can assist potential applicants in preparing their submissions. The ESG-CV program represents a crucial opportunity for communities to strengthen their response to homelessness during the ongoing challenges of the pandemic, offering vital support and resources to vulnerable populations.
