The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act of 2020 was a landmark piece of legislation designed to provide urgent relief to Americans and various sectors affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Among its crucial provisions were significant resources allocated to assist vulnerable populations, particularly those experiencing or at risk of homelessness. One of the key avenues for this support was through the Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) program, bolstered by CARES Act funding, often referred to as ESG-CV. This initiative aimed to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the coronavirus among individuals and families facing homelessness.
What is the Emergency Solutions Grant CARES Act (ESG-CV)?
The Emergency Solutions Grant program itself is not new; it’s authorized under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act and the HEARTH Act. However, the CARES Act provided a substantial supplemental appropriation to this existing framework to specifically address the homelessness crisis exacerbated by the pandemic. The ESG-CV funds are specifically designated to help communities prevent the spread of coronavirus and to provide essential services to those experiencing homelessness.
The Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania received a significant allocation of ESG-CV funds. This funding is intended to support programs that rapidly resolve homelessness and prevent individuals and families from falling into homelessness. The allocation formula from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) considered factors like the total homeless population, unsheltered homeless individuals, and the number of very low-income renters at risk, ensuring that funds were directed where the need was greatest.
Who is Eligible for ESG-CV Funding?
The DCED in Pennsylvania accepted applications from a wide range of local government entities. This included cities, boroughs, townships, counties, and home rule municipalities. These local government units could apply directly or “on behalf of” other municipalities, streamlining the application process and allowing for collaborative efforts.
Importantly, local governments could also apply on behalf of non-profit organizations. Non-profits themselves were eligible to apply directly only for regional projects, defined as those serving more than one county and demonstrating a clear regional need. This focus on regional projects for non-profits aimed to encourage broader impact and resource sharing across communities.
How Can ESG-CV Funds Be Used?
ESG-CV funds are flexible and can be used for a variety of activities crucial for addressing homelessness during a public health crisis. These eligible activities align with the standard Emergency Solutions Grant Interim Rule and additional guidance provided in Notice CPD 20-08. The primary goal is to utilize these funds to prepare for, prevent the spread of, and respond to the coronavirus within the homeless population. Eligible uses include:
- Emergency Shelter: Providing and operating emergency shelters to ensure safe spaces for individuals experiencing homelessness.
- Temporary Emergency Shelter: Setting up temporary shelter solutions to quickly increase capacity during times of high need or specific crises like Code Blue activations for winter sheltering.
- Rapid Rehousing: Assisting individuals and families to quickly move from homelessness into stable housing.
- Homelessness Prevention: Implementing programs designed to prevent individuals and families at risk of homelessness from losing their housing.
- Landlord Incentives: Offering incentives to landlords to encourage them to rent to individuals and families experiencing homelessness, increasing housing options.
- Street Outreach: Funding street outreach programs to connect with unsheltered individuals, provide resources, and encourage them to access services.
- Hazard Pay: Providing hazard pay to frontline workers in homeless services who faced increased risks during the pandemic.
- Homeless Management Information System (HMIS): Supporting the use of HMIS to collect data and improve service delivery and coordination.
- Administration: Allowing for a portion of the funds to be used for the administrative costs of managing these programs effectively.
Funding Details and Application
The ESG-CV program in Pennsylvania offered grants with a minimum funding level of $25,000, and no maximum limit was specified, allowing for projects of varying scales to be considered. Notably, no matching funds were required for ESG-CV grants, making these resources even more accessible during a time of economic uncertainty.
For those seeking more detailed information, the DCED provided additional resources, including documents outlining allowable activities and application guidance. These resources are invaluable for potential applicants looking to understand the specifics of the ESG-CV program and how to effectively utilize these Cares Act Relief Programs to address homelessness in their communities.
ESG CV 1: Allowable Activities
ESG CV2 Application PowerPoint
