Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG)

The Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) program, established under the HEARTH Act of 2009, provides crucial funding to local governments for rehabilitating homeless shelters and financing essential services related to these shelters. Eligible entities include 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations with at least two years of operation. The City of Orlando expects to allocate approximately $194,000 for homelessness prevention, rapid re-housing, and emergency shelter operations, ensuring a comprehensive approach to addressing homelessness in the community.

NOTE: Agencies interested in applying for funding are strongly encouraged to attend the public hearing/workshop where the scope of services and requirements will be discussed.
The ESG program is authorized under the Homeless Emergency Assistance and Rapid Transition to Housing (HEARTH) Act of 2009. HUD makes this program available to local governments for the rehabilitation of homeless shelters, and for payment of certain operating and social service expenses in connection with homeless shelters. In addition, homeless prevention and rapid-re-housing programs for persons at risk of homelessness are also eligible for funding.

Eligibility

This application process is open to participation by entities that are 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organizations that have been in business for at least two years.That funding may be used for four program components: homelessness prevention, rapid re-housing assistance, emergency shelter operations, and HMIS.The City will accept applications for these categories: Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Activities – Funds to be used for short- and medium-term rental assistance and housing relocation and stabilization services for homelessness prevention and rapid re-housing of homeless individuals and families into permanent housing. Emergency Shelter Activities:Essential Services;Operations – To increase the quality and quantity of temporary shelters: Provision of essential services; paying for shelter costs, maintenance, insurance, and utilities. HMIS – Funds to support the management of the Homeless Management Information System utilized by the City of Orlando’s Continuum of Care HMIS lead agency.An estimated total of $220,553 in ESG funds is expected to be available for Program Year 2026 activities. Emergency shelter operation funding awards are capped at 60% of the total grant in accordance with the HUD regulations.The match must be in an amount that equals the amount of ESG funds provided by HUD through the City (100% match).If multiple organizations are submitting jointly, one organization must be designated as the primary contact. Activities under this ESG RFA must be consistent with the priorities identified in the City’s Five Year Consolidated Plan (Consolidated Plan). Every year an Annual Action Plan is used to implement the priorities identified in the Consolidated Plan. Viable activities are recommended for funding at the conclusion of this application process that will become part of the Annual Action Plan.