Stewart B. McKinney Emergency Shelter Grants
Frequently Asked Questions
1Q: What is the Emergency Shelter Grant (ESG) Program?
A: The Emergency Shelter Grant program is the first
step in a continuum of homeless assistance programs operated by HUD. It
was established by the Homeless Housing Act of 1986 and was incorporated
into Title IV of the Stewart B. McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act in
1987.
2Q: Who is eligible to apply for funding under the Emergency Shelter
Grant Program?
A: Non-profit,501(c)(3), organizations are eligible to apply for
funding each spring when IHFA releases a Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA).
These agencies must demonstrate need, experience, and organizational
capacity through the application process.
3Q: What programs may be funded by the Emergency Shelter Grant?
A: ESG will fund Emergency Shelter projects, Transitional Housing
projects (limited support), and Homeless Prevention programs for rent and
utility assistance for those at risk of homelessness due to a sudden
reduction in income that is not permanent in nature.
All clients served by ESG funds must qualify under HUD’s definitions
of ‘homeless’ or ‘at risk of homelessness’ (for Homeless
Prevention) before assistance is given. These definitions are listed in
the ESG Policy Manual on this website.
5Q: What is the Emergency Shelter Grant application process?
A: Applicants follow instructions on the NOFA and on IHFA’s
website for completing application materials. All applications must be
submitted by the posted deadline in order to be considered for review.
6Q: How is funding for the Emergency Shelter Grant allocated?
A: A panel of qualified reviewers using IHFA’s official rating
process evaluates each application. Points are awarded for each
application category. Combined points must meet or exceed a Threshold
Score for an application to be funded.
7Q: What are the ‘Match’ requirements for the Emergency Shelter
Grant?
A: ESG funding provided by HUD must be matched dollar-for-dollar
with funds from other sources. Applicants are required to provide a
"Match Certification" during the Technical Submission process
that shows the sources and amounts of their matching funds. Supplemental
funds, in-kind services, volunteer time, value of donated materials, value
of lease on a shelter facility, salaries paid to carry out the program,
etc. may be used to match ESG funds. All matching funds must be provided
AFTER the date of the grant award to the service provider.
8Q: How long is the program period for the Emergency Shelter Grant?
A: IHFA sets the ESG program period at 18 months. Awards are
normally made July 1 and the grant runs through December 31 of the
following year. Since new funding becomes available each spring, there are
always 2 grant periods running at the same time.
7Q: How soon can I begin using my Emergency Shelter Grant award?
A: Grant funds are available as soon as a Letter of Award is
received from IHFA. Money is paid out on a reimbursement basis ONLY; cash
advances are not allowed under this program. Expenditures must be dated
AFTER the beginning date and BEFORE the closing date of the grant.
Receipts for services rendered outside the grant period are not eligible
for reimbursement. The process by which funds may be drawn is outlined in
both the ESG Policy Manual and the ESG Program Solicitation.
8Q: Can I apply for Emergency Shelter Grant funds to support my
transitional housing project?
A: Yes. Support for Transitional Housing projects is an eligible
activity under the ESG program. However, since ESG is the only grant that
supports emergency shelters while there is other grant money available for
supportive housing, IHFA prioritizes ESG funding so that shelters
automatically receive more support from this grant than transitional
housing projects. ESG awards for transitional housing projects will be
minimal. Additionally, ESG cannot serve as the match for other Federal
programs, including the Supportive Housing Program.
9Q: What guidelines are provided to Project Sponsors for use in
implementing their Emergency Shelter Grant programs?
A: Recipients of Emergency Shelter Grant funds are required by law
to follow the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Title 24, Part 576, the
United States Code (USC) Title 42, Chapter 119, Subchapter IV Part B, and
the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circulars A-110, A-122 and
A-133. Other federal laws are incorporated into IHFA policies and
procedures for the Emergency Shelter Grant Program to ensure compliance to
federal standards of financial management, internal controls and
environmental regulations. Adherence to these policies and procedures, as
well as the reporting requirements of IHFA’s approved Homeless
Management Information System, is required by contract for all ESG Service
Providers.
Please send any questions you may have about the Emergency Shelter
Grant program to grants@ihfa.org. You
may also call IHFA toll-free at 1-877-4GRANTS.
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