Emergency Solutions Grant
Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) funds are federal funds that may be used for homeless assistance and homeless prevention activities. The ESG program is designed to be the first step in a continuum of assistance to prevent homelessness and to enable homeless individuals to move toward independent living. The objectives of the program are to help improve the quality of existing emergency shelters for the homeless, to help make available additional shelters, to help meet the costs of operating these facilities, to help provide essential social services to the homeless, and to help prevent homelessness.
Application Cycle
Applications for ESG grants are accepted every other year for a two-year period. Additional application information is available on the ESG application webpage.
Local Program Standards
Local Snohomish County program standards that implement HUD regulations and guidelines for Continuum of Care (CoC) Program and ESG projects have been developed and must be used by all projects supported by these funds. The local CoC and ESG Program Standards document is available below:
- Local CoC and ESG Program Standards for Snohomish County Projects (PDF) (updated April 2016) (1,718 KB)
Rapid Rehousing Guide
The Local Program Standards incorporate by reference the Rapid Rehousing Guide, which provides baseline requirements and strategies for all rapid rehousing projects funded through the Snohomish County Office of Community and Homeless Services
- Rapid Rehousing Guide (PDF) (updated May 2015)
Eligibility Documentation
Eligibility for assistance under the ESG Program is determined by HUD regulations and is further defined by project component. Projects funded under the ESG Program may use the following forms to document participant eligibility.
- Verification of Homelessness (PDF)
- Verification of Homelessness for Emergency Shelters and Street Outreach Projects only
- Rights and Remedies under Fair Housing and Civil Rights Laws (PDF) (211 KB)
- Education Services for Homeless Families with Children (PDF) (328 KB)
- Documentation of Eligibility
- Third-Party Documentation of Eligibility (PDF, 180 KB)
- Self-Declaration of Eligibility (PDF) (179)
- Verification of Income (PDF)
McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act As Amended by The HEARTH Act of 2009 (S.896)
The Homeless Emergency Assistance and Rapid Transition to Housing Act of 2009 (HEARTH) was signed into law on May 20, 2009. The HEARTH Act reauthorizes the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act of 1987. The HEARTH Act is available below:
Emergency Solutions Grant Program Interim Rule
The ESG Interim Rule was published on December 5, 2011. The ESG Interim Rule is available below:
Homeless Definition Final Rule
The Homeless Definition Final Rule was published on December 5, 2011. The Homeless Definition Final Rule is available below: