In accordance with the Homeless Emergency Assistance and Rapid Transition to Housing (HEARTH) Act, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has issued interim regulations for the Emergency Solutions Grants program along with corresponding amendments to the Consolidated Plan regulations. The Emergency Solutions Grants program replaces the Emergency Shelter Grants program and expands the eligible activities to include homelessness prevention and rapid re-housing components.
The purpose of the program is to assist individuals and families quickly regain stability in permanent housing after experiencing a housing crisis or homelessness.
The City distributes its Emergency Solutions Grants funds through a competitive bid process. Every two years, a competitive Request for Proposals (RFP) under the Emergency Solutions Grants program is issued by the Department of Human Services, soliciting proposals from organizations. The Department of Human Services subjects all proposals received in response to the RFP to a rigorous review and selection process. Proposals selected for funding are executed as one-year contracts with the option of single renewal at the end of the contract term.
The City of San Antonio's Department of Human Services administers the Emergency Solutions Grants Program and coordinates activities to enhance the quality and quantity of homeless facilities and services for homeless individuals and families. Emergency Solutions Grants funds can be used for a variety of activities, including:
The Department of Human Services has taken full advantage of the flexibility to fund a wide range of services which address critical gaps in the housing needs throughout the Continuum of Care (CoC). The City funds an array of projects designed to strengthen this continuum.