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Introduction:

The Emergency Shelter Grants Program (ESGP) provides financial assistance to non-profit agencies that operate emergency shelters, transitional housing, and supportive services for homeless individuals and families. The goal of the ESGP is to improve the quality of existing homeless shelters, make available additional shelters, and to assist in the provision of essential social services to the homeless person.

Program Overview:

Palm Beach County Housing and Community Development (HCD) receives Emergency Shelter Grant Program (ESGP) funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) annually. The ESGP is authorized by the Stuart B. McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act of 1987, as amended, for the rehabilitation or conversation of buildings for use as emergency shelter for the homeless, for the payment of certain operating expenses and essential services in connection with emergency shelters for the homeless, and for homeless prevention activities. The program is designed to be the first step in a continuum of assistance to enable homeless individuals and families to move toward independent living as well as to prevent homelessness.

Eligible Categories:

Palm Beach County makes ESGP funds available to area non-profit agencies for activities within the major eligibility categories as described below. Be advised that HCD will not fund staff costs.

• Operations and Maintenance of Shelter Facilities: Provides for the operation and maintenance cost of a homeless shelter. These costs may include such expenses as general maintenance, operation, insurance, utilities, furnishings, rent/lease, telephone, program supplies, repair, security, fuels, food, and equipment. No maximum percentage of the annual ESGP grant is required in this category.
• Homeless Prevention Initiatives: Provides for homeless prevention activities including, but not limited to, emergency rent, mortgage, and/or utilities subsidies (to prevent eviction or termination of service). A maximum of 30% of the annual ESGP grant can be allocated toward activities in this category.

Local Match Requirement:

Each agency that receives ESGP funds must provide matching funds on a dollar for dollar basis from sources other than ESP during the term of the ESGP agreement. All matching funds must be documented, and only sources directly related to carrying out ESGP activities may be counted toward the required amount. Sources of matching funds are:

• Cash Funds
• The value of any donated material or building for the purposes of operating the ESGP activities
• The value of a lease paid on a building for use in sheltering the homeless;
• The value of any salary paid to agency staff in support of the ESGP activities;
• Time and services contributed by volunteers to carry out ESGP activities, calculated at $5.00 per hour

Collaborative Efforts:

HUD believes that the best approach to alleviating homelessness is through a community-based process that provides a comprehensive response to the different needs of homeless individuals and families. The "Continuum of Care" system assesses needs, inventories resources, identifies gaps, and coordinates public and private resources to fill the gaps and avoid duplication.

Palm Beach County's Continuum of Care system provides multi-point access; linkages among service providers; and a coordinated, seamless approach to meet the needs of homeless individuals and families. The Continuum of Care system consists of prevention services, outreach and assessment, emergency shelter, transitional housing, permanent supportive housing, permanent housing for the general population, and support services.

HCD also believes in the importance of collaborative efforts to meet the needs of homeless individuals and families. Therefore, in evaluating applications, HCD awards points for participation in efforts such as the Homeless Coalition of Palm Beach County Service Provider Network, the Palm Beach County Client Services Network, the Center for Information and Crisis Services, and the Continuum of Care system. HCD will give priority to projects that benefit individuals and families in the Lake Region (nee Glades area) of Palm Beach County.

Application Process:

Applications are reviewed by HCD staff and the ESGP Advisory Board. Funding recommendations for ESGP funds are made by the Advisory Board and subject to final approval by the Board of County Commissioners.

APPLICATIONS FOR THE FY 2011-2012 ESG PROGRAM ARE NO LONGER BEING ACCEPTED AT THIS TIME. THE DEADLINE TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION WAS APRIL 18TH AT 5:00PM.

IF YOU NEED TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE OR IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE EMAIL YOUR REQUEST TO:sschultz@pbcgov.org or please call (561) 233-3616 to schedule a meeting with our planning staff.

100 Australian Avenue
Suite 500, W Palm Beach, FL 33406
Phone: (561) 233-3600
Fax: (561) 233-3651

"Under Florida law, e-mail addresses are public records. If you do not want your e-mail address released in response to a public records request, do not send electronic mail to this entity. Instead, contact this office by phone or in writing."

Map and Directions

• US Dept. of Housing and Urban Development
• Palm Beach County Housing Finance Authority
• Census Data - American Factfinder
• Homeless Advisory Board-Plan to End Homelessness
• Workforce Housing Program
• Florida Housing Search.org
• Westgate/Belvedere Homes CRA
• Community Land Trust of PBC