Community Resources

The Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) program is a component of the state's Continuum of Care system designed to alleviate homelessness in Oklahoma. ESG programs enable homeless individuals and families to move toward independent living by providing emergency housing, supportive services, and housing assistance. ESG funds are provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) on an annual basis and administered by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce.
The general goals of this funding are consistent with those established by HUD and are intended to benefit people with low to moderate income:

• Provide decent housing
• Provide a suitable living environment
• Expand economic opportunities

Program Details

Eligible activities funded under ESG include the following:

• Engage homeless individuals and families living on the street;
• Improve the number and quality of emergency shelters for homeless individuals and families;
• Help operate these shelters;
• Provide essential services to shelter residents,
• Rapidly re-house homeless individuals and families, and
• Prevent families and individuals from becoming homeless.

Purpose

Strategies outlined by the Governor’s Interagency Council on Homelessness’ (GICH) 10-year Plan adopted by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce/ Community Development (ODOC/CD) continues to advance and energize the state's efforts to identify and combat the issues that result in homelessness. To that end ODOC/CD continues to lead the efforts for the preparation of the Consolidated Plan, devoted to the organization of federal resources to identify, strategize and implement effective ways to relieve the burden of low-income and in many cases homeless individuals and families. The Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) Program is a component of the state’s efforts to alleviate homelessness in Oklahoma. When used in conjunction with other local resources the ESG program provides the foundation for homeless people to moving toward and maintaining independence.

Eligibility

Shelter operators interested in making application, must meet one of two options:

• Private Nonprofits who have a yearly independent audit may directly apply for an ESG grant without sponsorship.
• Shelters may seek sponsorship from either a unit of general local government or the Community Action Agency (CAA) operating in that jurisdiction. A unit of general local government or CAA may retain prevention or administrative funds to carry out those activities. Not all funds used by the unit of general local government or CAA for prevention or administrative activities must be used by the shelter. Emergency Shelters that are owned and/or operated by a unit of general local government or a CAA must submit their request for funding through their owner. A Sponsor/Shelter Agreement must be signed and submitted to ODOC before funds can be released.

ODOC/CD funds only those ESG applicants located in and serving non-formula areas. Potential applicants with a shelter located in the jurisdictions of the City of Tulsa or the City of Oklahoma City must apply through their prospective entitlement communities.
Shelters applying for ESG funds independently or through eligible sponsors are required to be members of their local Continuum of Care and must either already participate in collecting client data or be ready to start collecting client data using the Continuum's HMIS (Homelessness Management Information System).
The ESG Program is a competitive program. Funding is available in two tiers, each with its own objectives and funding criteria. See the Emergency Solutions Application Guidelines for explanation of the funding tiers.
ESG funds must be matched dollar for dollar by local sources.