Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG)

  1. Overview
  2. Policies & Forms
  3. Funding Allocations

To access ESG services, you must be referred by Central Intake. Contact Central Intake via phone at 540-853-1163 or email at [email protected]. 

  • The Homeless Emergency Assistance and Rapid Transition to Housing Act of 2009 (HEARTH Act) amended the Mckinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, which revised the Emergency Shelter Grants Program in significant ways.
  • One major revision included renaming the Emergency Shelter Grants to Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) program. This change in the program's name reflects the change in the program's focus from addressing the needs of people living in emergency shelter or transitional shelters to assisting people quickly regain stability in permanent housing after experiencing a crisis and/or homelessness.
  • The ESG Interim Rule took effect on January 4, 2012; this Interim Rule focuses on the regulatory implementation of of the ESG program.
  • The ESG Program Interim Rule requires coordination between local Continuums of Care (CoC) and ESG recipients in order to build strategic systems of assistance that are responsive to local needs. 
  • The Blue Ridge Continuum of Care is responsible for local planning to ensure that homelessness is rare, brief, and a one-time occurrence. 

ESG Eligible Activities

ESG funds may be used for the following program components:

  • Street Outreach
  • Emergency Shelter
  • Homelessness Prevention
  • Rapid Re-housing Assistance
  • Homeless Management Information System (HMIS)

Additionally, up to 7.5% of a recipient's allocation may be used for Administrative activities. 

The ESG Program Components Quick Reference tool provides further information on each eligible activity.

Resources for ESG Subrecipients

  • Find ESG regulations, tools, webinars, COVID-19 materials, and more on the HUD Exchange.
  • Join HUD's email listserv to stay updated on policy guidance, training opportunities, resources, critical deadlines, and receive program support.
  • Explore HUD-guided training opportunities to develop skills, build knowledge, and enhance your capacity as you design, implement, and administer HUD programs.
  • Access additional ESG information, such as funding allocations, Area Median Income, Fair Market Rent, and more, here.
  • Learn about local Fair Housing resources. Contact the Virginia Fair Housing Office to file a complaint.