Background The ESG Program is designed to be the first step in a continuum of assistance to prevent homelessness and to enable homeless individuals and families to move toward independent living. The federal Emergency Solutions Program (“ESG”), authorized by the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, as amended by the Homeless Emergency Assistance and Rapid Transition to Housing (HEARTH) Act of 2009, provides funding to: (1) engage homeless individuals and families living on the street; (2) improve the number and quality of emergency shelters for homeless individuals and families; (3) help operate these shelters; (4) provide essential services to shelter residents, (5) rapidly re-house homeless individuals and families, and (6) prevent families/individuals from becoming homeless. The Department’s newly redesigned State ESG Program aims to align with local systems’ federal ESG and HEARTH goals, invest in impactful activities based on key performance goals and outcomes, improve geographic distribution of funded activities and continuity of funded activities, and create a streamlined delivery mechanism. The program emphasizes the involvement of local Continuums of Care and ESG entitlement entities in the funding distribution process. Program Priorities The County is conducting a fair and open competitive process pursuant to State Regulation Section 8403. The County will evaluate provider capacity and experience on the following criteria: 1. The ability of the provider to deliver services in non-entitlement areas. 2. Comprehensive and coordinated access throughout the Service Area. 3. Prioritized access for services for people with the most severe needs. 4. Low barrier access to services and consistency with Housing First practices. 5. Use of progressive engagement approach to services and financial assistance. Program Objectives DPSS was designated as an Administrative Entity (AE) for the County of Riverside Continuum of Care for the purpose of administering State ESG funds within the State ESG Service Areas. All activities funded with ESG grants must provide funding to: 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 Prevent families and individuals from becoming homeless Funding for Services
Background The ESG Program is designed to be the first step in a continuum of assistance to prevent homelessness and to enable homeless individuals and families to move toward independent living. The federal Emergency Solutions Program (“ESG”), authorized by the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, as amended by the Homeless Emergency Assistance and Rapid Transition to Housing (HEARTH) Act of 2009, provides funding to: (1) engage homeless individuals and families living on the street; (2) improve the number and quality of emergency shelters for homeless individuals and families; (3) help operate these shelters; (4) provide essential services to shelter residents, (5) rapidly re-house homeless individuals and families, and (6) prevent families/individuals from becoming homeless. The Department’s newly redesigned State ESG Program aims to align with local systems’ federal ESG and HEARTH goals, invest in impactful activities based on key performance goals and outcomes, improve geographic distribution of funded activities and continuity of funded activities, and create a streamlined delivery mechanism. The program emphasizes the involvement of local Continuums of Care and ESG entitlement entities in the funding distribution process. Program Priorities The County is conducting a fair and open competitive process pursuant to State Regulation Section 8403. The County will evaluate provider capacity and experience on the following criteria: 1. The ability of the provider to deliver services in non-entitlement areas. 2. Comprehensive and coordinated access throughout the Service Area. 3. Prioritized access for services for people with the most severe needs. 4. Low barrier access to services and consistency with Housing First practices. 5. Use of progressive engagement approach to services and financial assistance. Program Objectives DPSS was designated as an Administrative Entity (AE) for the County of Riverside Continuum of Care for the purpose of administering State ESG funds within the State ESG Service Areas. All activities funded with ESG grants must provide funding to: 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 Prevent families and individuals from becoming homeless Funding for Services