$42 Million in Emergency Solutions Grants Available to Prevent and Respond to COVID-19

Oregon Housing and Community Services is administering funds to help Oregonians experiencing homelessness and prevent housing instability.

SALEM, OR – Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) is accepting applications for Emergency Solution Grants-Coronavirus (ESG-CV). The ESG-CV funds are part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) and are being used to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the Coronavirus pandemic among individuals and families who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of falling into homelessness. The funds are allocated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

“The public health epidemic has further laid to bare both the housing supply shortage and safe sheltering options,” said Andrea Bell, OHCS Director of Housing Stabilization. “Now, with winter coming and Oregon’s COVID-19 cases rising, this assistance provides a lifeline to families without shelter and those at risk of becoming homeless.”

For the first time in state history, OHCS will allocate homeless response and prevention resources through a competitive process. Given the magnitude of the ESG-CV resources and the demands of the COVID-19 pandemic, OHCS sought and received flexibility from the Oregon Legislature to allocate $42 million of ESG-CV to providers who had not previously been eligible. HB 4304 (2nd Special Session) provided OHCS the ability to competitively allocated ESG-CV resources to culturally specific organizations, non-profits, public housing authorities and local government to expand the reach and scope of services to communities most disproportionately impacted by both COVID-19 and housing instability. Earlier this year, OHCS allocated $13.7 million in ESG-CV funds to regional Community Action Agencies.

“Ensuring we have equity in the distribution of funds is critical,” Director Bell said. “I’m excited about additional opportunities to partner with providers bringing diverse strategies and expertise across the state to increase services that Oregonians need. These resources and new partnerships will advance Oregon’s Statewide Housing Plan and move Oregon closer to a system in which everyone has a safe and stable place to call home.”

Over the past year, OHCS’ Housing Stabilization Division has distributed record levels of funding to local communities to provide housing stabilization and emergency shelter to Oregonians. This competitive allocation of ESG-CV will address homelessness though street outreach, emergency shelter, rapid rehousing, and prevention for families in danger of slipping into homelessness. These additional resources will include addressing the disproportionate effects of COVID-19 on communities of color and other at-risk populations.

Organizations already providing services such as safe shelter, rehousing or homelessness prevention assistance to households at risk of becoming homeless may be eligible. The application closes on December 27th at 3 pm (PST). Applicants must meet the federal funding definitions or comply with the ESG Federal Grant Requirements to receive funding. To read more about the funding criteria and access the application process, visit the Oregon Housing and Community Services website.  

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