ESG Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing

Overview

The Emergency Solutions Grants Program (ESG) is a federally-funded program designed to prevent homeless and minimize the duration of shelter stays for households experiencing homelessness. Each year, Massachusetts receives funding through the program which is then allocated by DHCD to organizations throughout the state who administer shelter support, homelessness prevention, and rapid re-housing programs.

Homelessness Prevention (HP) programs provide temporary rental and utility assistance to households at imminent risk of becoming homeless and without options for living with family, friends, or other support networks. Households at risk of eviction have the opportunity to work with housing advocates who can negotiate with landlords and provide support in housing court to outline a plan and timeline for repaying rental or mortgage arrearages.

Rapid Re-housing (RRH) programs help families who are currently homeless to quickly find housing and then provide assistance to cover rental start-up costs, typically the security deposit and first 2-6 months of rent.

Homelessness prevention and rapid re-housing programs will also provide some form of case management or follow-up service and referrals as needed with the goal that households receiving assistance through this program remain stable once they are no longer receiving financial assistance.

Eligibility

To receive Homelessness Prevention assistance through ESG, an individual/household must:

• Have an annual income below 30% of area median income (AMI). Income limits are calculated annually by HUD and reported here.
• AND, Must be “at risk of homelessness”
  • See HUD’s definition of “at risk of homelessness”
• AND, Must lack resources and/or support networks, e.g., family, friends, faith-based or other social networks, necessary to prevent homelessness.

To receive Rapid Re-Housing assistance through ESG, an individual/household must:

• Meet HUD’s definition of “homeless”
• Note: households that receive assistance through other state resources, including HomeBASE, may still be eligible for Rapid Re-Housing

State and local government, and agencies disbursing ESG funds, may establish additional eligibility requirements or procedures specific to their service area.

How to Apply

The table below includes contact information and services areas for agencies administering either HP or RRH programs. Most agencies will conduct an intake over the phone or meet with households in person to determine eligibility.