The Homeless Emergency Assistance and Rapid Transition to Housing Act of 2009 (HEARTH Act) amended the McKinney-Vento Homeless Act and authorized the Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) Program. The ESG Interim Rule took effect on January 4, 2012. The ESG program includes a greater emphasis on homelessness prevention, the addition of rapid re-housing, the regulatory requirements for Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) use, increased emphasis on performance, and a requirement for greater coordination and collaboration between the recipient and the Continuum of Care. Gwinnett County participates in the Balance of State Continuum of Care, as administered by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs.
The regulations implementing the ESG Program are found at 24 CFR Part 576. The Gwinnett County Housing and Community Development Division is soliciting applications for the use of ESG funds for emergency shelter, homelessness prevention, rapid re-housing, and HMIS coordination.
The purpose of the ESG program is to assist individuals and families to quickly regain stability in permanent housing after experiencing a housing crisis or homelessness. ESG funds may be used for eligible activities intentionally and specifically focused on housing. Eligible activities must fall within the parameters of three (3) components:
