The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act of 2020 brought crucial support to various sectors, and a significant part focused on assisting vulnerable populations through the Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) program. Specifically in Pennsylvania, the Cares Program Pa, utilizing ESG-CV funding, was designed to combat homelessness amidst the pandemic. This initiative provided vital resources to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the coronavirus among individuals and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
The Role of ESG-CV in Pennsylvania’s CARES Program
The CARES Act allocated supplemental funding for Homeless Assistance Grants under the ESG, originally established by the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act and later amended by the HEARTH Act. This ESG-CV funding was specifically intended to address the unique challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic within the homeless population.
Pennsylvania, through its Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED), received a substantial second allocation of ESG-CV funds, totaling $19,930,907. This allocation was determined by a HUD formula that considered factors like the total homeless population, unsheltered homeless individuals, and very low-income renters facing housing instability. This targeted approach ensured that resources were directed where the need was greatest.
Within this second round of funding, a portion, $2,997,961, was specifically designated for a Code Blue program to provide essential winter sheltering during the 2020-2021 season. The remaining $16,932,946 was made available through applications to support broader initiatives aimed at ending or preventing homelessness across Pennsylvania’s vulnerable populations.
How CARES Program PA Funds are Utilized
The ESG-CV funds within the CARES program PA are flexible and can be used for a range of eligible activities. These activities align with the Emergency Solutions Grant Interim Rule and Notice CPD 20-08, all focused on addressing the priorities of the CARES Act in the context of coronavirus. Eligible uses include both single activities and combinations, allowing for tailored approaches to local needs.
Key areas of funding utilization include:
- Emergency Shelter: Providing safe and immediate shelter options for individuals and families experiencing homelessness.
- Temporary Emergency Shelter: Expanding shelter capacity through temporary solutions to meet increased needs during emergencies like the pandemic.
- Rapid Rehousing: Quickly moving individuals and families from homelessness into stable housing with supportive services.
- Homelessness Prevention: Implementing strategies to prevent individuals and families at risk of homelessness from losing their housing.
- Landlord Incentives: Encouraging landlord participation in housing programs for homeless individuals and families through incentives.
- Street Outreach: Connecting with unsheltered homeless individuals to offer services, support, and pathways to housing.
- Hazard Pay: Providing additional compensation to frontline workers in homeless services who faced increased risks during the pandemic.
- Homeless Management Information System (HMIS): Improving data collection and management to better understand and address homelessness.
- Administration: Supporting the administrative costs associated with implementing and managing ESG-CV funded programs.
Who is Eligible for CARES Program PA Funding?
The DCED opened applications for CARES program PA funding to a wide range of entities within Pennsylvania. Eligible applicants included general-purpose units of local government, encompassing cities, boroughs, townships, towns, counties, home rule municipalities, and communities applying “on behalf of” other municipalities. This structure allowed for both direct applications from larger entities and collaborative applications representing multiple smaller municipalities.
Local governments were also permitted to apply “on behalf of” non-profit organizations, recognizing the crucial role non-profits play in delivering homeless services. Non-profit organizations themselves were eligible to apply for regional projects, provided they could demonstrate a regional need spanning more than one county. This regional approach aimed to foster collaboration and maximize impact across broader geographic areas.
Funding Amounts and Application Details
The CARES program PA, through ESG-CV funding, offered grants with a minimum of $25,000 and no set maximum, allowing for projects of varying scales to be supported. Importantly, no matching funds were required for grants awarded under the ESG-CV, removing a potential barrier for many applicants during a time of economic uncertainty.
For those seeking more in-depth information, additional resources were made available, including details on allowable activities under ESG-CV Round 1 and a PowerPoint presentation from the ESG-CV Round 2 application webinar. These resources provided further guidance and support for potential applicants navigating the CARES program PA and the ESG-CV funding process.
