Emergency Solutions Grant

The Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) program administered by the Rockland County Office of Community Development is an annual initiative funded by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The program’s primary objective is to assist individuals and families who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless, by helping them regain stability through access to housing and supportive services. The county receives a direct allocation of ESG funds from HUD, which are then distributed to eligible non-profit organizations and municipalities that operate within Rockland County and provide services aligned with the grant’s goals. This grant supports five core components: Street Outreach, Emergency Shelter, Homelessness Prevention, Rapid Re-Housing Assistance, and contributions to the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS). Each of these components targets a specific aspect of homelessness or housing instability. Street Outreach funding is intended for essential services offered to unsheltered individuals, such as case management, emergency health care, and engagement services. Emergency Shelter funds may be used to renovate shelter facilities and cover operational and service-related costs for residents, including child care, education, job training, and legal assistance. Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing support short- to medium-term rental assistance and housing stabilization services. HMIS funds are allocated to maintain and operate the data systems that support performance tracking and accountability in the Continuum of Care. Organizations interested in applying must submit a completed application along with a comprehensive documentation package. Required documents include proof of 501(c)(3) status, an organizational chart, a list of board members, a recent financial audit or certified financial statement, a board resolution approving the application, resumes of key personnel, and documentation of any committed funding or letters of support. Additional materials, such as job descriptions for ESG-funded positions, a statement of work, and evidence of need, are also required. Applications should be submitted via email to [email protected]. Applicants must indicate whether their project falls under a new initiative or is an expansion of existing services, and detail the target population, number of individuals expected to be served, and the nature of the services to be provided. Eligible populations include single adults, families with children, veterans, victims of domestic violence, unaccompanied minors, individuals with disabilities, the elderly, and those with HIV/AIDS. Applicants must also demonstrate their capacity to meet a 100% matching funds requirement, and whether they currently participate in or are willing to participate in HMIS and Centralized Intake and Assessment. The Rockland County ESG program is currently open for applications as of December 2025. While an exact deadline is not specified in the available documentation, the application cycle typically aligns with HUD’s annual ESG allocations. As the program is recurring, organizations should expect future funding opportunities, generally on an annual basis. The review process includes confirmation of programmatic eligibility, alignment with funding priorities, and an evaluation of applicant capacity and documentation completeness. Award notifications typically follow the close of the application period, and funds must be used for eligible activities within the defined period of performance. For more information, applicants are encouraged to contact the Rockland County Office of Community Development by phone at 845-364-3939 or via email at [email protected]. The office can provide further guidance on eligibility requirements, documentation preparation, and program-specific inquiries. As this is a HUD-funded grant, applicants are also expected to comply with all federal guidelines governing ESG programs.