Local Government Emergency Housing Support Program (LGEHS)

The Local Government Emergency Housing Support Program is a targeted funding initiative administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development (DCED) to aid local governments and nonprofit organizations in responding to emergency housing needs following disasters. This program plays a critical role in enhancing resilience and enabling rapid recovery in the aftermath of both natural and man-made crises. It is authorized under Section 3 of the Act of May 10, 1939 (P.L. 111), commonly referred to as the Commerce Law. Through this program, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania aims to ensure that displaced residents and vulnerable populations can access temporary housing and stabilization services during periods of significant disruption. Eligible applicants include all units of local government across the Commonwealth—such as counties, cities, boroughs, towns, townships, and authorities—as well as nonprofit organizations that meet strict criteria. Nonprofits must be 501(c) tax-exempt, have operated in Pennsylvania for at least two years, maintain a dedicated focus on addressing housing needs, and must coordinate with the affected municipality, evidenced by a letter of support. Applications are limited to areas with either a declared local disaster or areas deemed “high need” by DCED discretion. This ensures that funding is distributed where the impact is greatest and need is urgent. Grant funds may be used for several key purposes: establishing or modifying emergency shelters (including construction, conversion, or rehabilitation of structures); providing short- or medium-term rental assistance for displaced individuals; and covering limited administrative costs (not exceeding 1% of the total grant). The program also allows for additional uses at the discretion of the Department. However, several restrictions apply. Grants may not exceed $500,000 per award and cannot be used to reimburse costs already covered by other federal or state programs. Additionally, funds may not be used to acquire or purchase property. The program includes several administrative and compliance requirements. Applicants must certify nondiscrimination, disclose conflicts of interest, maintain complete project records, and comply with relevant worker safety and labor laws. If the project involves construction over $25,000, the Pennsylvania Prevailing Wage Act may apply. Grantees are required to submit quarterly reports via the local Continuum of Care Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) and follow DCED's grant closeout procedures. To apply, applicants must use the DCED’s Electronic Single Application for Assistance (ESA) system at grants.pa.gov. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year but are reviewed and approved quarterly. To be considered for an upcoming review round, submissions must be completed by the end of a calendar quarter. Supplemental documentation is required, including proof of disaster declaration, a detailed description of the disaster’s impact, population needs, and an explanation of how grant funds will address short-, medium-, and long-term challenges. Once approved, grantees receive email instructions for executing a grant agreement via the Keystone Login portal. The agreement must be signed within 60 days of notification or the award may be rescinded. After execution, DCED will advance 100% of the grant funds upon receipt of a proper invoice. This streamlined disbursement process ensures that resources are made available swiftly to communities in crisis.