Local Government Emergency Housing Support Program (LGEHS)

The Local Government Emergency Housing Support Program (LGEHS), administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development (DCED), provides targeted assistance to support communities experiencing housing instability due to natural or man-made disasters. Authorized by Section 3 of the Commerce Law (Act of May 10, 1939, P.L. 111), the LGEHS aims to ensure the availability of temporary housing solutions and critical stabilization services for communities in urgent need. It recognizes the critical role that local governments and nonprofit organizations play in disaster recovery efforts and allocates funding to help these entities address emergency shelter needs and support displaced populations. The program supports a variety of housing-related interventions. Eligible uses of funds include emergency shelters, which may involve construction, rehabilitation, or conversion of structures, as well as the addition of beds to existing shelter infrastructure. It also funds short- or medium-term rental assistance for displaced individuals. A small portion (up to 1%) of the awarded grant may be used to cover administrative expenses related to implementing the project. Additional uses may be permitted if deemed eligible by the department. Importantly, the program limits awards to a maximum of $500,000 and prohibits the use of funds to purchase or acquire property or reimburse costs already covered by other federal or state programs. Eligibility is extended to all units of local government in Pennsylvania, including counties, cities, townships, boroughs, towns, and authorities. Nonprofit organizations are also eligible, provided they are registered 501(c) entities with tax-exempt status, an operating history of at least two years in the Commonwealth, an accounting system, a voluntary board, and a nondiscrimination policy. Nonprofits must also demonstrate alignment with local housing needs through coordination with affected municipalities, including a letter of support from the impacted government unit. Awards are reserved for areas with a declared local disaster or other regions determined to be in high need by DCED. Applicants must apply through DCED’s Electronic Single Application for Assistance (ESA) system at grants.pa.gov. All required documentation must be uploaded via the Addenda tab within the ESA system. Mailed submissions will not be accepted. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and reviewed quarterly; to be considered in a given quarter’s funding round, complete applications must be submitted by the end of that calendar quarter. Assistance with ESA is available via the Customer Service Center at 800-379-7448 or [email protected]. Applicants must provide a copy of the local disaster declaration, geographic area impacted, details on the disaster and its impact on housing needs, and an explanation of the inability of other funding sources to meet the need. They must also describe the affected population, compare pre- and post-disaster conditions, and outline how grant funds will be used across short-, medium-, and long-term horizons. Compliance with nondiscrimination laws, conflict of interest provisions, prevailing wage requirements, and state labor standards is mandatory. Quarterly reporting through the local Continuum of Care's Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) is also required. Once an application is approved, the department will notify the signatories listed in the ESA via email. The signatories are required to sign the grant agreement within 60 days. Once fully executed, 100% of the funds will be advanced upon invoice submission. Grantees are also required to follow the department’s closeout guidelines. While the program does not operate on a fixed annual cycle, it remains open year-round and applicants may apply as needs arise following disasters or housing emergencies.