Program Overview/Purpose
The Emergency Shelter Grant (ESG) program is a component of the state's Continuum of Care system designed to alleviate homelessness in Oklahoma.  ESG programs enable homeless individuals and families to move toward independent living by providing emergency housing and supportive services.  ESG funds are provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) on an annual basis and administered by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce.

The general goals of this funding are consistent with those established by HUD and are intended to benefit people with low to moderate income:

• Provide decent housing 
• Provide a suitable living environment 
• Expand economic opportunities 

Types of Assistance Provided
Eligible activities funded under ESG include the following:

• Renovation, major rehab or conversion of buildings used for emergency shelters
• Payment of shelter operating costs, rent, food for feeding the homeless, security, fuels, insurance and utilities
• Provision of essential services to the homeless, including health, drug abuse, education, nutritional counseling, etc. 
• Developing and implementing homeless prevention activities
• Administrative costs directly related to administering the grant (up to 2.5% of award)

Estimated Total Program Funding
$921,000

Grant Maximum
$20,000 - $50,000 depending on funding tier.

Eligibility
Eligible applicants are local governments and Community Action Agencies. Shelter operators interested in making application must seek sponsorship from either a unit of general local government or the Community Action Agency (CAA) operating in that jurisdiction.

Shelters applying for ESG funds through eligible sponsors are required to be members of their local Continuum of Care and must either already participate in collecting client data or be ready to start collecting client data using the Continuum's HMIS (Homelessness Management Information System).

The ESG Program is a competitive program. Funding is available in four tiers, each with its own objectives and funding criteria. See the Emergency Shelter Application Guidelines for explanation of the funding tiers.

ESG funds must be matched dollar for dollar by local sources. Eligible forms are outlined in the Emergency Shelter Grant Application Guidelines.
 
Application Deadline
February 26, 2010, 5:00 p.m.

To Apply
Review the Emergency Shelter Application Guidelines

2009 Emergency Shelter Grant Application

2009 Consolidated Plan Draft
This is the 2009 Draft State Consolidated Plan as submitted to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).