Texas Emergency Solutions Grants Program: Accessing Housing Crisis Support

The Emergency Solutions Grants program, a vital federal initiative, serves as a critical lifeline for Texans facing the profound stress of a housing crisis. For individuals and families experiencing homelessness or on the immediate verge of losing their home, this program funds a robust network of local services across the state designed to provide immediate relief and a pathway back to stability.

It is essential to understand that while its name includes the word "grant," the program does not provide direct cash payments to individuals. Instead, it channels federal funds to state and local governments, as well as nonprofit organizations, which in turn deliver essential services directly to those in need. This system ensures that support is comprehensive, coordinated, and targeted to help people quickly regain permanent housing.

The Core Mission of the Emergency Solutions Grants Program

The modern Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG) program was established by the Homeless Emergency Assistance and Rapid Transition to Housing (HEARTH) Act of 2009. This landmark legislation fundamentally reshaped the federal government's approach to homelessness. It amended the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act and replaced the former Emergency Shelter Grants program, signaling a strategic shift toward ending homelessness, not just managing it.

A Shift to "Housing First"

The previous program centered primarily on funding emergency shelters, a reactive measure providing temporary safety. The HEARTH Act broadened this scope significantly, creating the "Emergency Solutions" framework that is proactive and comprehensive. This framework is built on the "Housing First" philosophy, a proven model that prioritizes moving individuals and families into permanent housing as quickly as possible.

This approach recognizes that a stable home is the essential foundation upon which people can begin to address other challenges, such as unemployment or health issues. Houston has been nationally recognized for its successful implementation of the Housing First model, demonstrating a 63-64% reduction in homelessness since 2012 by committing to homes rather than just managing the crisis. The ESG program is the financial engine that empowers communities across Texas to adopt these effective, solutions-oriented strategies.

Five Pillars of Support: What the ESG Program Funds in Texas

The ESG program is structured around five core components, each designed to address a specific aspect of a housing crisis. This structure creates a comprehensive continuum of services that can meet people wherever they are on their journey. These components are interconnected, often with a person moving from one to another, and are linked by a shared data system that ensures care is coordinated and effective.

1. Street Outreach

Defined under federal regulation 24 CFR § 576.101, the Street Outreach component funds essential services for individuals and families who are unsheltered. This includes those living in places not meant for human habitation like cars, parks, or abandoned buildings. The goal is to connect with this highly vulnerable population, build trust, and link them to emergency shelter, housing, and critical services.

Eligible costs for Street Outreach include:

• Engagement: Locating, identifying, and building relationships with unsheltered persons.
• Case Management: Assessing housing and service needs and coordinating the delivery of services.
• Emergency Health and Mental Health Services: Providing urgent, non-facility-based care, outpatient treatment, and crisis counseling.
• Transportation: Moving individuals to shelters, health facilities, or other service locations.
• Services for Special Populations: Offering specialized services for groups like homeless youth or victims of domestic violence.

2. Emergency Shelter

As outlined in 24 CFR § 576.102, this component focuses on improving the quality and quantity of emergency shelters. It ensures shelters can provide a safe, supportive environment for people experiencing homelessness. While ESG funds can be used for a wide range of shelter-related activities, they cannot be used for new construction or property acquisition.

Eligible activities fall into three main categories:

• Renovation: Major rehabilitation or conversion of a building to be used as an emergency shelter. The building must be owned by a government entity or a private nonprofit organization.
• Shelter Operations: These are the day-to-day costs necessary to run a shelter, including rent, utilities, insurance, maintenance, food, furnishings, and security. Hotel or motel vouchers may be used if no appropriate shelter is available.
• Essential Services for Residents: This includes a broad array of supportive services provided to shelter residents, such as case management, childcare, education services, employment assistance, job training, health services, legal services, and life skills training.

3. Homelessness Prevention

This component, detailed in 24 CFR § 576.103, is designed to prevent individuals and families from becoming homeless in the first place. Assistance is targeted at households at imminent risk of losing their home with incomes at or below 30% of the Area Median Income (AMI). The goal is to provide short-term assistance to help them regain stability.

Eligible costs include:

• Financial Assistance: This can cover rental application fees, security deposits, utility deposits, rental arrears (up to six months), utility arrears, and moving costs.
• Housing Relocation and Stabilization Services: These services include housing search and placement, landlord-tenant mediation, tenant legal services, and credit repair.
• Short- and/or Medium-Term Rental Assistance: Direct rental subsidies to help a household remain housed.

4. Rapid Re-Housing

Governed by 24 CFR § 576.104, Rapid Re-Housing provides assistance to individuals and families who are already experiencing homelessness. The aim is to help them move as quickly as possible into permanent housing, reducing the time a person is homeless.

The services offered are very similar to those in Homelessness Prevention but are targeted at those living in shelters or on the streets. Eligible costs include:

• Financial Assistance: Rental application fees, security and utility deposits, rental arrears, and moving costs.
• Housing Relocation and Stabilization Services: Housing search and placement, case management, mediation, legal services, and credit repair.
• Short- and/or Medium-Term Rental Assistance: Rental subsidies to help a household secure and maintain new housing.

5. Homeless Management Information System (HMIS)

The HMIS component, detailed in 24 CFR § 576.107, is the critical data infrastructure that connects all the other components. It is a secure, confidential online database used by homeless service providers to record client information and coordinate care.

Participation in the local HMIS is a requirement for organizations receiving ESG funds. This shared system prevents duplication of services and provides the data necessary for communities to measure performance. ESG funds can be used to pay for costs associated with participating in the HMIS.

How ESG is Administered in Texas: From Federal Funds to Local Impact

The journey of Emergency Solutions Grants funds from a federal appropriation to on-the-ground assistance in Texas is a structured, multi-layered process. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) allocates ESG funds to states and eligible local governments based on a national formula.

The Role of TDHCA

In Texas, the primary administrator for the state's allocation is the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA). TDHCA is responsible for distributing these funds regionally across the state's 12 Continuum of Care (CoC) areas, which are local planning bodies that coordinate homeless services. This regional allocation ensures that funding is directed to communities based on local needs.

Funding Competitions in Texas

TDHCA distributes its ESG funding through three distinct types of competitions for eligible organizations.

1. Continuing Awards: TDHCA reserves at least 70% of its ESG funds for these non-competitive awards. They are granted to high-performing organizations with a proven track record of successfully managing ESG-funded programs. This approach provides stability and reliable support to the most effective service providers in the state.
2. Regional Competition: Approximately 30% of the funds are made available through a competitive Regional Competition. This process is open to eligible local governments and private nonprofit organizations within each of the 12 CoC regions. TDHCA releases an annual Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) and scores applications based on criteria like experience, program design, and past performance.
3. Statewide Competition: Any funds that remain after the other cycles are made available through a Statewide Competition. This competition is for high-ranking applications from the Regional Competition that were not initially funded. These applications are automatically considered and ranked based on their score, with awards made until all remaining funds are exhausted.

This performance-based funding model creates a system that is incentivized to produce positive outcomes. Organizations that are effective at helping people achieve housing stability are more likely to receive sustained funding.

The Front Door to Help: Texas' Coordinated Entry System

For an individual or family in Texas facing a housing crisis, the single most important concept to understand is Coordinated Entry (CE). This is the "front door" to the entire network of homeless services in a community, including those funded by the ESG program. It is a HUD-mandated system designed to create a standardized and equitable approach to accessing help.

The system operates on a "no wrong door" philosophy, meaning a person can go to any participating agency (an Access Point) to be assessed for all available resources. The core components of Coordinated Entry are:

• Access: Providing clear and easily accessible entry points where people can seek help.
• Assessment: Using a standardized tool to understand a household's specific situation, needs, and vulnerability.
• Prioritization: Matching households to available resources based on their level of need, not on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Referral: Connecting the household to the most appropriate housing intervention or service provider.

This systematic approach ensures that the process is fair, transparent, and efficient. It helps manage expectations by clarifying that while anyone can be assessed, resources are prioritized for those with the most severe needs.

Accessing ESG Services in Major Texas Cities

While the principles of Coordinated Entry are the same statewide, each major metropolitan area in Texas operates its own distinct system. Understanding these local details is crucial for anyone seeking help.

Finding Help in Houston and Harris County (CoC TX-700)

The homeless response system in the Houston area, which includes Harris, Fort Bend, and Montgomery counties, is known as "The Way Home."

• Lead Agency: The Coalition for the Homeless of Houston/Harris County coordinates the local system.
• Coordinated Entry System Name: The system is called Coordinated Access.
• How to Access Help: The primary access point is the Coordinated Access intake line.
  • Phone: 832-531-6041
  • Email: ca@homelesshouston.org
• Key ESG Providers: Notable organizations providing ESG-funded services include SEARCH Homeless Services and Covenant House Texas.

Finding Help in Dallas and Collin Counties (CoC TX-600)

The homeless response system for Dallas and Collin Counties is organized under the "All Neighbors Coalition."

• Lead Agency: Housing Forward (formerly the Metro Dallas Homeless Alliance) is the lead agency.
• Coordinated Entry System Name: The local system is called the Coordinated Access System (CAS).
• How to Access Help: The primary contact point for families with children in crisis is the Homeless Crisis Helpline.
  • Phone (Families with Children): 1-888-411-6802 (Option 3)
  • Phone (Individuals): The Homeless Crisis Helpline can also provide resources for individuals at 888-411-6802.
• Key ESG Providers: Key providers include The Stewpot, Abounding Prosperity Incorporated, Dallas Leadership Foundation, and CitySquare.

Finding Help in San Antonio and Bexar County (CoC TX-500)

The homeless response system in the San Antonio area is coordinated through the "Alliance to House Everyone."

• Lead Agency: Close to Home is the designated lead agency for the CoC.
• Coordinated Entry System Name: The local system is known as Homelink.
• How to Access Help: The central point of contact is the Homeless Connections Hotline.
  • Phone: 210-207-1799 (Homeless Connections Hotline)
  • In-Person Access Points: Key locations include Haven for Hope (1 Haven for Hope Way) and the SA Hope Center at First Presbyterian Church (404 N. Alamo Street).
• Key ESG Providers: Bexar County and the City of San Antonio fund a wide network of nonprofit subrecipients.

Finding Help in Austin and Travis County (CoC TX-503)

The homeless response system in Austin and Travis County is a collaborative effort involving numerous partners.

• Lead Agency: The Ending Community Homelessness Coalition (ECHO) is the lead agency.
• Coordinated Entry System Name: The process is referred to as the Coordinated Assessment (CA).
• How to Access Help: Individuals can complete a Coordinated Assessment at various locations or over the phone.
  • Phone: Sunrise Homeless Navigation Center at 512-522-1097 or The SAFE Alliance at 512-267-SAFE (7233).
  • In-Person Access Points: Key locations include the Sunrise Homeless Navigation Center (4430 Menchaca Rd.) and Urban Alchemy at the ARCH (500 E 7th St.).
• Key ESG Providers: ESG funds in Austin are distributed to organizations including the Best Single Source Plus Collaborative, Family Eldercare, Foundation for the Homeless, LifeWorks, and the SAFE Alliance.

Who is Eligible for Assistance?

Eligibility for ESG-funded assistance depends on the specific program component and is strictly defined by HUD. Service providers are required to verify and document a household's eligibility before providing aid.

Defining Homelessness and At-Risk Status

There are four categories under which a person or family may be considered eligible for assistance:

1. Literally Homeless: Individuals and families living in a place not meant for human habitation, residing in an emergency shelter, or exiting an institution where they resided for 90 days or less without a home to return to.
2. Imminent Risk of Homelessness: Individuals and families who will lose their primary nighttime residence within 14 days and have no other residence or resources to obtain one.
3. Homeless Under Other Federal Statutes: Unaccompanied youth under 25 or families with children who are defined as homeless under other federal laws and have not had stable housing in the past 60 days.
4. Fleeing/Attempting to Flee Domestic Violence: Individuals and families fleeing domestic violence or other dangerous conditions who have no other residence and lack the resources to obtain one.

Income Requirements

While emergency services like Street Outreach and Emergency Shelter are available to anyone who meets the definition of literally homeless, financial assistance programs have strict income limits.

• Homelessness Prevention: A household's annual income must be at or below 30% of the Area Median Income (AMI) for their geographic area.
• Rapid Re-Housing: An income assessment is not required at initial evaluation. However, to continue receiving assistance, the household's income must not exceed 30% of AMI at re-evaluation.

These income limits ensure that financial resources are targeted to households with the most significant economic needs. HUD publishes these income limits annually, and they vary by metropolitan area and county in Texas.

Required Documentation

When engaging with the Coordinated Entry system, individuals should be prepared to provide documentation. While a lack of documents should not prevent someone from receiving immediate emergency services, it will be necessary for enrollment in financial assistance programs.

Common required documents include:

• Proof of Identification: A state-issued photo ID for adults; a birth certificate or school record for children.
• Proof of Income: Pay stubs, award letters for benefits, or a signed statement of zero income.
• Proof of Housing Crisis: An eviction notice, a notice to vacate, or a self-certification form detailing one's homeless status.

For Organizations: Becoming an ESG Partner in Texas

For nonprofit organizations and local governments in Texas, securing ESG funding can be a powerful way to make a significant impact. Becoming an ESG subrecipient involves a rigorous process and a commitment to collaboration and performance.

Eligibility and Application Process

To be eligible to apply for ESG funds from TDHCA, an organization must be either a unit of local government or a private nonprofit with 501(c)(3) status. The process begins when TDHCA releases its annual Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA). The NOFA provides all necessary application materials, deadlines, and details.

A critical step is consultation with the local Continuum of Care (CoC). Applicants must demonstrate that their proposed project aligns with the CoC's community-wide plan to address homelessness. This requirement underscores that funding is for integrated services, not siloed projects.

Key Program Requirements

Organizations that receive ESG funding must adhere to several key requirements:

• Match Requirement: Subrecipients must match the grant funds with an equal amount of contributions on a dollar-for-dollar basis. This can come from cash, donated buildings, or volunteer services.
• HMIS and Coordinated Entry Participation: All subrecipients must participate in their local HMIS and the Coordinated Entry system.
• Reporting and Compliance: Subrecipients are subject to strict reporting requirements and must maintain meticulous records to ensure compliance with all applicable regulations.

Conclusion: A Coordinated Effort to End Homelessness in Texas

The Emergency Solutions Grants program is the strategic foundation for Texas's community-based efforts to make homelessness rare, brief, and non-recurring. It represents a shift toward smart, compassionate, and effective solutions that prioritize housing stability. The program's design fosters a system that is accountable, data-driven, and focused on outcomes.

For individuals and families in crisis, the program funds a critical network of support accessed through a single, coordinated entry point. For organizations, it provides the resources to implement proven strategies. The success in cities like Houston, where a coordinated, Housing First approach has led to dramatic reductions in homelessness, serves as a powerful testament to the program's potential.

Ultimately, the impact of the ESG program in Texas is a direct reflection of the strength of local collaboration. It is a coordinated effort between state agencies, local governments, and nonprofit providers all working toward the common goal of ensuring every Texan has a safe place to call home.

Frequently Asked Questions