Federal Emergency Shelter Grant Program

The Federal Emergency Shelter Grants Program was created in 1987 by the Stuart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act.  In addition to the emergency shelter program, the McKinney Act created a variety of other funding programs designed to assist the homeless.  With the exception of the Emergency Shelter Grants Program, the other McKinney programs require a direct application to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and other federal agencies.

Sonoma County has participated in the Emergency Shelter Grants Program since 1987.  Nonprofit organizations that have received Emergency Shelter Grant Program funds in the past include:

• YWCA of Sonoma County
•  Sonoma County People for Economic Opportunity (SCPEO)
•  Community Support Network (CSN)
•  Catholic Charities
•  Committee on the Shelterless (COTS)

Use of Funds

Federal Emergency Shelter Grants Program funds can be used for the following purposes; however, the applicant must provide funds equally matching the McKinney Act funds:

•  Non-staff operating costs
•  Essential services
•  Homelessness prevention assistance
  

Funding Cycle

The funding cycle for the Federal Emergency Shelter Grant Program is a part of, and follows the timeline outlined in the Consolidated Plan.

The following links provide information about the Commission's FESG funding policies and process: