The Emergency Shelter Grant (ESG) provides funding for essential services, operations and homeless prevention activities to emergency shelter and transitional housing providers. These programs provide basic needs of shelter, food, clothing and other necessities. Many also provide case management, referrals, rental assistance and other services to individuals and families who are in need of assistance. ESG is designed as the first step in the Continuum of Care model, aimed at preventing homelessness and helping the homeless population move toward independent living.

ESG is designed to assist homeless individuals and families. However, applications are only accepted from local units of government. They, in turn, use the funds to contract with local qualified nonprofit organizations that serve the homeless. Linda Stange of Chanute's Faith House says one missed paycheck can push many families to the brink of despair. "The face of homelessness is changing. Today, the homeless are working families, women with children," said Stange. Photo:  Next to Linda (middle) are Paula Rigole (left) and Bonnie Greve (right).

Funds may be used for rehabilitation of current homeless facilities, conversion of buildings for use as emergency shelters or for essential services and operating expenses which provide for certain costs, such as salaries for those persons operating shelters, maintenance, insurance, utilities, furnishings and homeless prevention activities.