The Emergency Solutions Grant was authorized by the Homeless Emergency Assistance and Rapid Transition to Housing (HEARTH) Act of 2009. The HEARTH Act amended and reauthorized the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act of 1987. The Emergency Solutions grant changed previous approaches to assisting homeless persons by providing a greater emphasis on homelessness prevention, the addition of rapid re-housing, requiring more regional coordination of services, and coordination and collaboration with the Continuum of Care (Homeward).
Henrico County began receiving ESG funds in 2014-15 and has allocated those funds to several service providers providing rapid rehousing, homelessness prevention, and emergency shelter.
Henrico County accepts proposals each year to implement programs that address the categories of activities described above. For more information about applying for ESG funds please visit the CDBG, HOME, ESG Funding Application page.
Henrico County residents who are in direct need of assistance should contact either the Henrico County Department of Social Services at 804-501-5294 or the Homeless Connection Line at 804-972-0813. The Homeless Connection Line is open Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 1:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
