The City of Syracuse Department of Neighborhood and Business Development is inviting proposals for the Year 51 Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) funds. This grant aims to support agencies that assist individuals and families in maintaining or obtaining permanent housing. The ESG funds are allocated annually to address homelessness and housing instability in the community. The grant period is set from May 1, 2025, to April 30, 2026, and the deadline for proposal submissions is October 25, 2024.

The primary purpose of the Emergency Solutions Grant is to provide financial assistance for activities that promote housing stability. The objectives include preventing homelessness through various support services, facilitating rapid re-housing for individuals living in shelters, and conducting outreach to those experiencing homelessness. The focus is on helping people stay in their homes or find new affordable housing options, thereby contributing to the overall well-being of the community.

Funding from the ESG grant will be utilized for three main activities: homeless prevention, rapid re-housing, and street outreach. Homeless prevention efforts aim to stabilize housing situations, while rapid re-housing services provide case management and relocation assistance to individuals transitioning from shelters. Street outreach initiatives focus on connecting individuals living on the streets with necessary services and resources.

Eligible applicants for this grant include non-profit agencies that are tax-exempt under the 501(c)(3) provision of the Internal Revenue Code. The ESG funds are intended to work in collaboration with the Continuum of Care and the Housing and Homeless Coalition of Central New York, as well as other community service providers. This collaboration is essential to ensure that the funds are effectively utilized to address the needs of the homeless population in Syracuse.

Submission requirements for the grant proposal will be detailed in the official request for proposals. Applicants should prepare to answer specific questions related to their proposed activities and how they align with the objectives of the ESG program. The evaluation criteria will likely include the effectiveness of the proposed solutions, the capacity of the organization to deliver services, and the overall impact on the community.

The timeline for this grant opportunity includes a submission deadline of October 25, 2024. Following the submission, the review and evaluation process will take place, leading to the announcement of awarded proposals. It is important for interested organizations to stay informed about any updates or changes to the application process.

For further information regarding the Emergency Solutions Grant, interested parties can contact the Department of Neighborhood and Business Development via email at smcmahon@syr.gov or by phone at 315-448-8173. This grant represents a significant opportunity for non-profit organizations in Syracuse to contribute to the fight against homelessness and support housing stability in the community.