Emergency Solutions Grant

Program Description

The Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) program is funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for the following eligible activities:

• Engage homeless individuals and families living on the streets;
• Improve the number and quality of emergency shelters for homeless individuals and families;
• Help operate these shelters;
• Provide Essential services to shelter residents
• Rapidly re-house homeless individuals and families; and
• Prevent families/individuals from becoming homeless

Notice of Substantial Amendment to the City of Riverside's 2019-2020 U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Annual Action Plan for the Use of Emergency Solutions Grant -CV Funding 

The City released the Notice of Funding Availability on March 9th, 2026.

The City of Riverside is accepting applications for the FY 2026/27 Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) Program through April 10^th. The City anticipates receiving $225,814.70 in ESG funds, which will be made available through this application process.

Eligible activities provided in the City of Riverside include:

• Provision of essential services for individuals experiencing homelessness;
• Payment of maintenance and operation costs for homeless shelter facilities; and
• Developing and implementation of rapid-rehousing.

Recipients must match federal ESG funds on a dollar-for-dollar basis.

Emergency shelter expenditures from the City’s overall ESG allocation may not exceed the greater of:

• 60% of the total ESG grant award for the program year ($146,474.40); or
• The amount of FY 2010 ESG funding ($147,868) that was used by the City for emergency shelter and residential services.

Grant regulations can also be found in 24 CFR Part 576 -- Emergency Solutions Grants Program and the HEARTH Act. Applications are due by 5 p.m. on Friday, April 10, 2026.

To receive a copy of the City’s FY 2026/27 ESG Application Instructions and applications materials or have any questions or need any assistance, please contact Shaleah Thomas at (951) 826-5461 or [email protected]

Emergency Solutions Grant funding recommendations will be presented to City Council for consideration on June 19, 2026.

Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) – CARES Act

Program Description

The U.S. Housing and Urban Development Department awarded the City of Riverside $968,672 to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. The funds are to be used to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the coronavirus pandemic among individuals and families who are homeless or receiving homeless assistance;  and to support additional homeless assistance and homeless prevention activities to mitigate impacts of COVID-19 and families may be used for a variety of emergency and support services for low- and moderate-income residents. All funds must be used to prevent, prepare for and respond to the coronavirus.

The City released the Notice of Funding Availability on May 18, 2020. City Council approved the following awards on May 26, 2020.

FY 2019 AWARDS