Emergency Solutions Grant Program

The Emergency Solutions Grant Program Request for Proposals issued by the City of Akron Department of Planning and Urban Development is a federally supported funding opportunity designed to address homelessness at the local level. The program is funded through an annual allocation from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and administered by the City of Akron. The initiative reflects a coordinated local response aligned with federal regulations under 24 CFR Part 576 and aims to strengthen the continuum of care system serving vulnerable populations. The City anticipates receiving approximately 512468 dollars for the program year and is responsible for distributing these funds to qualified nonprofit organizations. The primary purpose of the program is to reduce both the frequency and severity of homelessness within the Akron city limits. The grant supports a range of interventions that address immediate housing crises as well as long-term housing stability. Funded activities include emergency shelter operations, transitional housing (limited to previously funded shelters), street outreach, homelessness prevention services, and rapid rehousing assistance. These services are designed to assist individuals and families experiencing homelessness or those at imminent risk, including households facing eviction within three days. The program emphasizes both crisis response and stabilization to prevent recurring homelessness. Funding under this program can be used for a variety of eligible costs including shelter operations, essential services, housing relocation and stabilization services, and financial assistance such as rental payments and security deposits. Rental assistance may be provided for up to nine months under prevention and rapid rehousing activities, and security deposits may not exceed two months’ rent. Administrative costs are limited to five percent and are only allowable under specific project categories. Organizations must comply with federal regulations governing allowable uses and ensure expenditures align with program goals and compliance standards. Eligibility for funding is restricted to nonprofit organizations with at least two years of experience providing homeless assistance services. Applicants must serve residents within the Akron city limits and demonstrate the capacity to meet federal program requirements. Additional eligibility criteria include serving households at or below thirty percent of Area Median Income, participating in the Homeless Management Information System, and engaging in the Continuum of Care Coordinated Entry Program. A mandatory match requirement of fifty percent of eligible project costs must be met by applicants, demonstrating financial commitment and leveraging additional resources. The application process requires submission of a complete proposal including a cover letter, detailed application form, supporting documentation, and budget materials. Applicants must provide organizational documentation such as proof of nonprofit status, financial audits, insurance coverage, and federal registration credentials. The proposal must clearly describe the project design, target population, service delivery model, performance outcomes, and alignment with the City’s Consolidated Plan. Evaluation of proposals is conducted by the Department of Planning and Urban Development in consultation with the local Continuum of Care, with emphasis on program effectiveness, financial sustainability, and alignment with ESG objectives. The application deadline is June 1, 2026 at 4:00 PM Eastern Time, with proposals required to be submitted physically to the City offices. An open house for applicants is scheduled prior to the deadline, and questions must be submitted by May 20, 2026. The anticipated timeline includes proposal review throughout June and funding awards expected by July 1, 2026, with project start dates beginning shortly thereafter. Selected organizations enter into formal agreements with the City and are subject to ongoing monitoring, reporting, and compliance oversight from local, state, and federal entities. Performance measurement is a critical component of the program, requiring grantees to track and report outcomes such as housing stability, income changes, and service utilization. Specific benchmarks are established for different project types, including targets for housing retention and income growth. The program is considered high risk due to federal oversight requirements, and failure to comply with program standards may result in funding termination or repayment obligations. Overall, the ESG program represents a structured, performance-driven investment in reducing homelessness through coordinated local service delivery.

Align proposal with ESG objectives and demonstrate measurable outcomes; ensure financial sustainability and compliance with federal regulations; clearly define target population and performance metrics