Local Government Emergency Housing Support Program (LGEHS)

The Local Government Emergency Housing Support Program is administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development under the authority of the Commonwealth’s Commerce Law. The program is designed to provide rapid and targeted financial assistance to local governments and qualifying nonprofit organizations responding to housing crises caused by natural or man-made disasters. Its overarching goal is to ensure that communities facing sudden displacement events have access to safe, temporary housing and stabilization services that support both immediate recovery and longer-term resilience. The program focuses specifically on addressing urgent housing needs in areas where a local disaster declaration has been issued or where the Department determines a high level of need exists. Eligible activities include the provision of emergency shelter, including the construction, rehabilitation, or conversion of facilities for temporary housing use, as well as expanding capacity within existing shelters. Additionally, funds may be used for short- or medium-term rental assistance to displaced individuals and limited administrative costs necessary to manage the grant, capped at one percent of the total award. The program prohibits the use of funds for property acquisition and disallows duplication of benefits where costs are already covered by other state or federal funding sources. Eligible applicants include all units of local government such as counties, cities, boroughs, townships, and authorities, as well as nonprofit organizations that meet specific federal tax-exempt criteria under section 501(c). Nonprofit applicants must demonstrate operational capacity, including at least two years of service within the Commonwealth, a governing board, and compliance with nondiscrimination practices. They must also show alignment with the affected municipality through coordination and a formal letter of support, ensuring that proposed interventions are responsive to locally identified housing crises. The application process is conducted through the Department’s Electronic Single Application system, where applicants must submit required forms and supporting documentation electronically. Required materials include a copy of the disaster declaration, a description of the impacted geographic area and population, evidence of increased housing needs, and a detailed explanation of how funds will be used. Applicants must also justify why other funding sources are insufficient to meet the need. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year and are reviewed quarterly, with submissions needing to be completed by the end of a calendar quarter to be considered in the next funding cycle. Once approved, applicants must execute a grant agreement within 60 days, after which funds are disbursed in full upon submission of an invoice. Program compliance requirements include adherence to nondiscrimination laws, conflict of interest disclosures, worker safety certifications, and maintenance of detailed project records. Reporting is required on a quarterly basis through local Homeless Management Information Systems, and recipients must follow established closeout procedures at the conclusion of the project. The program does not specify a fixed performance period but emphasizes accountability through documentation, reporting, and compliance with labor and procurement standards, including prevailing wage requirements where applicable. Technical assistance is available through the Department’s customer service center, and applicants are encouraged to seek guidance as needed. The program operates continuously without a fixed deadline, enabling rapid response to emergent housing crises across Pennsylvania.

Clearly demonstrate unmet housing need tied to disaster; provide strong coordination evidence with local government; quantify impact and justify why other funding is insufficient