ADDITIONAL Waivers to ESG Funded Programs that affect Rapid Re-housing Programs and New ESG Funding Appropriations

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, Rapid Re-housing programs must adjust their policies and protocols in order to accommodate new social distancing measures. HUD released additional waivers to ESG Rapid Re-housing program requirements on Friday, May 22 to ensure that youth are able to maintain stable housing and support while contending with the economic fallout and public health measures caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

In addition, HUD released an explanation of how supplemental ESG funding will be distributed so that service providers can understand the intent behind CARES Act funding. It also includes a list of all geographical funding allocations. This could be helpful in determining how much your county has received.

New Waivers:

  • Case management is no longer required monthly and can be offered on an as-needed basis (and in a manner that maintains social distancing measures) until August

Previous Waivers: 

  • Service Providers can now use ESG funding to pay rent for new Rapid Re-housing units that are higher than Fair Market Rate (FMR), but not greater than the reasonable rent

  • All ESG recipients can now use their funding to upgrade or enhance their HMIS systems regardless of if they are the HMIS lead or not.

  • ESG funded programs now only have to re-evaluate program participant eligibility for homelessness prevention assistance every 6 months. 

Actions to Take Now: 

  • To use any of these waivers, service providers need to notify their HUD Field Office’s Community Planning and Development Director via email or mail. 

    • The notification must be sent 2 days before the service provider intends to use the waiver.

    • The waiver should include: 

      • Name, Title, & Contact Info for the service provider.

      • Service area(s) affected by the disaster.

      • When the waiver will start to be used.

      • Which waivers will be used (official waiver names listed here and here).

  • Determine if clients that are nearing the 24-month mark in your Rapid Re-housing program need to continue rental assistance. 

  • Assess current unit inspection protocols and adjust them so that they can now be completed via videoconference.

  • Work with clients to determine if they will want case management for the next 3 months. For clients who decline, consider bringing awareness to services via email/text on a regular basis.

Important Links: 

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Ensuring New Federal and State COVID Youth Homelessness Funding

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ADDITIONAL Waivers to CoC Funded Programs and YHDP that affect Rapid Re-housing Programs