PHOENIX — On Tuesday, Arizona officials announced over $40 million in federal funds will be distributed to support Arizonans facing homelessness. The funding comes from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) program and its Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program to help prevent, prepare for, and respond to COVID-19 in communities in need.
Arizona will distribute $16,373,488 in ESG funding. The grant program provides funding to:
The first phase of funding will support organizations across the state that provide emergency shelter, connect those facing homelessness with needed services, and more. The second phase will fund a non-competitive grant program, opening in mid-January at the Arizona Department of Economic Security, to provide funding for emergency shelter, directly help those experiencing homelessness find housing, support rapid rehousing, and more.
Arizona will distribute $23,883,305 in CDBG funding. CDBG aims to provide adequate housing and a suitable living environment, as well as expand economic opportunities, for individuals and families facing financial barriers. The efforts of the program will support economic recovery, mitigate the spread of COVID-19, and expand resources for Arizona’s most vulnerable.
This funding will be administered through the Arizona Department of Housing and will provide emergency payments of rent, utility, food, and clothing for families and individuals for 6 months; fund the acquisition, conversion, and rehabilitation of emergency shelters and transitional housing; and support other public services activities.