The Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) program is authorized toby subtitle B of title IV of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11371-11378)as amended by the HEARTH Act.  The program is designed to alleviate homelessness in Lexington County.  ESG programs enable homeless individuals and families to move toward independent living by providing emergency housing, assist in the transitions from homelessness to independent living, provide outreach, needs assessment, assist with homeless shelters and other services for unsheltered homeless.

The ESG program provides funding to:

1. Engage homeless individuals and families living on the street;
2. Improve the number and quality of emergency shelters for homeless individuals and families;
3. Help operate these shelters;
4. Provide essential services to shelter residents;
5. Rapidly re-house homeless individuals and families; and
6. Prevent families and individuals from becoming homeless.
7. Maintain required HMIS reporting

ESG funds may be used for five program components:  street outreach, emergency shelter, homelessness prevention, rapid rehousing assistance, and HMIS; as well as administrative activities (up to 7.5% of a recipient's allocation can be used for administrative activities).