FUNDING USE OVERVIEW
Communities should consider using CDBG-CV funding to address long-term housing needs and as well as to fill gaps in services and/or existing response. CDBG-CV funding can be allocated to address the framework impact areas of unsheltered homelessness; sheltered homelessness; and permanent housing.
CDBG-CV funding can be provided for up to three months in the form of rent or mortgage assistance and/or utility payments.
RESOURCES
- CPD Program Formula Allocations and Cares Act Supplemental Funding for FY2020 (Source: HUD | April 2, 2020)
- CPD Memo: CARES Act Flexibilities for CDBG Funds Used to Support Coronavirus Response (Source: HUD | April 2020)
- Quick Guide to CDBG Eligible Activities to Support Coronavirus and Other Infectious Disease Response (Source: HUD; Updated April 6, 2020)
- Full list of CDBG COVID-19 Resources (Source: HUD)
- Community Development Block Grants and the CARES Act (Source: Congressional Research Services | May 2020)
FUNDING USE OVERVIEW
Continuum of Care (CoC) Program grant funds can be used to support public health outbreak preparedness and response efforts. The following categories include eligible costs to support infectious disease preaparedness and response activities.
- Coordinated Entry
- Homeless Management Information System (HMIS)
- Planning Grant
- Permanent Housing (Rapid Re-housing & Permanent Supportive Housing)
The framework recommends utilizing CoC funding for permanent housing and strengthening systems. In addition there are waivers to the requirement that rent payments not exceed the area fair market rent (FMR); regarding Housing Quality Standards (HQS) inspections; and additional waivers pertaining to Disability documentation for Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) limits on eligible housing search and counseling services; Permanent Housing and Rapid Re-housing monthly case management; and the one-year lease requirement.
RESOURCES
- Using Continuum of Care Program Funds for Infectious Disease Preparedness and Response (Source: HUD | March 13, 2020)
- CPD Memo: Availability of Waivers of CPD Grant Program and Consolidated Plan Requirements to Prevent the Spread of COVID-19 and Mitigate Economic Impacts Caused by COVID-19 for CoC, ESG, and HOPWA (Source: HUD | April 2020)
- How Does the Federal CARES Act Eviction Moratorium Impact the ESG and CoC Programs? FAQs and Flyer (Source: HUD | May 2020)
FUNDING USE OVERVIEW
CRF is designed to be flexible, allowing state and local governments to use the dollars for the purpose of helping address the needs of people experiencing homelessness and low-income renters impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. CRF covers many of the same expenses as CDBG; and provides “ready funding to address unforeseen financial needs and risks created by the COVID-19 public health emergency.” According to an FAQ issued by the U.S. Treasury, eviction prevention to assist in preventing homelessness is considered an eligible expense.
The framework recommends utilizing CRF funding in all phases to address sheltered and unsheltered homelessness.
RESOURCES
- County Distributions from the Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) (Source: NC Office of State Budget and Management –Pandemic Recovery Office | May 2020)
- Coronavirus Relief Fund Frequently Asked Questions (Source: U.S. Treasury | May 2020)
FUNDING USE OVERVIEW
ESG Program recipients may use ESG Street Outreach and Emergency Shelter funds for essential supplies and services to reduce the spread of infectious disease in their programs.
The framework recommends utilizing ESG funding for all impact areas. In addition there are waivers to the requirement that rent payments not exceed the area fair market rent (FMR); re-evaluations for homelessness prevention assistance; and housing stability case management
RESOURCES
- Eligible ESG Program Costs for Infectious Disease Preparedness (Source: HUD | March 2020)
- CPD Memo: Availability of Waivers of CPD Grant Program and Consolidated Plan Requirements to Prevent the Spread of COVID-19 and Mitigate Economic Impacts Caused by COVID-19 for CoC, ESG, and HOPWA (Source: HUD | April 2020)
- How Does the Federal CARES Act Eviction Moratorium Impact the ESG and CoC Programs? FAQs and Flyer (Source: HUD | May 2020)
FUNDING USE OVERVIEW
FEMA Grantees under Category B: Emergency Protective Measures can receive 75% reimbursement for eligible emergency protective measures taken to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. Emergency protective measures are “activities taken to eliminate or reduce an immediate threat to life, public health or safety, or significant damage to improved public or private property in a cost-effective manner.” Activities eligible for reimbursement under this category include: transporting and pre-positioning equipment and other resources for response; medical care and transport; evacuation and sheltering; and childcare. In addition, FEMA can offer non-congregate medical sheltering cost reimbursement. For sheltering in congregate environments, the following costs can be eligible for reimbursement under Public Assistance Category B: facility lease or rent, including space for food preparation; utilities; minor work to gain ADA compliance; medical staff; custodial and facilities staff; food; durable medical equipment; baby food/formula; emergency and immediate life stabilizing care; medically necessary tests; care for evacuees with chronic conditions; Administering vaccines; medical waste disposal; and/ormental health care.
The framework recommends utilizing FEMA funding to address unsheltered and sheltered homelessness during Phases 1-3. Authorization for FEMA reimbursement is usually provided in 30-day increments.
RESOURCES
- Working with FEMA to address COVID-19 Housing & Homelessness Needs (Source: NLIHC)
- FEMA Public Assistance and the COVID-19 Crisis (Source: NLIHC)
FUNDING USE OVERVIEW
HOPWA grantees can use the supplemental funds from the CARES Act as additional funding to maintain operations and for rental assistance, supportive services, and other necessary actions, in order to prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus. Funding may be used to reimburse allowable costs incurred prior to the receipt of the award provided such costs were used to prevent, prepare for, or respond to COVID-19. Eligible activities include: assisting HOPWA eligible households in accessing essential services and supplies such as food, water, medications, medical care, and information; educating assisted households on ways to reduce the risk of getting sick or spreading infectious diseases such as COVID-19 to others; providing transportation services for eligible households, including costs for privately-owned vehicle transportation when needed, to access medical care, supplies, and food or to commute to places of employment; providing lodging at hotels, motels, or other locations to quarantine HOPWA-eligible persons or their household members; and/or providing short-term rent, mortgage, and utility (STRMU) assistance payments to prevent homelessness of a tenant or mortgagor of a dwelling for a period of up to 24 months.
In addition the CARES Act issued waivers to the requirement that rent payments not exceed the area fair market rent (FMR) as well as waivers regarding Housing Quality Standards (HQS) inspections; and self-certification of income and credible information on HIV status; and HOPWA space and security. The framework recommends utilizing HOPWA funding for permanent housing.
RESOURCES
- CARES Act Supplemental Award Information for HOPWA Grantees (Source: HUD | April 2020)
- HUD CPD Provides COVID-19 Waivers for CoC, ESG, and HOPWA Programs (Source: NLIHC | April 2020)
