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Notice of Funding Availability – Emergency Solutions Grant-Rapid Unsheltered Housing and Emergency Solutions Grant Programs

December 7, 2025

Pinellas County will begin accepting applications on December 8, 2025, from agencies supporting individuals and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness for two federal grant funding programs.

ESG-RUSH (Emergency Solutions Grant-Rapid Unsheltered Survivor Housing)

Estimated Available Funds: $257,186

Funding Source: Special allocation under the ESG Program

Purpose: For agencies to assist individuals and families who:

  • Are experiencing or at risk of homelessness
  • Have been living in an declared disaster area
  • Have unmet needs not fully covered by other federal disaster relief programs

Eligible Activities

  • Homelessness Prevention / Rapid Rehousing
  • Emergency Shelter Operations (including hotel/motel vouchers)
  • Shelter Repairs due to hurricane damage

ESG (Emergency Solutions Grant)

Estimated Available Funds: $177,243

Funding Source: Annual ESG Entitlement Allocation

Purpose: For agencies to support individuals and families:

  • In emergency or transitional shelters
  • Transitioning back to stable, permanent housing after a housing crisis

Eligible Activities

  • Homelessness Prevention / Rapid Rehousing

Application Timeline

  • Application Opens: December 8, 2025, at 7:00 a.m.
  • Application Due Date: January 9, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.
    • Applications must be in “Application Submitted” status by the 5:00 p.m. deadline to be considered
  • Submission Method: Online only

Selection Criteria

  • Alignment with Pinellas County’s Five-Year Consolidated Plan
  • Conceptual soundness of the project
  • Financial feasibility
  • Applicant’s capacity to implement and manage the project
  • Compliance with federal, state, and local regulations
  • Community development value (cost vs. impact)
  • Performance metrics showing measurable community impact
  • Section 3 engagement, if applicable (involving low-income residents/businesses)