Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) Program Year 52 (2026-2027) Request for Proposals

ESG is funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) under The Homeless Emergency Assistance and Rapid Transition to Housing Act of 2009 (HEARTH Act). The HEARTH Act, enacted into law May 2009, amends, and reauthorizes the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act with substantial changes, including: Consolidation of five funding categories: homeless programs – Rapid Rehousing, Homeless Prevention, HMIS, Shelter, and Street Outreach. Changes in HUD's definition of homelessness and chronic homelessness. Increased focus on prevention and rapid re-housing activities. Increased emphasis on performance and continuum-wide coordination The City of Syracuse is accepting proposals for ESG program activities in the following four funding categories only : Rapid Rehousing, Homeless Prevention, Street Outreach, and Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) . The City of Syracuse Department of Neighborhood and Business Development (NBD) is seeking proposals for the use of Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) Entitlement Grant funding for Program Year 52. The program year runs from May 1, 2026 – April 30, 2027. Proposals must align with the strategic priorities and address community needs outlined in the City of Syracuse’s 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan. PRESERVE QUALITY & SAFETY OF EXISTING HOUSING - Provide direct financial assistance to existing homeowners for rehabilitation, improvements and repairs to address health, safety, energy efficiency, or lead remediation PROMOTE AFFORDABLE HOMEOWNERSHIP - Provide direct financial assistance to new homeowners for down payments or closing costs - Provide education and counseling for first-time homebuyers CREATE NEW AFFORDABLE HOUSING - Construction & development of new affordable housing for first-time homebuyers - Construction & development of new affordable multi-family rental housing PREVENT & ADDRESS HOMELESSNESS - Homeless prevention services, street outreach, and rapid rehousing activities - Security deposits - One-time or short-term emergency payments to prevent homelessness PROVIDE QUALITY HOUSING RESOURCES & PUBLIC SERVICES - Legal services for housing, such as eviction prevention, estate planning and bequests - Fair housing activities - Housing programs or services targeted for one or more special populations, including • Unhoused individuals • People with AIDS and/or HIV • People with disabilities • Victims of domestic violence • Seniors • Immigrants or refugees - Landlord / tenant counseling - Housing information and referral services - Other housing information services IMPROVE NEIGHBORHOOD HEALTH - Address neighborhood vacancy and blight through demolition, correction of code violations, or other façade improvements - Maintain foreclosed property BUILD FAMILY WEALTH & PROMOTE ECONOMIC INCLUSION - Workforce development programming targeting underserved Syracuse residents that focuses on existing and projected employment opportunities, most notably the construction trades and supporting the Syracuse Build collaborative - Developing creative financing solutions to assist individuals, families, and small business owners in achieving their goals and achieving long-term sustainability. IMPROVE NEIGHBORHOOD VIBRANCY - Support city-owned community centers with emphasis on quality programming for youth and seniors