How do I Provide the Homeless Housing With Government Funding in Chicago?
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development offers Emergency Shelter Grants that are intended to fund the construction, upkeep, and operation of homeless shelters. The federal government offers each state and certain urban centers a set amount of grant money based on the size and needs of their homeless population. The state or city is then free to award the grant money to a local government or non-profit organization that is interested in developing homeless housing. Individuals looking to run a homeless shelter or provide homeless housing with the assistance of government funds in Chicago should apply for this grant.
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Instructions
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To be eligible for an Emergency Shelter Grant (ESG) you must be established as a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide housing for homeless individuals. Starting a non-profit is a complex process in and of itself. Important steps include filing for articles of incorporation, applying to the IRS for non-profit status and registering with the state of Illinois.
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Seek out land on which to build the shelter and get a quote on construction costs. You should also make an initial estimate of the total operating costs over the next five to ten years. Contact the Chicago Planning Council to End Homelessness for extra support. They advise policy makers and non-profit organizations on how to implement effective strategies and manage funding. Before you can apply for a grant, you need to have a dollar amount in mind.
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Contact the Chicago Department of Human Services to learn more about how to apply for an ESG. As the agency responsible for administering these grants, they will be able to answer questions about ESG protocols, the funds that are available and important deadlines. As an added bonus, you may be able to establish a rapport with the individuals who will be reviewing your application for an ESG.
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Regardless of the state that you are in, you must present a Consolidated Plan that includes detailed descriptions of how the funds will be used to alleviate homelessness in your area. You must include a time-line of the plan, its proposed outcomes, locations of strategic focus, statical data on the number of individuals with housing needs in the area and proof that you have consulted other local organizations. Seeking legal counsel to assist with the application process is strongly advised. In Chicago, applications for ESG's are submitted each May and successful delegates are notified in October.
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If you receive an ESG in Chicago, you will not have access to it until end of the following calendar year. Use this time to iron out details and take necessary preliminary steps. Agencies that are awarded ESG's are subject to strict regulation of funds and regular performance reviews. It is important to be aware of this and consider whether or not you will be able to meet these requirements. Failure to do could result in the withdrawal of the grant.
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References
- Photo Credit homeless image by Mirek Hejnicki from Fotolia.com
