RFI - notice of funding availability for federal emergency solutions grant (ESG)

The County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency, Housing and Community Development Services is seeking proposals from eligible nonprofit organizations and public entities to provide Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) program services, with proposals due September 30, 2026 and a technical assistance session scheduled for September 11, 2026.

Applicants must be nonprofit organizations or public entities in good standing with valid DUNS numbers and active SAM.gov registration. The scope encompasses five ESG program components: rapid re-housing, emergency shelters, street outreach, homelessness prevention, and Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) participation. All ESG-funded activities must serve individuals and families with incomes at or below 30% of Area Median Income (AMI).

Approximately $340,000 in fiscal year 2027–28 ESG funds from HUD are available. The initial contract term runs July 1, 2027 through June 30, 2028, with two optional one-year renewal periods available, extending through June 30, 2030. The County will award one or more contracts and reserves the right to place qualifying applications on a waitlist for up to three years if funding is insufficient.

Subrecipients must maintain comprehensive insurance coverage including $2,000,000 general liability per occurrence, $1,000,000 automobile liability, workers' compensation, and other specialized coverages as specified. Administrative costs are limited to 7 percent of the total grant, and street outreach and emergency shelter activities combined cannot exceed 60 percent of the fiscal year grant. Funds are distributed through a reimbursement process; expenses incurred prior to the contract effective date are ineligible for reimbursement.

Projects are subject to environmental review under CEQA or NEPA before contract execution and must comply with all federal statutes, HUD regulations, and San Diego County Consolidated Plan priorities. The County will issue award notifications in November 2026. Services will be provided to the Urban County jurisdiction, which includes unincorporated San Diego County and the cities of Coronado, Del Mar, Imperial Beach, Lemon Grove, Poway, and Solana Beach.