Tennessee ESG grants provide rent and rehousing help
The Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA) administers Emergency Solution Grant funds across most of the state through local nonprofits, including some city and county partners, while the largest cities run their own ESG awards. The funds can be used to pay a variety of rental costs and offer eviction prevention programs. Find more information on the TN ESG grant program below as a form of rental assistance. While the funding levels can change from year to year, and the exact services will also change, the agencies may be able to offer cash to pay rent, money for energy bills, and security deposits. Since the money is provided locally, it means you do not apply at THDA directly; you connect through your community’s Coordinated Entry or homelessness hotline with more information below.
Housing and rental costs the Tennessee ESG grants pay for
What Emergency Solution Grants pay for is broader than many people expect. Under federal rules, E SG can cover short or medium term rent , including a one time payment of back rent up to six months with late fees, if that is what it takes to keep or regain housing in Tennessee. It can also pay security deposits up to two months of rent, the last month’s rent if needed to secure a unit, standard utility deposits, and ongoing tenant utility bills for gas, electric, water, and sewer for up to twenty four months, including up to six months of past due utilities. The rent help is targeted at those who would remain homeless without this immediate form of financial assistance. Tennessee ESG money is also used for housing tenant rental costs . The funds can also help with moving costs and the basic housing search and case management work that gets a household into a safe unit. However note that local providers in TN may set caps or limits based on funding. Other resources that may be offered include housing relocation and stabilization services, mediation, counseling for debt reduction and credit repair services.
How to apply for Emergency Solution Grants rent payment help
The Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA oversees) ESG grant applications in ninety two of ninety five counties and keeps a county by county homelessness resource page with hotlines and providers. However, to apply locally, start with Coordinated Entry in your region. In Nashville and Davidson County, ESG grants from Coordinated Entry is run through the Office of Homeless Services. You can reach the line during business hours at 615-862-6444. The Mary Parrish Center (phone (615) 256-5959) manages a parallel path for survivors of domestic violence and can connect you to housing, ESG grant money to pay rent and general safety planning. Or look here for other ways how to get help with rent in Davidson County , whether from ESG or other sources. In Memphis and Shelby County, Coordinated Entry is managed by the local CoC. The community Homeless Hotline listed by the CoC is the entry point for ESG grant applications, shelter and rehousing. It is run by the Community Alliance for the Homeless at 2670 Union Ave Ext., Memphis, TN 38112. Call 901-527-1302 or look here for emergency rental assistance programs in the Memphis area . In Knoxville and Knox County, CHAMP is the name of the Coordinated Entry system. Households can get referred into CHAMP by calling The Bush Family Refuge of the Volunteer Ministry Center at 511 N. Broadway, Knoxville, TN 37919. Call (865) 673-0235. They help individuals, or families, apply for Emergency Solution Grant money to help pay for rental expenses or they help people find other places in Knox County TN that help pay back rent to stop an eviction. If you live elsewhere in Tennessee, use THDA’s homelessness resources page to find your county hotline or the Continuum of Care that covers your area. If you still cannot locate the right contact, call THDA’s main line at 615 815 2200 and ask for homelessness resources for your county. Or even find additional Tennessee homeless prevention programs . Who qualifies depends on which part of ESG is used. Rapid rehousing is for people who are currently homeless. Prevention is for people at real risk of homelessness and, by rule, has an income test tied to local median income. In both cases, providers must use your community’s Coordinated Entry to assess need and match you to the right help. What to bring when applying for ESG grants in TN and what to expect. Providers will ask for ID, proof of income, a lease or a way to document tenancy if arrears are involved, and utility bills if you are seeking utility help. They also check that the rent is reasonable for the area and within HUD’s fair market standards before paying it. That is a federal requirement tied to ESG rent payments. Decisions and payment timing depend on funding, documentation, inspection of the unit when required, and your spot on the Coordinated Entry list.