The Tennessee Housing Development Agency administers the federally-funded Emergency Solutions Grant program on behalf of the State of Tennessee. THDA has awarded $2.75 million in ESG funds to local governments and non-profit organizations across the state. The city of Cleveland received an ESG in the amount of $107,456 which they plan to use for shelter activities and Homeless Management Information Systems.
Rep. Kevin Brooks (R-Cleveland) said, “In this tight economy, it is very gratifying that our local needs are being met. Mr. Demetrius Ramsey has had a distinguished career in helping others. We are thrilled that this grant continues his lifetime of service leadership. These are the kind of announcements that we are pleased to send back home to our friends and neighbors.”
According to THDA’s 2012 Housing Needs Assessment, over 9,000 people are homeless on any given night in Tennessee. About one-half of those who were homeless suffered from mental illness or substance abuse issues and another quarter were considered chronically homeless. Veterans comprise 14 percent of the total homeless population.
ESG funding can be used for the following purposes/activities:
• Cover expense for operating emergency shelters and transitional housing facilities
• Increasing the number/quality of emergency shelters and transitional housing facilities
• Social services
• Street outreach services and initiatives
• Re-housing assistance for those facing homelessness or who just became homeless
The grant begins March 1 and runs through Feb. 28.