LANSING, Mich. (WZMQ) – The Michigan Department for Health and Human Services is working with the Salvation Army to open applications for Emergency Shelter Program (ESP) Funding. The program will distribute $17 million to around 100 non-profits over the next 3 years.
There are 98 organizations in the state funded through the ESP, 6 of those serve counties across the Upper Peninsula.
Paula Kaiser Vandam is the Director of the Bureau of Community Services with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). She explained that every 3 years MDHHS reallocates state funds for non-profits and tribal organizations that provide moteling or emergency shelter. This cycle, there’s $17 million to be split between recipients.
In 2022, Michigan’s Campaign to End Homelessness counted over 1,000 people served by emergency shelters in the U.P., which is a 47% jump from 2021.
“We’re looking for as much coverage as possible, we have individuals and families experiencing homelessness all across the state. We really are trying to spread this resource so that communities have this resource and you know, can provide basic safety through shelter and hotelling. while working with these individuals or families to find more permanent housing solutions.” Kaiser Vandam said. “There’s a financial burden to operate emergency shelters across the state. these are entities that operate, you know 365 days a year, they don’t close. This money is just utilized to really help offset those costs.”
The Salvation Army will issue contracts with the individual providers to distribute the funds as quickly as possible. The organizations that are granted funds will receive a portion of the award annually if they continue to meet the necessary requirements. Those applications for the program close on May 31st.
Applications must be submitted electronically to usc.gld.espapplications.shared@usc.salvationarmy.org Any questions concerning the content of this application must be sent via email to MDHHS-homeless@michigan.gov
