Commission ratifies $23,254.96 emergency solutions grant for homeless services

Shannon Ernst, representing Churchill County Social Services, asked the board to ratify a Nevada Department of Business and Industry, Housing Division agreement providing $23,254.96 in Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) funds. The funds, administered through the state, support homeless assistance, prevention activities and related eligible services.

Ernst said the county has received ESG funding in prior years and described the program’s use locally: the county previously rented hotel rooms early in the program’s history but now uses apartment placements and is developing a transitional house and day center to expand capacity. “Only Churchill County residents,” Ernst said, when asked about eligibility; she added program rules require participants to show some income and that the program provides wrap-around case management.

Ernst said the program can serve clients for up to six months under the current arrangement while case managers pursue housing placements; the county also operates rapid rehousing and other housing programs. A motion to approve and ratify the grant agreement was moved, seconded and approved by voice vote.

The ratified agreement authorizes Social Services to expend $23,254.96 on the ESG-eligible activities described in the grant application, including maintenance of the county’s apartment placement and case management for eligible Churchill County residents.