Improving Emergency Shelter and Expanding Transitional Housing (ESTH)

Purpose: Provide one-time FY 2025 HCDF grants to address critical emergency shelter infrastructure needs related to access and safety and to increase the number of available transitional housing units in Michigan. Eligibility: Applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits or local units of government located in Michigan with at least five years of experience operating emergency shelter and/or transitional housing consistent with the project type, demonstrate financial capacity (e.g., audited financials), and certify adherence to MSHDA minimum standards (low-barrier, equal access, CoC and HMIS participation). Project eligibility: Grants may fund repairs or replacement of critical building systems (e.g., plumbing, electrical, roofing, flooring, security), ADA upgrades, furnishings, pest abatement, and other necessary site improvements for shelters; and for transitional housing, leasing costs (capped at a total of $3,000 per month across all units identified), furnishings, and site improvements. Staffing, services, and other operating costs are ineligible. All infrastructure work must be performed by licensed and insured contractors; individual improvements over $25,000 require at least three bids. Application process: Applications were due 10/10/2025 and required a completed application form with attachments (detailed budget, timeline, attestation to minimum standards, organizational materials). Submissions were reviewed by an interdisciplinary team for eligibility, need, capacity, and geographic dispersion. Awards were scheduled to be announced 10/17/2025, with anticipated grant start 11/01/2025; conditionally selected applicants must submit additional financial documentation prior to grant execution.