The Iowa Finance Authority (IFA) is requesting applications for the 2026-2027 Iowa Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) and Shelter Assistance Fund (SAF) homelessness assistance programs. An estimated $3 million each year in ESG funds and an estimated $1.5 million in SAF funding may be available for awards.
ESG is a federal U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development program designed to assist people with quickly regaining stability in permanent housing after experiencing a housing crisis or homelessness through a range of activities to address different aspects of homelessness. SAF is funded by the State of Iowa to support the operations and services of eligible homeless shelters, including domestic violence shelters.
Eligible categories of assistance under the competition include Shelter, Street Outreach, Homelessness Prevention, and Rapid Rehousing.
Eligible applicants include units of general purpose local government (cities and counties) and private nonprofit organizations that meet the rules governing each program, as applicable.
Deadline to apply: Applications must be submitted through IFA’s online Homeless Assistance Program (HAP) system application portal by no later than Monday, September 15, 2025, at 4:30 p.m. CT.
Please refer to the ESG and SAF web pages for more information about the competition round and program requirements, including IFA’s responses to written comments submitted on the draft application as well as the state Administrative Rules governing each program.
Please contact the Homelessness Programs Team with any questions.
