SCRANTON, PA. – Mayor Paige G. Cognetti announced that a total of $233,207 in U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Emergency Solutions Grant (HESG) funds are available to organizations located within the City of Scranton that serve to prevent homelessness and provide services to those experiencing homelessness. Applications are open April 6 to 20, 2026. Groups can apply online through OpenGov at https://bit.ly/ScrantonESG2026.
“Our HESG funding is designed to help local organizations provide housing services tailored to our residents and offer pathways to safe and affordable housing,” Mayor Paige G. Cognetti said.
The HESG program provides funding to organizations whose goal is to help individuals and families quickly regain stability in permanent housing after a housing crisis or homelessness. It provides funding for various activities aimed at preventing homelessness and assisting those who are currently homeless.
Funds can be used for services including:
- Outreach services;
- Emergency shelter;
- Homeless prevention;
- Rapid re-housing;
- Homeless Management Information System (HMIS); and
- Administrative costs.
To qualify for HESG assistance, organizations must meet specific criteria related to homelessness or risk of homelessness, as defined in the program regulations. This includes working with people whose income is below a certain threshold and who lack sufficient resources to prevent homelessness.
Organizations will need to demonstrate financial management and programmatic expertise, along with documenting all service or program expenses.
Funding decisions will be made by a committee. Programs may be funded in part or in full based on available funds. All funds must be used by December 31, 2026.
Applications are open now. Interested groups can contact City of Scranton Community Development Manager Liza Carroll at lcarroll@scrantonpa.gov.
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ABOUT THE CITY OF SCRANTON: Incorporated in 1866, the City of Scranton has a population of approximately 76,000 residents and is the sixth-largest municipality in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Scranton City Hall is located at 340 N. Washington Ave., Scranton, PA 18503. Residents requiring services should visit www.scrantonpa.gov.
ABOUT MAYOR PAIGE G. COGNETTI: Paige G. Cognetti was sworn in as the 36th Mayor of Scranton in January 2020 and took her third Oath of Office in January 2026. Her administration is focused on public safety, driving economic growth, upgrading infrastructure, government transparency and efficiency, and improving residents’ overall quality of life.
Applications Open for Scranton 2026 HESG Grants through April 20 | Press Release
Last modified: April 8, 2026
