Allocation Formula, Applicable Requirements, and Waivers and Suspension of Requirements for Rapid Unsheltered Survivor Housing (RUSH)

Issuing agencies

Abstract

When the President makes a major disaster declaration under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (Stafford Act), the affected areas may receive various forms of disaster relief. Under the Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG) program, HUD typically provides relief through regulatory waivers to affected areas. This Notice describes a new form of relief that HUD can provide under the ESG program--special ESG grants that HUD designates as Rapid Unsheltered Survivor Housing (RUSH) grants for areas that are identified as eligible for FEMA Individual Assistance when a "major disaster" is declared under the Stafford Act (declared disaster areas). As authorized by section 231 of the Department of Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Act of 2020, HUD may make these grants to States or local governments to address the needs of individuals and families who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness in declared disaster areas and have needs not otherwise served or fully met by existing Federal disaster relief programs. This Notice explains HUD's plan for allocating and administering these RUSH grants including the funding methodology and applicable requirements for awards. As further explained in this Notice, RUSH grants will be made to States or local governments for the purpose of assisting individuals and families who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness, have been residing in a declared disaster area, and have needs that are not otherwise served or fully met by existing Federal disaster relief programs. HUD plans to begin making allocations as described in this Notice as of the date authorized by the HUD Appropriations Act of 2020. HUD welcomes public comments on all aspects of this Notice, particularly comments that respond to the questions included in Section VIII of this Notice.