Financial Assistance Programs
Through the Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG), Pathways is able to provide financial support to individuals and families experiencing homelessness or 'at risk' of experiencing homelessness. This is through Rapid Re Housing and Homeless Prevention funding that Pathways receives for this purpose.
All referrals for these programs must be part of the South Dakota Coordinated Entry System. In order to complete an assessment to be added to the Coordinated Entry System, call 1-800-664-1349. For those unable to access a phone, they can schedule a time to complete this assessment in person with Housing Case Manager.
Guidelines for ESG Services
Through the Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG), Pathways is able to provide financial support to individuals and families experiencing homelessness or "at risk" of experiencing homelessness.
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All ESG enrollments must be part of the Coordinated Entry System. If you are experiencing homelessness or facing eviction you should call Coordinated Entry at 1-800-664-1349, or one of the local options on the flyer. All ESG services are provided in accordance with all non-discrimination and Fair Housing laws.
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Eligibility Guidelines​
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The total household income must be below 30% Area Median Income (AMI) for initial acceptance into the program.
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Individual or family must be at 'imminent risk of losing housing' to be eligible.
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Single member households without a verifiable source of income will not be accepted.
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At each 3 month re-certification, all clients must be at or below 30% AMI to remain eligible.
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the unit must be below the fair-market rent rate for the area where the unit is located
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For Rapid Re Housing: households must be considered 'literally homeless' by federal definitions, meaning they are sleeping in emergency shelter, hotel or motel paid for by service agency or emergency voucher, or a place not meant for habitation (outside, in vehicle, etc.)
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The department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) does not consider 'doubled up' or 'couch surfing' as 'literal homelessness'
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For Homeless Prevention: Households must provide an eviction notice or utility shut off notice as verification that they are considered 'at risk' of homelessness
What ESG Covers
Financial assistance can be provided for the following under both Homeless Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing components, as long as the client is NOT receiving assistance from other public sources: ​
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Moving costs
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Security deposit
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Last month's rent
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Utility deposit
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Utility payments
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Rent, application fees
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Rental arrears
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Utility arrears
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Eligibility Guidelines for SDAP (Security Deposit Assistance Program)
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SDAP funds will only be committed to households qualified as low-income (50% of the Area Median Income).
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Priority will be given to those applicants that are enrolled in the South Dakota Coordinated Entry System or have written referral from a Housing Choice Voucher administrator or another Pathways' partner agency.
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Applicants must have secured access or intent to rent for an available rental unit prior to their applying. Application approval and service disbursement will be based on the availability of funds.
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Lease terms for the applicant must be at least 12 months.
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Pathways will not maintain a waitlist for applicants.
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Pathways will not commit services to rental units that would leave an applicant cost-burdened. Gross rent must be below 45% of the applicant's verified monthly income, unless the applicant was previously living in a unit that was over 45%.
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Pathways' SDAP funds will be prioritized for those experiencing homelessness, veterans, senior citizens (62+) or Housing Choice Voucher recipients.
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