Encampment Resolution Funding (ERF) Program
Forecasted
Encampment Resolution Funding (ERF) Program supports California jurisdictions and Continuums of Care with targeted housing, outreach, and services to move encampment residents toward permanent housing.
Funder: California Department of Housing & Community Development
Due Dates (Anticipated): October 2026 (Window 2) | June 2027 (Window 1)
Funding Amounts: $93 million available in Round 5; full expenditure within four years of award
Summary: Supports targeted encampment resolution that connects people experiencing unsheltered homelessness to safe, stable, and ultimately permanent housing.
Key Information: Only California local jurisdictions and lead entities of Continuums of Care may apply; joint applications are not allowed.
Description
The Encampment Resolution Funding (ERF) Program is a competitive grant program administered by the California Department of Housing & Community Development (HCD). Round 5 supports actionable, person-centered proposals addressing the immediate health and safety needs of people living in specific encampments. Projects must connect residents directly to permanent housing or to interim shelter with clear pathways to permanent housing.
The program emphasizes data-informed, non-punitive, low-barrier, Housing First approaches and coordination among local jurisdictions, Continuums of Care (CoCs), and state partners. Proposals may strengthen successful models or introduce new approaches. Funding can support housing delivery, rental assistance, outreach, services coordination, and related supports. ERF is not intended to fund broad, community-wide encampment resolution programs.
