As part of the State of Arizona’s response to the COVID-19 Pandemic, Mercy Care RBHA (Central GSA) and ACC/General Mental Health/Substance Use (GMHSU) has been awarded Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) funds allocated to assist in homelessness prevention. Mercy Care wants to ensure all ACC Plans and SMI clinics have access to flexible homelessness prevention funds to reduce and prevent homelessness during the current pandemic. The funding will include hotel stays as a viable homelessness prevention measure. To be eligible, all individuals must meet the HUD “At Risk” of homelessness definition and have a prospective income that is below 50% of the Area Median Income (additional eligibility certification will apply).
ACC/GMHSU Members – Community Bridges, Inc. and La Frontera-Empact will administer the homelessness prevention funds for any ACC member. ACC members enrolled with La Frontera-Empact can contact Wendy Philpot at Wendy.Philpot@LaFrontera-EMPACT.org. For information on Community Bridges, Inc. and their outpatient services, members may contact their 24/7 access to care line at 877-931-9142. ACC members not enrolled with Community Bridges, Inc. or La Frontera-Empact can contact either provider for homelessness prevention funding but only La Frontera-Empact if a hotel stay is needed.
The following activities are eligible for payment under ESG homeless prevention funds:
Move-In Assistance:
- Rental deposits
- Utility deposits
- Short-term rental assistance for up to three (3) months
- First and last month’s rent
- Moving costs
Homelessness/Eviction Prevention efforts:
- Back rental payment including late fees up to six (6) months
- Past due utilities
- Home repairs causing risk of homelessness
- Mediation, legal services, and credit repair
Temporary Hotel/Motel Assistance
- Not to exceed $70 per night
- Can stay up to 3-months
There is no spending limit per member. Requests should meet member needs and should be reasonable and in accordance with Fair Market Rent standards when possible.
As always, don't hesitate to contact your Mercy Care Network Management Representative with any questions or comments. You can find this notice and all other provider notices on our Mercy Care website. We appreciate your participation in our network and your dedication to the health and welfare of our members and your patients.
Thanks for all you do!
