Housing and Essential Needs Grant Funds Grant funds can only be used to support HEN eligible clients that qualify as homeless or at-risk of homelessness.  Allowable financial assistance for housing may include monthly rent, overdue rent, security deposit, and service animal deposits. Utilities assistance is limited to electricity, natural gas, sewer, water, garbage, and utility deposits. Essential Needs Essential Needs assistance includes help with obtaining personal health and hygiene items (such as toothpaste, shampoo, toilet paper), cleaning supplies (such as laundry and dish soap), and bus passes. Assistance cannot be provided through gift cards, vouchers, or certificates. All HEN clients are eligible to receive essential needs assistance.