CESH funds may be used for five primary activities:

1. housing relocation and stabilization services (including rental assistance)

2. operating subsidies for permanent housing

3. flexible housing subsidy funds

4. operating support for emergency housing interventions

5. systems support for homelessness services and housing delivery systems

In addition, some administrative entities may use CESH funds to develop or update a Coordinated Entry System, Homeless Management Information System (HMIS), or Homelessness Plan.