To: Board of County Commissioners
Through: Katherine Smith, Director, Community Resources
Prepared By:
prepared
Elizzebeth Loomis, Division Manager, Community Development, Housing and Homeless Services, Community Resources
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presenter
Presenter: Elizzebeth Loomis, Division Manager, Community Development, Housing & Homeless Services, Community Resources
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Subject:
title
2:00 PM *HOME-ARP Allocation Plan Amendment
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Purpose and Request:
recommended action
The purpose of this Board Summary Report is to review the funding recommendations for the HOME-ARP Program projects, as recommended by Community Resources, Community Development, Housing and Homeless Services (CDHHS) staff, as well as to seek direction from the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) regarding the plan to utilize these funds.
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Background and Discussion: Arapahoe County, through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), received $2,691,031 in HOME-ARP funds to help reduce homelessness and increase housing stability. The HOME-ARP funds are a one-time entitlement allocation approved in the American Rescue Plan and distributed through HUD.
The HOME-ARP Allocation Plan was approved by the Board of Commissioners on March 28, 2023. The recommendations below would utilize a portion of these one-time entitlement funds to leverage additional funding sources to support housing stability and reduce homelessness.
Development of Affordable Rental Housing
• Sanctuary on Potomac
o Developer: Housing Authority of the City of Aurora
o Location: 1290 S. Potomac Street, Aurora, CO, 80012
o Funding Request: $2,800,000.00
o Funding Recommendation: $1,212,377.00
CDHHS Staff is recommending $1,212,377.00 in HOME- ARP funds to address the rising development costs, particularly the construction cost increase and overall feasibility of the project. With the utilization of the housing first model, this project will construct 43 permanent supportive housing units for households at or below 30% AMI and 50% AMI.
|
Income Level |
Type of Unit |
Unit Size (sq. ft.) |
# of Units |
Actual Rent per Unit |
|
30% |
1 Bed 1 Bath Subsidized |
492 |
33 |
$ 1,538 |
|
50% |
1 Bed 1 Bath Subsidized |
492 |
10 |
$ 1,538 |
The one-bedroom units will have central air conditioning, blinds, vinyl tile floors, a refrigerator, stove/oven, dishwasher, microwave, and be fully furnished. The four-story, two elevator building will feature a lobby and reception area, administrative offices, a community room, wellness room, and a safe courtyard. Twenty-seven spaces of surface parking will serve staff and visitors. The building will have limited access entries, surveillance cameras, and on-site security staff after hours. Housing Authority of the City of Aurora in partnership with Aurora Mental Health will provide wraparound services to tenants to ensure their success with housing stability.
This project is a part of Aurora Mental Health’s new Potomac Campus, which Arapahoe County allocated ARPA funding towards, for the purposes of the Aurora Mental Health Safety Net Campus.
Acquisition and Development of Non-Congregate Shelter
• SAFER Acquisition and Development
o Developer: SAFER/Mental Health Colorado
o Location: 9799 E Geddes, Centennial, CO 80112
o Funding Request: $1,800,000.00
o Funding Recommendation: $1,000,000.00
o Additional County ARPA funds in the amount of $2,000,000 dollars have already been earmarked for this project.
CDHHS Staff is recommending $1,000,000.00 in HOME- ARP funds to address the need for non- congregate sheltering within Arapahoe County. The site will consist of 62 accommodations with private bathrooms, queen beds, microwaves, small fridges, and a few other amenities. SAFER has plans to create additional space for meeting rooms and offices for partnering organizations. SAFER offers supportive services including case management, housing case management, therapy, clinical wellness support, peer recovery coaches, onsite participant advocates and chaplaincy. The organization partners with AD Works, AllHealth, and NeuroCraft (Neurofeedback therapy), Graceful Café, Movement 5280, Achieve Whole Recovery, Mile High Behavioral Health, Aurora Mental Health and Recovery, Break Bread, and the Arapahoe County Housing Navigators.
Supportive Services and Non-profit Operating
• Colorado Safe Parking Initiative
o Funding Request: $75,000.00
o Funding Recommendation: $75,000.00
o Colorado Safe Parking Initiative is a community driven initiative to provide a safe environment for individuals in Arapahoe County who are sheltering in vehicles because they’re experiencing homelessness. Sheltering in vehicles is often a first stop for individuals who have been forced to leave or lose their home for a variety of reasons. Safe Parking sites provide many benefits including the following:
§ a safe secure overnight parking spot with restroom access (12-hour window)
§ individualized case management
§ access to health and behavioral health resources
§ employment assistance and job-based training resources
§ public benefit enrollment assistance
§ identification assistance for state identification cards, driver licenses and birth certificates
§ financial assistance for minor car repairs, vehicle insurance and registration
CDHHS staff is recommending $75,000.00 of HOME-ARP funds to support two pre-existing sites and the community engagement and feasibility of a possible third site within Arapahoe County. Site locations are not disclosed to protect the privacy of individuals residing at each site or fleeing domestic violence. Site one serves approximately 10 vehicles and site two serves 15-20 vehicles with turnover rate of 2.5 each year.
Fiscal Impact: THE HOME-ARP program is a one-time entitlement allocation from HUD through the American Rescue Plan (ARP) and the allocation/ use of these funds will not impact Arapahoe County general funds. This will fully expend Arapahoe County’s HOME-ARP allocation, with the remainder allocated for Administration and Planning purposes in Community Resources.
Alternatives: The Board of County Commissioners may recommend an alternative distribution of HOME-ARP funds.
Alignment with Strategic Plan:
☒Be fiscally sustainable
☒Provide essential and mandated service
☒Be community-focused
Staff Recommendation: Arapahoe County CDHHS staff recommends the funding allocation presented above and submission of the HOME- ARP Program amendment to HUD for review and approval.
Concurrence: Not applicable