To: Board of County Commissioners
Through: Katherine Smith, Director, Community Resources
Prepared By:
prepared
Nancy Sonnenfeld, Program Administrator, Community Development, Housing and Homeless Services
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Subject:
title
Reallocation of HOME Investment Partnerships Program American Rescue Plan Allocation Plan Funds
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Purpose and Request:
recommended action
The Board of County Commissioners is requested to formally approve the reallocation of funds in the amount of $4,487.65 from the HOME-American Rescue Plan (ARP) program for non-profit operating and supportive services to HAAT Force for homeless sheltering services. As recommended by Community Development, Housing and Homeless Services (CDHHS) staff and reviewed by BOCC during the March 25, 2025, Study Session.
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Background and Discussion: At a Study Session on March 25, 2025, the BOCC reviewed a CDHHS staff recommendation to reallocate HOME-ARP funds to HAAT Force to support ongoing homeless sheltering services. At the conclusion of the Study Session the BOCC concurred with the funding recommendation and directed CDHHS staff to set the recommendation for Consent Agenda during a April 22, 2025 Business Meeting.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) entitlement allocation of $2,691,031 in HOME-ARP funds to reduce homelessness and increase housing stability during the COVID- 19 pandemic. Board of County Commissioners approved the HOME-ARP Allocation Plan on January 23, 2024. Colorado Safe Parking Initiative (CSPI) was awarded $25,000.00 for Nonprofit Operating and $50,000.00 for Supportive Services as part of the HOME-ARP Allocation Plan.
CSPI provided a safe environment for individuals in Arapahoe County who were sheltering in vehicles due to economic loss, medical, mental and physical health and additional circumstances that contribute to homelessness. On December 3, 2024, the decision made by the Colorado Safe Parking Initiative Board of Directors was relayed to County staff that CSPI would discontinue operations effective December 31, 2024, due to ongoing funding shortages. A balance of $4,487.65 in the HOME-ARP contract with CSPI remains; $2,032.60 towards Nonprofit Operating and $2,455.05 for Supportive Services.
HAAT Force provides voucher-based emergency housing during severe cold and/or wet weather for unhoused individuals for whom other shelter options (particularly congregate shelter) are untenable due to pregnancy, physical disability, age, being a family with children, having a service animal/ pet, or other vulnerability. HAAT Force’s program is specifically designed to meet the unique needs of the aforementioned populations and helps address their unmet needs.
HAAT Force received a Community Development Block Grant in the amount of $37,747.50 and $112,220.95 in Community Development Block Grant-COVID-19 (CV) in the past year from Arapahoe County. This year’s unpredictable weather conditions have placed additional strain on this work, as there have been additional inclement weather sheltering events along with higher numbers of people seeking assistance.
County staff recommends and requests approval for the Board of County Commissioners to re-allocate the remaining $4,487.65 of HOME ARP funds towards Homelessness Awareness And Action Task Force (HAAT Force) to provide non- congregate sheltering during inclement weather events to households under 60% AMI.
Alternatives: The Board of County Commissioners may recommend an alternative distribution of the remaining $4,487.65 in HOME-ARP funds.
Fiscal Impact: None. 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.
Alignment with Strategic Plan:
☒Be fiscally sustainable
☒Provide essential and mandated service
☒Be community focused
Concurrence: N/A
Resolution: Attached is a copy of the draft resolution.