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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presenter
Presenter: Elizzebeth Loomis, Manager, Community Development, Housing and Homeless Services
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Subject:
title
3:00 PM *Reallocation of HOME Investment Partnerships Program American Rescue Plan Allocation Plan Funds
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Purpose and Request:
recommended action
Community Development Housing and Homeless Services (CDHHS) staff is requesting BOCC approval to reallocate the $4,487.65 balance from a HOME-American Rescue Plan (ARP) non-profit operating and supportive services contract with Colorado Safe Parking Initiative (CSPI) to HAAT Force, a homeless services provider operating in our jurisdiction.
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Background and Discussion: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provided a one-time 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.
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.
Alternatives: The Board of County Commissioners may recommend an alternative reallocation of the $4,487.65 in HOME-ARP funds.
Staff Recommendation: Community Resource staff recommend awarding $4,487.65 to HAAT Force to continue ongoing inclement weather sheltering services.
Alignment with Strategic Plan:
☒Be fiscally sustainable
☒Provide essential and mandated service
☒Be community-focused
Concurrence: Not applicable