HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 2E: Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-housing Program
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Approval of Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program
Meeting Date: May 11, 2009 Agenda Item Number: 2E
Department: Planning & Development Staff Contact: Stephanie Jennings
www.eugene-or.gov Contact Telephone Number: 682-5529
ISSUE STATEMENT
The City of Eugene is eligible to receive a formula allocation of federal funds in the amount of $567,404
through the Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program. In accordance with federal
guidance, the City must complete and submit a Substantial Amendment to its Consolidated Plan 2008
Action Plan.
BACKGROUND
The City of Eugene is eligible to receive a formula allocation of federal funds in the amount of $567,404
through the Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program (HPRP). HPRP was passed in to
law in February 2009, as a part of the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA).
The purpose of HPRP is to prevent very low-income households from becoming homeless and/or to help
persons who are homeless to quickly secure housing. Eligible uses of funds include:
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Financial Assistance – funds may be used to provide rental assistance, utility deposits and
payments, moving cost assistance, and motel and hotel vouchers.
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Housing Relocation and Stabilization Services – funds may be used for services that assist
program participants with housing stability and placement including case management, outreach
and engagement, housing search and placement, legal services, and credit repair.
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Data Collection and Evaluation – The City and any sub-grantees will be required to track
information on program participants.
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Administration – Up to five percent of grant funds may be used to support program
administration costs.
The City of Eugene must submit a Substantial Amendment to its 2008 Consolidated Action Plan by May
18, 2009, in order to receive HPRP funds. Through the Substantial Amendment, the City of Eugene
must provide: 1) a description of the process it will use to allocate HPRP grant funds; 2) an estimated
budget summary, and 3) a description of how the City plans to collaborate with other federal programs
that serve the same target populations.
At this time, staff proposes to allocate HPRP funds through a competitive Request for Proposals (RFP)
that will be conducted in collaboration with Lane County Human Services Commission. The RFP
would be issued in June 2009, or sooner. The RFP will be developed in consultation with Lane County
Human Services Commission, local service providers, and other related agencies. The City of Eugene
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will also collaborate with Lane County, Housing and Community Services Agency, the State of Oregon,
other federal agencies, and local service providers to implement HPRP.
Staff has developed an estimated budget for the Substantial Amendment. At this time, staff proposes to
allocate equal amounts of funds to prevent homelessness and for rapid re-housing of persons who are
currently homeless.
Homelessness Total Amount
Rapid Re-housing
Prevention Budgeted
$193,573 $193,573 $387,146
Financial Assistance
$70,927 $70,927 $141,854
Housing Relocation and
Stabilization Services
$10,034
Data Collection and
Evaluation
$28,370
Administration (up to 5%)
Total Budgeted Amount $264,500 $264,500 $567,404
In accordance with the Consolidated Plan and the HPRP Notice, staff has: 1) reviewed the program with
the Community Development Block Grant Advisory Committee (CDBG-AC) and received a draft
recommendation on March 30; 2) completed a12-day public comment period; 3) held a public hearing in
front of the CDBG-AC on April 28, 2009, and 4) received a final recommendation from the CDBG-AC.
RELATED CITY POLICIES
The proposed uses of HPRP funds support multiple City policies and programs. A summary of the
relationship between the proposed projects and each policy area is provided below:
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Eugene-Springfield Consolidated Plan 2005
- This proposal supports the City’s affordable housing
goals established in the Consolidated Plan 2005 which guides the use of federal CDBG and HOME
funds through 2010. In order to allocate funds to specific programs or projects, HUD regulations
require a citizen participation process, including advertising and conducting a public hearing,
followed by City Council action.
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Homelessness Council Goal
- The City Council has established a priority to address homelessness
in Eugene. The resources made available through HPRP will create a significant opportunity to
persons who are homeless or are at-risk of homelessness.
COUNCIL OPTIONS
The City Council has three options:
1.Approve the proposed allocation method and budget for use of HPRP funds and direct staff to
submit a Substantial Amendment to the Consolidated Plan 2008 Action Plan in order to receive
HPRP funds.
2.Approve the proposed allocation method and budget for use of HPRP funds with modifications
and direct staff to submit a Substantial Amendment to the Consolidated Plan 2008 Action Plan in
order to receive HPRP funds.
3.Decline to approve the proposed allocation method and budget for use of HPRP funds and direct
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staff to submit a Substantial Amendment to the Consolidated Plan 2008 Action Plan in order to
receive HPRP funds.
CITY MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION
The City Manager recommends approval of the proposed allocation method and budget for use of HPRP
funds and direction to staff to submit a Substantial Amendment to the Consolidated Plan 2008 Action
Plan in order to receive HPRP funds.
SUGGESTED MOTION
Move to approve the proposed allocation method and budget for use of HPRP funds and direct staff to
submit a Substantial Amendment to the Consolidated Plan 2008 Action Plan in order to receive HPRP
funds.
ATTACHMENTS
None.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Staff Contact: Stephanie Jennings, Housing Finance Analyst
Telephone: 682-5529
Staff E-Mail: stephanie.a.jennings@ci.eugene.or.us
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