Feedback Needed on Federal Funds for Homelessness Assistance
Published on January 26, 2023
The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development has awarded the Unified Government $3,197,903 to support individuals and families who are experiencing homelessness, at risk of homelessness, or in other vulnerable populations. The HOME-American Rescue Plan (HOME-ARP) funds have restricted uses and the Department of Community Development has drafted a proposal for how these funds should be put to work in our community for your review and consideration.
HOW WE BUILT THE PROPOSAL
Over the past year, the Department of Community Development has reached out to various organizations and professionals such as homeless and domestic violence service providers; veterans' groups; public housing agencies; public and private organizations that address fair housing, civil rights, and the needs of persons with disabilities; and other public agencies that provide services to qualifying populations. This includes: 30 stakeholder interviews; a community survey; four community workshops; and a public hearing following a comment period.
We know from our assessment that there are considerable unmet needs in our community for shelter/housing and supportive services. There is a high number of individuals living unsheltered in Kansas City, KS with a severe lack of emergency shelter and transitional shelter units. While there are many agencies providing supportive services to residents, there are not enough funds to meet the need and limited collaboration across agencies. Resources are needed to support especially vulnerable populations, such as those experiencing interpersonal violence, living with disabilities, and seniors. In addition, there is a need for more mental health and other free or affordable health services as mental and physical health are key barriers to housing stability. It is estimated that more than 4,500 highly-stabilized affordable rental units are needed for households with the lowest incomes (less than 30% the area median income).
Based on this assessment, the Department of Community Development has identified these top two priorities:
- Provide low-barrier shelter beds for those experiencing homelessness and fleeing, or attempting to flee, domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking. This would include wrap-around supportive services with the goal of transitioning individuals into more stable or permanent housing.
- Provide supportive services to help eliminate barriers to allow community members to transition or remain in stable housing and address the variety of concerns that may be contributing to housing instability or chronic homelessness. The types of supportive services needed include: outreach; case management to connect households to mainstream benefits and resources; health and mental health services; short-term financial assistance with rent, utilities, security deposits and other moving costs, eviction diversion and legal assistance.
PROPOSED BUDGET
The Department of Community Development is proposing the following budget allocation:
| Eligible Activity |
Funding Amount |
Percent of Grant |
Statutory Limit |
| Supportive Services |
$300,000 |
|
|
| Acquistion and Development of Non-Congregate Shelter |
$2,478,113 |
|
|
| Tenant-Based Rental Assistance |
$0 |
|
|
| Non-Profit Operating Assistance |
$50,000 |
1.5% |
5% |
| Non-Profit Capacity-Building |
$50,000 |
1.5% |
5% |
| Administration and Planning |
$319,790 |
10% |
15% |
| TOTAL HOME-ARP ALLOCATION |
$3,197,903 |
|
|
You can review the executive summary or full proposal here to dig into the details of our proposed plan.
PROVIDE YOUR INPUT
We would like your feedback on our proposal by Thursday, February 16, 2023. You can complete this form or attend the public hearing during the Commission Meeting on February 16.
Feedback Form