Prescott Cares COVID funds used for rental assistance, minor home repairs and US Vets services; US Vets reports housing placements and meal provision

Prescott Cares, the Chamber of Commerce Foundation program that administers CDBG-COVID funds for Prescott, is using remaining pandemic-era money for rental assistance, minor home repair and direct veteran support, committee members heard at the Aug. 20 City of Prescott CDBG Citizens Advisory Committee meeting.

Sherry Heine, who administers Prescott Cares for the Chamber of Commerce Foundation, told the committee that the program began with roughly $427,000 in CDBG-COVID funds and that after earlier spending and reallocations the remaining balance is approximately $100,000. She said the program can provide up to six months of rental assistance for qualifying Prescott residents and estimated the remaining funds could fund about 12 rental-assistance placements; she reported having six applications on hand.

"We approved and are paying two residents of Prescott their rent for the next six months, plus we also help them with their utilities," Heine said, noting an outreach effort that included a community pulse event and targeted outreach to Bradshaw Apartments.

Heine said Prescott Cares also administers a minor home repair program; at the time of the meeting she said at least six home-repair projects were underway and about three new applications were pending. She described the typical process: scope-of-work review with the city, competitive bidding, scheduling with a contractor and final inspections.

Brian Campbell, executive director of US Vets, told the committee that US Vets received $117,000 from Prescott Cares and used the money for direct client services rather than staffing. He said the organization delivered more than 71,000 meals in the past year, served some 530 veterans, placed 100 veterans into permanent housing and helped 72 veterans secure employment. Campbell said the organization maintains wraparound services including behavioral health, case management and a 24/7 veterans services department, and also operates an aftercare program for alumni.

Campbell described progress on a Fort Whipple (VA campus) project: an enhanced-use lease will support construction of permanent housing with about 103 units for senior veterans, including 23 units associated with rehabilitated officer quarters and an 80-unit four-story building scheduled to open in June (project timeline as reported by the speaker). He said roughly $123,000 of CDBG-related funds are earmarked for appliances for the Fort Whipple development and that those purchases will be made soon when storage is available.

Committee questions focused on program lifespan and wraparound supports. Heine told the committee the rental-assistance portion was designed to provide a bridge and that staff encourage but do not require linkages to supportive services; after outreach events she said the program coordinated referrals to NACOG and the county aging director for additional supports. When asked about the home-repair program’s duration, Heine said with current funding the program could operate for at least another year and that the city aims to continue the program beyond the immediate funding.

No committee action was taken on Prescott Cares at the meeting; staff described outreach, current caseload and planned next steps. Committee members were invited to attend the Sept. 9 city-council CAPER hearing where Prescott Cares activities will be summarized for council.