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Council approves application for Interact for Health eviction-diversion grant with nonprofit partners
Summary
Council authorized the city manager to apply with partners for a three-year Interact for Health policy grant to expand eviction-diversion and housing stability services, proposing a $90,000 application with a $30,000 city match and 4% annual increases.
Oxford City Council voted to authorize the city manager to apply for an Interact for Health public health policy grant to support a three-year eviction diversion and housing stability program.
Jessica (city staff) told council the Housing Advisory Commission recommended applying for the grant, and the city would partner with Telema, Oxford Pantry and Social Services (TOPS) and Housing Opportunities Made Equal (HOME). The application requested $90,000 for year one with a $30,000 city match and a 4% increase in each subsequent year. Staff described the city role as fiscal agent and policy lead: city staff would research housing-policy gaps and propose code or legislative updates where needed, continue existing eviction-diversion funding, and strengthen code enforcement.
Under the proposal, TOPS would hire a housing-stability staff member to help residents understand their rights and access assistance, manage a legal assistance fund for qualifying residents, and partner with a housing-rights attorney for potential illegal-practice cases. HOME would run two educational campaigns per year on tenant rights and eviction-diversion resources. The target population includes low-income residents and student renters.
Jessica said Interact for Health’s grants range from $75,000 to $250,000 (18–36 months) and that the city spoke with the foundation about eligibility and fit before preparing the application. The grant application deadline was April 4; the Housing Advisory Commission reviewed and recommended the application at its March 6 meeting.
Councilors expressed support for addressing student-tenant rights and thanked staff for the proposal. No public speaker opposed the resolution; the resolution was adopted by voice vote.
Implementation: if awarded, the city would serve as fiscal agent and staff would coordinate with TOPS and HOME on staffing and legal-assistance arrangements. Councilor comments and the Housing Advisory Commission recommendation were cited on the record.
