Council approves HOME-ARP amendment and accepts county funding for substance-use prevention

The Independence City Council unanimously approved an ordinance (25-065) amending the HOME-ARP annual action plan and making necessary appropriations to spend federal funds intended to help residents maintain or obtain housing. The council also approved (25-067) acceptance of a $90,000 award from Jackson County for a substance use prevention program; both measures passed on second reading by 7-0 votes.

The city manager told the council HOME-ARP funds arrive from the federal government and are used to help residents maintain homes, address habitat and habitability issues and prevent homelessness. "A lot of times, these funds are directed towards individuals who maybe don't have the financial resources to do some of that upkeep on their home that's essential to keeping the home livable," the city manager said.

Staff said the HOME-ARP program is administered in partnership with local nonprofit organizations that have capacity to identify needs and deliver assistance efficiently and impartially; eligibility for HOME-ARP assistance is income-restricted and not open to all homeowners. The council highlighted senior-focused assistance as a priority and cited Community Services League, Trim and Habitat as partners in related housing and community services.

On the substance-use grant, staff said Jackson County allocated $90,000 through a receipt award to support local prevention programming; the council adopted the appropriation ordinance by roll call. Both actions authorize staff to execute grant agreements and appropriate funds in the fiscal year 2025-26 budget.