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East Point extends minor‑home repair effort for seniors; staff seeks continuity after ARPA closeout
Summary
City staff told council the no‑cost minor home repair program for seniors and veterans (House Proud/GreenHeart contractors) has repaired dozens of homes from an existing wait list and asked to extend the vendor contracts so work can continue into the new fiscal year and close out ARPA reporting.
City staff told the council July 14 they want to extend contracts with two vendors running the city’s ARPA‑funded minor home repair program for seniors and veterans so repairs underway and a phase‑two wait list can proceed.
Why it matters: The program — administered with nonprofit and construction vendors — uses American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to make urgent, no‑cost repairs for older residents, veterans and adults with disabilities. Staff said the work helps elders remain in safe homes and that maintaining program continuity reduces compliance risk while ARPA reporting and fiscal closeout are completed.
Program status and request
Housing staff said the program launched repairs in March against an initial wait list. Staff reported about five completed jobs, six under construction and a plan to finish 16–18 homes by the September ARPA deadline. The city initially sought to target a modest average cost per home; staff said costs have risen and the average repair has come closer to roughly $23,000 rather than earlier planning levels near $15,000. The mayor and council previously approved funding; staff asked the council to extend contracts with House Proud ATL and Greenheart Construction (the current vendors) so ARPA closeout can proceed without disrupting ongoing work.
Procurement and next steps
Procurement staff said the original work was solicited through an RFQ/RFP process that produced the two vendors. The current contracts expire Sept. 1; procurement asked whether the council would authorize extensions so work can continue while staff prepares a longer‑term sustainability plan. Staff also noted the city will pursue other grants (including DCA CHIP funding) and philanthropic fundraising to cover larger rehabilitation needs that exceed program thresholds.
Council questions and discussion
Council members asked how the vendor selection, eligibility and prioritization processes worked, who pays permit fees (fees are waived for this program and inspections are still required) and how larger‑scale rehabs would be handled. Staff said projects are not paid directly to residents; the city contracts with builders and helps residents execute repairs. Staff said they would return with comparative information on other programs’ caps and follow up on procurement contract terms if council requests.
Ending
Council asked procurement and housing staff to provide contract language or renewal options and to return with a plan for long‑term sustainability and grant applications for higher‑cost repairs.
