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Council backs staff to draft ordinance to fund Amani transitional homes for refugee women, up to $1.64 million
Summary
The Bellevue City Council directed staff to return with legislation to authorize up to $1,643,748 to support the Congolese Integration Network’s Amani Homes transitional shelter acquisition and services: $1,305,798 capital and $67,590 per year in operations/maintenance/services (OMS) for a five‑year contract.
The Bellevue City Council on Jan. 28 voted to direct staff to prepare legislation that would authorize up to $1,643,748 in Housing Stability Program funding to support the Congolese Integration Network’s (CIN) Amani Homes transitional shelter for refugee women and households exiting homelessness.
The motion, seconded and approved on a voice vote, asks staff to return with ordinance language to allocate up to $1,305,798 in capital to acquire a single-family property and up to $67,590 per year in OMS funding for five years to support on-site case management and services.
Francoise Milingano, introduced to the council as executive director of the Congolese Integration Network, asked the council for capital support to acquire a five-bedroom property where CIN would operate culturally and linguistically specific transitional housing for refugee women earning below 30% of area median income. “I’m here just to request your support for the capital funding, to support a CIN acquisition of the, Amani shelter,” Milingano told councilmembers during oral communications.
Samid Veil, a supporter speaking during oral communications, urged council members to back the project and described the program’s focus: “The Amani shelter will provide a secure home with 24/7 case management, workforce development support, mental health services, and a community that understands their journey.”
City staff presented the Housing Stability Program (HSP) background and the city’s role administering funds created under state law (HB 1590). Tara Johnson, Planning Director, and Sabrina Velarde, the city’s HSP coordinator, explained that the HSP prioritizes preventing homelessness and serving households at or below 30% AMI, and that capital awards are intended for acquisitions and new construction that create or preserve units serving eligible populations.
Patrick Tippie (ARCH) and staff explained the evaluation criteria used by the interdepartmental review committee, which reviewed proposals for project readiness, financial feasibility, cost-effectiveness, service plans and alignment with council priorities. Staff noted the CIN operated a pilot shelter in Bellevue in 2023 that housed about 15 people and that 13 transitioned to permanent housing.
Motion and funding specifics: The council motion directs staff to return with legislation to consider approval of up to $1,643,748 total (capital $1,305,798; OMS $67,590 per year for up to five years) for CIN’s Amani Homes. Staff told council that any unawarded funds would be available for future RFP cycles and city-owned sites.
Councilmembers asked about referral and monitoring: staff said referrals for the Amani property will be managed by CIN and that the city’s Human Services team will monitor OMS-funded services through annual reporting and on-site compliance visits.
The motion passed by voice vote. Staff will draft the ordinance and return to council with contract language and compliance provisions.
