Warren OKs HUD-funded housing agreements with Oakland Livingston Human Services Agency

The Warren City Council on Sept. 23 approved three related agreements with Oakland Livingston Human Services Agency (OLHSA) to run HUD-funded housing programs in the city: an emergency housing assistance and supportive services agreement, a master leasing plan agreement, and a tenant-based rental assistance agreement.

Miss Michaels, a city staff member, confirmed to the council that the programs are funded with federal HUD money and that the city functions as a pass-through or administrator for that funding. When Councilman Lafferty asked whether the agreements contain protections if HUD were to rescind funding, staff answered the city's obligations are subject to availability of federal funds. "If we're cut off, then our obligation ends," a staff member said.

Council members voted unanimously to approve all three items. The agreements delegate administration and service delivery responsibilities to OLHSA, including landlord outreach, tenant services and management of master-lease properties and tenant-based rental assistance.

Councilors asked a procedural question about the funding contingency and were told the contracts are written to reflect that federal availability governs the city's commitments. Staff said OLHSA will administer the programs locally.

The programs are intended to expand the city's capacity to place households quickly into housing and to provide supportive services to households facing homelessness or housing instability. Council members said they expect staff to report back on program uptake and any budgetary impacts should HUD change funding levels.