Regional Housing Council approves Catholic Community Services to administer eviction-prevention funds for single adults

The Regional Housing Council approved the Homeless Services Advisory Board’s recommendation to award eviction-prevention rent assistance (EPRA) funds for single adults to Catholic Community Services (CCS).

Emily Klaus explained that the Board of County Commissioners had asked the HSAB to reconsider the recommendation because of unresolved issues from a prior relationship between the county and Community Action Council (CAC). After an emergency HSAB meeting and additional review, the HSAB recommended Catholic Community Services as a provider; Casper explained the HSAB reviewed CCS’s proposal in two meetings and believed CCS had the capacity to manage EPRA funds and planned to hire staff experienced with EPRA.

Jackie (county staff) added context: the state budget came in higher than some earlier projections, increasing EPRA/home prevention funding for the county. The EPRA award for a single-adult provider presented to the council was “hovering just under $800,000.” Jackie said contracts operate on a reimbursement basis and providers must be able to front payments, which limits the pool of potential providers.

A motion to approve the HSAB recommendation to sole-source Catholic Community Services as the EPRA provider was moved and seconded; the council voted unanimously in favor.

Council members emphasized the advisory board’s role and the need to balance caution with the urgency of getting funds to people. Staff will proceed to finalize contracting with Catholic Community Services under the reimbursement-contract model and report back as required.