DuPage Care Center nearing completion; HUD funding for Lehi Allen "Full Circle" project delayed by federal process

Janelle updated the committee on DuPage Care Center operations and construction timelines and community services staff described a separate housing project affected by HUD funding timing.

DuPage Care Center: Janelle said there are currently no COVID outbreaks at the facility and that construction on 2 South/2 North and the center’s related projects is approaching final stages, with an anticipated late‑November completion window for the work described. She said the county had submitted a revised Certificate of Need to the health facilities planning and review board to include the East Building and that staff are preparing for required surveys and occupancy steps once federal processes allow.

Lehi Allen / "Full Circle" housing project: Mary summarized that the Lehi Allen Full Circle communities project is slated to receive congressionally directed/community project funding (previously called earmarks) from the congressional office and HOME funds from HUD. She said the HUD release of funds is contingent on completion of an environmental review and a 30‑day public comment period; because of federal timing and a partial government shutdown the county has not yet received HUD authorization to release the funds. Without HUD’s authorization, the developer cannot demolish the property and the real‑estate closing cannot be scheduled; tax‑credit deadlines and construction timelines are at stake. County staff said they are working with HUD Chicago, headquarters staff, and Representative Ramirez’s office and that county staff will travel to Washington for follow‑up meetings.

PADs winter capacity: Mary also briefed the committee on PADs’ request for temporary winter hotel capacity for people who are unsheltered or in unsafe locations. Staff noted limited ARPA interest balance referenced in the meeting and said finance will review this specific funding request at the next Finance meeting; PADs and related stakeholders will present to Finance.

Why this matters: The Care Center update affects facility occupancy and elderly care services; the HUD funding delay directly affects an affordable‑housing project’s demolition and closing timeline and may affect tax‑credit milestones. The PADs winter capacity request is a short‑term homelessness mitigation measure tied to available county ARPA interest and fund balances.

Sources and attribution: All attributions are to staff who spoke during the Human Services Committee meeting (Janelle, Mary).