Board backs application for HUD pass-through grant to help McKinney‑Vento families

The Citrus County School Board voted Sept. 9 to support a memorandum of understanding among the district, the Citrus County Education Foundation (CCEF) and the Citrus County Board of County Commissioners to apply for a federal Housing Stability for School Children grant. If awarded, the two‑year HUD pass‑through grant (administered by Florida Housing Finance Corporation) would bring $500,000 to support McKinney‑Vento families with targeted case management and housing assistance.

Susie Swain (presenting staff) said the district’s role would be to continue assessments and referrals through the McKinney‑Vento program and to provide progress monitoring data; CCEF would provide targeted case management and monthly home visits for housed families. Michelle Alford, housing services director, told the board the grant is competitive (only three local governments expected to be awarded statewide this year) but said Citrus County has experience running voucher and HUD‑VASH programs.

Presenters emphasized that the program would prioritize employed families without a history of chronic homelessness to stabilize students in school and support education outcomes. Staff estimated the grant would assist at least 25 families over two years but emphasized that case management is central to the model and that the foundation and housing authority would share operational responsibilities if selected.

A board member moved to approve the MOU and support the application; members voted in favor. Staff said final subagreements among participating entities would be drafted if the grant is awarded. The board’s approval authorizes staff to proceed with the application and to finalize any required interlocal agreements if the district is selected.