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Council reviews proposed 10‑year supportive‑housing partnership with Lazarus House
Summary
The committee reviewed a proposed partnership to fund one household per year in Lazarus House’s permanent supportive housing model for a 10‑year commitment, at $17,850 per year (up to 5% annual increases) for an approximate total of $225,000, funded from the city housing trust fund; committee members expressed broad support and asked clarifying questions about inspections and program structure.
City staff presented a proposed partnership with Lazarus House to establish a city‑funded permanent supportive housing placement modeled on Lazarus House’s federally funded program. Under the proposal the city would contract with Lazarus House and fund one household for a 10‑year commitment; Lazarus House would lease a unit, sublease to the tenant and provide case management.
Staff said the program budget would be approximately $17,850 per year for a single household, with an annual increase of up to 5 percent, yielding a roughly $225,000 commitment over 10 years. Staff told the committee the funds would come from the city’s housing trust fund; the current trust fund balance is about $2.2 million with around $1.0 million available for new programs.
Why it matters: Lazarus House’s permanent supportive housing model is designed for chronically homeless individuals with disabling conditions and includes unit inspection, income contribution by the tenant (about 10 percent of income) and weekly case‑management meetings. Christy Athas, Lazarus House’s executive director, told the committee their staff are HUD‑trained and perform regular inspections as part of the program.
Council reaction: members widely supported the proposal, noting evidence that rental‑support programs increase housing stability. Questions centered on funding sustainability and inspection procedures; Lazarus House confirmed HUD‑trained inspection staff and quarterly checklists.
Next step: staff will prepare a service agreement between the city and Lazarus House and bring the item back to the committee for consideration next month.
