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Council creates HOME-ARP fund and approves $2.49M for Brother’s Keeper men’s shelter
Summary
Council approved creation of a HOME-ARP fund and appropriated $2,493,790 (plus prior ARPA funds) to support construction of a new Brother’s Keeper men’s shelter at 2196 and 2160 Washington Street, with an estimated 50-bed capacity and a target occupancy this October.
The Gary Common Council voted unanimously on Feb. 3 to establish a HOME-ARP fund and appropriate $2,493,790 to support construction of a new Brother’s Keeper men’s shelter on Washington Street.
City planning staff said the project will be a two-story facility with offices, a multipurpose room and space for up to 50 beds. Funding will combine HOME-ARP and prior ARPA allocations for a total project budget of $3,143,790. The city reported that the architectural team recommendation will go to the Board of Works and that construction could begin this summer with a projected move-in near the end of October.
Why it matters: The appropriation directs federal HOME-ARP resources toward a local homelessness response, capitalizing on prior ARPA commitments and a nonprofit partner (Brother’s Keeper) to expand shelter capacity and supportive services. City staff told council that meeting ARPA and HOME-ARP spending deadlines constrains project timelines and requires the city to finalize construction this year to meet federal reporting requirements.
Vote: Council approved CPO 2026-03 on all three readings by a roll-call vote of 8–0. Planning staff and the controller said they will manage procurement and report progress to council through regular administrative channels.
