Tenants, advocates say state-funded units remain empty as Falcon Court residents face displacement
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Summary
Residents and advocates told the council that most Falcon Court tenants were told to "figure it out," alleged misuse of state Project Homekey funds, and urged immediate placement for seniors and other vulnerable residents into empty state-funded units said to total $10,150,000 in value.
At the Feb. 10 special meeting of the Fresno City Council, a public commenter identified as Des raised urgent concerns about housing placements tied to state-funded programs and alleged misuse of those funds.
Des said Falcon Court tenants received notices in December telling most residents to "figure it out," while only five residents were chosen for transfer to permanent supportive housing. He argued that state funds intended to house vulnerable people are being misapplied and urged the council to ensure the city complies with program rules such as Project Homekey and encampment-resolution funds.
"We cannot utilize the project on Blackstone ... that contract or that grant or them funds are only specifically for 18 to 24" was contested by the commenter, who added that transitional-age-youth definitions differ from the city's apparent practices. Des also said some senior residents on oxygen tanks were at immediate risk if returned to the streets and urged the council to place them in available units.
The commenter referenced a contract handoff to a party he named variously as "Matt Dill Dine" and urged the council for provided lease application samples and clarity about pre-leasing, stating: "From my understanding, you cannot pre-lease state funded apartment complexes."
Des said the city is "still sitting on state funded $10,150,000, and it's still empty," and he asked the council to ensure remaining residents are not forced back into homelessness. The transcript records no city response that evening resolving those specific housing requests; the council went into closed session for unrelated legal matters and returned with a separate report about a Health and Welfare Trust matter.
What happens next: Des and other commenters asked the council to clarify the status of state-funded units, provide lease and application documents, confirm compliance with Project Homekey and other state funding rules, and take immediate steps to house seniors and other vulnerable tenants; the transcript does not record those steps being taken during this meeting.
