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Centennial to pilot McKinney‑Vento housing navigation to help families in school‑based homelessness
Summary
Council agreed to move forward with a 2026 pilot to help McKinney‑Vento families obtain stable housing using a part‑time contracted navigator (Keyheart Training) and $25,000 in county CDBG funds for upfront costs; staff estimated the pilot could assist about 10–12 families in the first year and will report metrics back to council.
City staff proposed and council endorsed a pilot program aimed at families identified through McKinney‑Vento school liaisons who are experiencing housing instability. Johnna Schneider, Strategic Initiatives Manager, and Homeless Services Coordinator Vanessa Gates described a two‑pronged approach: contracted housing navigation services for casework and landlord engagement, and $25,000 in Arapahoe County CDBG funds to cover upfront housing costs (security deposits, application fees and first month’s rent).
Gates said McKinney‑Vento covers pre‑K through 12 students who lack fixed, adequate nighttime residence and that some families live in motels or are doubled up and therefore fall outside HMIS enrollment used by other county navigation teams. "The county's navigation team supports individuals but not families," Gates said; staff argued the city pilot fills that gap by partnering with school liaisons and a contracted provider experienced in landlord outreach and tenant placement.
The contracted service (Keyheart Training) would deliver one‑on‑one navigation, landlord engagement to identify willing properties, lease negotiation support and limited landlord‑tenant dispute resolution. Schneider said the city's $25,000 placeholder in the 2026 budget would fund the contracted services, while Arapahoe County will manage and distribute the CDBG housing‑cost funds directly to landlords.
Staff estimated the available funds and provider capacity could place roughly 10–12 families into stable housing in 2026, while noting broader need: Cherry Creek School District reported about 150 McKinney‑Vento families last year. Council asked for metrics and reporting; staff said the contract will require time tracking and outcome metrics so council can evaluate cost‑effectiveness at the pilot’s end.
Council consensus (thumbs up) authorized staff to finalize contracting, coordinate with the county and school liaisons, and start the pilot.
What’s next: staff will finalize a contract with Keyheart Training, begin landlord outreach, coordinate application management with Arapahoe County for the CDBG funds, and return to council with performance data and recommendations.
