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Kent County Housing Commission gets HCV transition and grant updates; approves minutes and agenda
Summary
At its Jan. 16 meeting the Kent County Housing Commission heard staff updates on the HCV transition to MSHDA, a submitted PSH grant application worth $700,000, and financial results showing nearly $400,000 in administrative dollars; the board approved minutes and today’s agenda and adjourned at 9:13 a.m.
The Kent County Housing Commission met Jan. 16 in Grand Rapids and received updates on the housing choice voucher (HCV) transition, pending grant applications and the commission’s financial position, then approved routine motions and adjourned at 9:13 a.m.
Why it matters: The commission is managing a transfer of HCV case files to the state agency and awaiting HUD guidance on administrative dollars and account reconciliation. Outcomes of the pending permanent supportive housing (PSH) grant and federal/state funding decisions will affect the commission’s capacity to preserve or expand services in Kent County.
Director Gustavo Perez said staff have submitted about one-fourth of the HCV files to the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) and are continuing to send remaining documents. Perez said the commission is still waiting for HUD direction about the HCV administrative dollars and the reconciliation process; in the interim the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) will be used to fill funding gaps.
Perez said the commission submitted a PSH grant application that, if awarded, would be a two-year capacity-building grant for $700,000 and that the agency expects to know by the end of January whether the grant is awarded. He also reported that rental-assistance payments exceeded $6 million in 2024, up from about $4 million in prior years; that increase will be highlighted in a performance measures presentation scheduled for Jan. 28.
Commissioner Joshua Lunger reported on the local "100 in 100" housing initiative, saying 50 people have been housed so far and 54 have been connected to resources; he said a referral list has been developed and that he will provide follow-up information to the commission.
On communications, staff said notices related to the transfer generated substantial phone inquiries. A meeting with the Continuum of Care and stakeholders identified concerns about the initial communications and a desire for earlier and more detailed updates; staff said those concerns emerged while waiting on HUD to provide necessary information. Staff also said a quarterly community newsletter will be sent today and that several request-for-proposals, including one tied to affordable housing funds, are currently open.
Rachel Pillar reviewed the financial report and reported the commission’s balance of administrative dollars is nearly $400,000. Perez noted that the department’s favorable position is partially explained by being down two to three staff who would otherwise charge time to those accounts.
The commission approved the Nov. 21, 2024 meeting minutes (motion by Commissioner Louis Berra; supported by Commissioner Brittany Beckman) and approved today’s agenda (same mover and supporter). No public comment was offered. The meeting adjourned at 9:13 a.m.; the next regular meeting is scheduled for March 20, 2025, at 8:30 a.m.
