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United Way seeks to use remaining ARPA funds to buy building for transitional shelter; county to verify eligibility
Summary
United Way updated council on plans to use remaining ARPA funds to purchase an existing building for a programmatic transitional shelter; staff said zoning and code clarifications reduced the fire-suppression cost but county attorneys and Treasury guidance must confirm ARPA eligibility before the purchase proceeds.
United Way representatives asked Lancaster County Council for support to use remaining ARPA allocation to purchase an existing building and operate a programmatic transitional shelter and warming center.
United Way staff summarized winter warming-center operations (55 clients: 47 adults and 8 children) and said they operate as a rapid-rehousing subgrantee to a regional coalition. The organization reported that a city code revision issued April 24 reduced the cost of required fire suppression (residential sprinkler rather than a commercial suppression system), which materially improves the project's budget feasibility.
United Way said the prospective seller has agreed to a below-market sale, an appraisal is on file and a local attorney is available to close quickly; United Way is seeking county confirmation that using ARPA funds for the purchase is permissible under Treasury guidance. County staff asked legal and finance teams to check federal ARPA rules and report back before any final county approval or release of funds.
United Way said the shelter would continue to screen and enroll participants in programmatic supports rather than operate as an open, walk-in warming center; goal durations for participants are roughly three to six months with transitions to rapid rehousing or other local supports when possible.
What happens next: County staff will consult SCAC/NACo/Treasury guidance and the county attorney to confirm ARPA eligibility and return to council with options and recommended steps if the use is allowable.
