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Council unanimously approves HOME-ARP shift to tenant-based rental assistance and supportive services
Summary
City Council unanimously approved a substantial amendment to the HOME-ARP allocation plan, redirecting funds toward tenant-based rental assistance and supportive services to help households losing emergency housing vouchers. The city plans direct awards for efficient program delivery and will contract with experienced providers.
City Council voted 9-0 to approve a substantial amendment to the HOME-ARP allocation plan that redirects a portion of the city's HOME-ARP funds toward tenant-based rental assistance (TBRA), supportive services, and operating funds for selected projects. Amy Cox, the city's chief housing and homelessness response officer, said the change responds to the federal emergency housing voucher program being reduced and to limited feasible projects for non-congregate shelter.
Cox told council there is approximately $1.9 million available in the proposal to support short-term rental assistance and case management for households whose emergency housing vouchers are ending. Staff proposed a mix of competitive awards and direct awards (for capacity partners such as the Colorado Springs Housing Authority) to maximize timely use of the funds. Family Life Services and other nonprofits were identified as potential partners; the amendment also reduces the allocation for development-gap funding and non-congregate shelter due to cost-prohibitive federal requirements for private kitchens and bathrooms in each unit.
Public commenters representing Homeward Pikes Peak and the Housing Authority supported the reallocation and emphasized the need for case management alongside vouchers to prevent people from returning to homelessness. Council members asked clarifying questions about timelines, expenditure deadlines (the HOME-ARP funds must be expended by 09/30/2030) and the program's focus on transitioning households toward self-sufficiency.
With unanimous approval, staff will submit the amended plan to HUD and begin contracting for TBRA and supportive services. Council and stakeholders said they want quick deployment to prevent gaps when emergency housing vouchers close.
What's next: The city will submit the amendment to HUD and initiate contracting; staff said they will prioritize experienced implementers and include reporting and monitoring requirements tied to HOME-ARP compliance.
