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Council approves HOME‑ARP amendment to expand tenant rental assistance for households losing emergency vouchers
Summary
The council unanimously approved a substantial amendment to the city’s HOME‑ARP allocation plan to shift funds away from non‑congregate shelter toward tenant‑based rental assistance and supportive services to help households losing emergency housing vouchers, prioritizing projects that can deliver on schedule.
The Colorado Springs City Council voted unanimously to approve a substantial amendment to the city’s HOME‑ARP allocation plan, redirecting a portion of the roughly $5.75 million federal HOME‑ARP allocation toward tenant‑based rental assistance (TBRA), case management and related services.
Amy Cox, the city’s chief housing and homelessness response officer, told council the federal emergency housing voucher program will end early for many households and the city identified approximately 70–80 households that need continued rental subsidy and case management to avoid returning to homelessness. ‘‘These households do not all have case management services with the way those EHVs were funded,’’ said Beth Rolstad, CEO of Homeward Pikes Peak during public comment. ‘‘This tenant‑based rental assistance program will be so beneficial for those households who are going to receive case management services.’’
Cox said the amendment eliminates the non‑congregate shelter allocation and reduces funds earmarked for rental housing development; instead it increases funding for TBRA, supportive services and operating assistance for selected projects. The amendment also allows direct awards (rather than only competitive grants) to experienced providers with existing capacity — for example, to the Colorado Springs Housing Authority — and establishes a limitation on projects serving people fleeing domestic violence with children to match an identified proposed Family Life Services project.
Council members asked for clarification on expenditure deadlines, eligibility and oversight. Cox confirmed the HOME‑ARP grant must be fully expended by the federal deadline for HOME‑ARP (documents discussed noted full expenditure obligations consistent with HUD timing) and said the city will hire a staff person using grant administration dollars to monitor and manage the program. Artie Lyle, executive director of the Colorado Springs Housing Authority, and Beth Rolstad testified in support, urging that the funding provide wrap‑around services and two years of assistance where possible.
Council moved to approve the amendment; the motion passed 9–0. City staff will submit the amended allocation plan to HUD and then proceed with contracting and award processes under the stated selection methods.
