Commission approves Be A Helping Hand extension, pauses draw reimbursements until construction financing secured

At the Housing Trust Fund Commission meeting, commissioners approved a staff-recommended amendment to a grant contract for Be A Helping Hand Foundation that extends the project's term by 12 months and increases the unit count to 41, subject to two conditions: the applicant must secure all construction financing by Sept. 19, 2027, and draw reimbursements are paused until construction financing is secured.

Applicant representatives explained the delay. Jackie Cullum, assistant executive director of the applicant, said the team revised plans and used acquisition funds for engineering costs. L'Oreal Harris, introduced as the project manager, explained a major redesign: "we did run into, a few issues with the 500 year floodplain," which required reengineering to accommodate commercial space on the first floor. Commissioners asked whether finalized plans and contractor estimates were in hand; applicants said they secured finalized plans the previous week and had been talking with contractors and lenders to obtain hard numbers.

Staff framed the motion and the conditions. Anton moved to approve "with the 2 conditions: 1, be a helping hand secures all construction financing during the extended term 09/19/2027, and 2, draw reimbursements are paused until construction financing is secured," and the commission carried the motion. The action is recorded as an approval contingent on those conditions; staff will not release draw reimbursements until construction financing is documented.