Executive Committee asks for clearer pre-grant rules after ERF-5 approval concerns

The Humboldt Housing and Homelessness Coalition (HHHC) Executive Committee on Aug. 12 directed staff to draft formal policies governing requests for CoC approval to apply for grants and for organizations applying on behalf of the CoC. Members said the ERF-5 approval process exposed gaps in expectations, transparency and accountability.

Committee members said they want clear, predictable reporting requirements for grants that receive CoC endorsement, including progress and milestone reports at least every six months and access to final submitted ERF-5 applications. Robert Ward (DHHS) was tasked to draft policies and procedures for Executive Committee review with a planned vote in September.

Members contrasted the ERF-3 experience — which some described as working well — with concerns that larger ERF-5 funding requests prompted more questions about how previous ERF funds were used and what measurable impact they achieved. The Committee agreed to consider dedicated meetings in January and/or July to hear required six‑month progress updates.

Next steps called for Robert Ward to draft the policy language and circulate it for EC review ahead of the September meeting, and for members to receive copies of final ERF-5 submissions when applicants provide them.