Item3b_CDC_PSH_RRH_05.17.21(LateBackup) — original pdf

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June 8, 2021 COA Community Development Commission (CDC) Funding Rapid Re-Housing (RRH) & Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) I. II. III. Rapid Re-Housing (RRH) 1 provides short-term rental assistance and services, typically for up to 12-24 months. The goals are to help people obtain housing quickly, increase self-sufficiency, and maintain stable housing. Guided by the Housing First philosophy, RRH is offered without preconditions (such as employment, income, or sobriety) and the resources and services provided are tailored to the needs of the person. Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) 2 is an intervention that combines affordable housing assistance with voluntary support services to address the needs of chronically homeless people. RRH and PSH are funded through a number of avenues: A. City of Austin’s Housing & Planning Department (HPD) and the Austin Public Health Department (APD) 1. HPD uses federal and local funds and general obligation bonds towards supporting the construction of PSH. Additionally, APH allocates federal and local funding towards homelessness prevention/diversion and social services provided by community service providers. B. Housing Vouchers (provided through local Housing Authorities): 1. Tenant Based Rental Assistance (TBRA) 3 - housing subsidy that moves with the tenant from rental property to rental property, reducing the amount of rent a tenant has to pay based on their household income and local rent limits. These vouchers are no or low barrier because they fund the individual. 2. Project Based Rental Assistance (PBRA) 4 - housing subsidy provided through housing assistance payments (HAP) contracts with the owner(s) of multifamily rental housing. The subsidy makes up the difference between what a household can afford and the HUD approved rent for the rental unit. These vouchers are somewhat barrier restricted, based on the landlord of the project but staff is ongoingly working to incentivize no/low barrier applicant acceptance. C. Continuum of Care Grant: ($700K) - the main applicant and receiver is ECHO and this funding serves 30-50 people plus administration costs. It is used for providing social services and rental assistance. D. Best Single Source Plus Program (BSS+) 5 - provides comprehensive case management and direct financial assistance to eligible individuals and families in the Austin/Travis County area. E. (Local) Municipal Vouchers: Approved by Austin City Council in late 2020, this new funding source will provide PBRA to local PSH developments. F. HOME Grant ($3.1 Million): In addition to providing tenant based rental assistance (see B:1) funds housing rehabilitation, as well as being leveraged for hotel conversions. The HOME Grant is anticipated to receive additional funding through the American Rescue Plan municipal allocation in 2021. G. Emergency Solutions Grant Program (~$700K)-Funds rapid rehousing and the operation of the Austin Resource Center for the Homeless (ARCH) 1 National Alliance to End Homelessness 2 ibid 3 U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development 4 ibid 5 Best Single Source Plus 1 June 8, 2021 IV. The Heal Initiative6: A. Total of $6.5 million from funds allocated to APH. Normally, these funds would go to supportive housing services but because of the increase in funds and lack of spending in early 2021, these are available for HEAL. B. HEAL will aim to provide RRH for ~100 individuals. RRH accounts for $2.4 million of the allocated funds. It is anticipated that some of these individuals will then need to transition to PSH. C. Funds will also go to: 1. Outreach & meeting immediate basic needs ($400k) 2. Temporary shelter resources ($1.3 million) 3. Personal storage ($200k) 4. Restoration of campsites (TBD) V. CDC Opportunities for Advocacy: A. Support the Reimagine Public Safety Recommendation: Invest in Neighborhood Hubs 7 B. Support allocation of American Rescue Plan funds (in addition to those for the HOME Grant) toward the Austin Homeless Summit8 Recommendations of 3000 individuals receiving housing, including both RRH and at least 1000 new units of PSH in the next three (3) years. C. Support equitable and effective use of housing funds made available through the transit bond 6 Heal Initiative Memorandum 7 Reimagine Public Safety Recommendation: Invest in Neighborhood Hubs 8 Summit to Address Unsheltered Homelessness in Austin – Working Document as presented April 15, 2021 2