Shelter Plus Care Program HUD ApplicationMasterpiece on the Mississippi
TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
SUBJECT: Shelter Plus Care Renewal Application
DATE: September 28, 2011
Dubuque
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The Shelter Plus Care Program provides rental assistance to homeless persons with
disabilities. In 2006, the City applied in partnership with Project Concern and received a
5 -year grant award in the amount of $536,520. The funds are used to pay rents on
behalf of qualifying persons, to private landlords. The Housing Department serves as
administrator and fiscal agent for the funds; Project Concern works directly with
program participants to locate suitable housing and provide required supportive
services.
Housing and Community Development Department Director David Harris recommends
City Council approval of a renewal application to HUD for administration of the Shelter
Plus Care Program.
I concur with the recommendation and respectfully request Mayor and City Council
approval.
Michael C. Van Milligen
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Attachment
cc: Barry Lindahl, City Attorney
Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager
David Harris, Housing and Community Development Department Director
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
Dubuque
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2007
TO: Michael Van Milligen, City Manager
FROM: David Harris, Housing and Community Development Department
SUBJECT: Shelter Plus Care Renewal Application
DATE: 28 September 2011
Introduction
The purpose of this memorandum is to request the City Council's authorization of a
renewal application to HUD for administration of the Shelter Plus Care Program.
Background
The Shelter Plus Care Program provides rental assistance to homeless persons with
disabilities. We applied in partnership with Project Concern, in 2006, and received a 5-
year grant award in the amount of $536 520. The funds are used to pay rents in behalf
of qualifying persons, to private landlords. The Housing Department serves as
administrator and fiscal agent for the funds; Project Concern works directly with
program participants to locate suitable housing and provide required supportive
services. The program has been known as the Phoenix Housing Program.
Discussion
The one -year renewal application is now due to HUD. However, Project Concern has
made a decision to withdraw as program sponsor, due to staffing and financial short-
falls. The Housing Department has engaged in discussions with Catholic Charities and
Hillcrest Family Services in an attempt to locate another sponsor. At this time, both
agencies are evaluating their participation and a commitment has not been obtained.
The application is due to the Iowa Finance Authority on 7 October. For this reason, time
is of the essence for Council approval. The City may apply as both administrator and
sponsor; this is the only option we have at this time. If an application is not submitted,
the funds will be reallocated and the Phoenix Housing Program will terminate at the end
of June 2012. A vulnerable population will lose housing assistance and again face
homelessness.
If either non - profit agency decides to make the commitment as sponsor, the application
may be amended accordingly. If both decline, the City's application may be withdrawn.
As the Housing Department is not staffed to provide the in- the -field services required by
the grant, we could not proceed with the application without a partner sponsor. Another
option might be to identify a source of funds to assist with staffing costs.
Action Step
The action requested of the City Council is to authorize an application to HUD for a
Shelter Plus Care one -year renewal application. Failure to secure a partnership with a
non - profit service agency to serve as program sponsor will result in withdrawal of the
City's application.
cc:
Janet Walker, Assisted Housing Programs Supervisor