On March 11, 2021, President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan (ARP) into law, which provides over $1.9 trillion in relief to address the continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the economy, public health, State and local governments, individuals, and businesses.

To address the need for homelessness assistance and supportive services, Congress appropriated $5 billion in HOME- American Rescue Plan (HOME-ARP) funds to be administered through the federal HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) to perform four activities that must primarily benefit qualifying individuals and families who are homeless, at risk of homelessness, or in other vulnerable populations. 

The City of Westminster is expected to receive approximately $1.6 million in HOME-ARP funds which may be used for eligible activities and to benefit eligible populations pursuant to federal HOME-ARP regulations.

On March 22, 2023,  City Council approved $1.6 million be allocated to the proposed development of an affordable housing project in partnership with the non-profit developer, American Family Housing. 

Eligible Activities

HOME-ARP funds can be used for the following eligible activities:

• Administration and Planning;
• Development and support of affordable housing;
• Tenant-based rental assistance (TBRA);
• Provision of supportive services; and
• Acquisition and development of non-congregate shelter

Eligible Populations

HOME-ARP funds must be used to primarily benefit individuals or families from the following qualifying populations:

• Homeless (as defined in 24 CFR 91.5 Homeless);
• At-risk of homelessness (as defined in 24 CFR 91.5 At risk of homelessness);
• Fleeing, or attempting to flee, domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking, as defined by HUD;
• In other populations where providing supportive services or assistance under section 212(a) of the Act (42 U.S.C. 12742(a)) would prevent the family’s homelessness or would serve those with the greatest risk of housing instability;
• Veterans and families that include a veteran family member that meet one of the preceding criteria.

Links

• More information on the HOME-ARP Program can be viewed HERE.