The American Rescue Plan (ARP) was signed into law on March 11, 2021 and provides federal funding to relieve the continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the economy, public health, state and local governments, individuals, and businesses. Within the ARP, Congress appropriated $5 billion specifically to address the need for homelessness assistance and supportive services. Intended to be administered through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)’s existing HOME Investment Partnership Act (HOME) Program, this allocation of ARP funds, known as HOME-ARP, must be used to perform any or all of the four eligible activities that primarily benefit individuals and families who are homeless, at risk of homelessness, or in other vulnerable populations (Qualifying Populations). Eligible HOME-ARP activities include affordable development and/or acquisition of rental housing and/or non-congregate shelter, tenant based rental assistance (TBRA), and provision of supportive services.
 

The City of Savannah has been allocated $3,100,743 in HOME-ARP funds and has engaged in consultation and public participation processes to develop its HOME-ARP Allocation Plan. The Plan describes how funds will be used to address the needs of qualifying populations. In accordance with federal regulations and with the guidance contained in Community Planning and Development Notice CPD-21-10, the plan will be submitted to HUD as a substantial amendment to the City’s Fiscal Year 2021 Annual Action Plan.
 

As stipulated by HUD and in consultation with homeless service providers and other local stakeholders, the City intends to program its HOME-ARP allocation towards funding the HUD-approved activity of acquisition of newly constructed housing that will serve the jurisdiction’s homeless population. Where possible, this housing is expected to be constructed on City-owned property to reduce costs and expedite development. RFP’s will be issued to identify qualified nonprofit homeless service providers to acquire, manage, and provide supportive services to residents of the housing.

Approval