Title
Approval of a Proposal to Dedicate Affordable and Supportive Housing Funds from HB 1406 to Emergency Rent Assistance
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve the proposal to contract 2020 Affordable and Supportive Housing Funds (1406) for emergency rent assistance for households below 60 percent AMI.
Report
Issue:
Whether to authorize staff to proceed to contract with Community Action Council of Lewis, Mason & Thurston Counties to use these funds to provide emergency rent assistance.
Staff Contact:
Cary Retlin, Home Fund Manager, Executive, 360.570.3956.
Presenter(s):
None - Consent Calendar Item.
Background and Analysis:
The Emergency Rent Assistance Program (ERAP) currently administered by the Community Action Council of Lewis, Mason & Thurston Counties is running short of rent assistance. This proposal will result in a contract for rent assistance to support low-income households in our community that are unable to keep up with rent because of employment impacts related to COVID-19 closures.
If this proposal is approved staff will coordinate with Thurston County and Community Action Council on a contract and scope of work focused on providing emergency rent assistance to households at or below 60 percent of area median income. Staff will ensure that funds are consistent with requirements under RCW 82.14.540 and are reasonable for the Community Action Council to deploy quickly - similar to the existing ERAP program.
Other Thurston County jurisdictions including the County also took action to retain this revenue locally. The Regional Housing Council has discussed this matter and Thurston County is also planning to use 2020 funds for similar emergency rental assistance.
Staff are bringing this proposal to Council now at the request of Councilmember Cooper, our Regional Housing Council representative, prior to having a signed agreement so that funds can reach t...
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