Memorandum
City of Lawrence
City Manager’s Office
|
TO: |
Thomas M. Markus, City Manager |
|
FROM: |
Casey Toomay, Assistant City Manager |
|
CC: |
Diane Stoddard, Assistant City Manager Scott McCullough, Planning and Development Services Director |
|
DATE: |
March 24, 2016 |
|
RE: |
Recommended Parameters for the Transitional Housing Voucher Program from the Affordable Housing Trust Fund |
Summary
The City Commission authorized funding for a transitional housing program in 2016 aimed at providing transitional housing vouchers for families at the Lawrence Community Shelter. The Affordable Housing Advisory Board is recommending a set of parameters for the program, which will be administered by the Lawrence Douglas County Housing Authority, and seeking City Commission approval of the program.
Background
As part of the discussion of the 2016 budget, the City Commission directed staff to place $100,000 in the City’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund to be used for a transitional housing program to be administered by the Lawrence Douglas County Housing Authority. The Commission agreed to identify the program requirements at a later date, but stated the intent was to reduce the homeless population now being served at the Lawrence Community Shelter with a focus on housing as many households as possible.
In October of 2015, the Douglas County Commission allocated $50,000 to be used for housing families residing at the Lawrence Community Shelter. These funds are to be used with a preference for housing families and Douglas County residents using the Transitional Housing model, providing 24 months of assistance paired with support services.
Role of Affordable Housing Advisory Board
According to Ordinance 9129, one of the purposes and duties of the Affordable Housing Advisory Board is, “to make recommendations to the Governing Body regarding the expenditures of money from the Affordable Housing Trust Fund in order to fund projects, as reviewed and approved by the Board, that are consistent with the purpose of the Affordable Housing Trust Fund.”
At their meeting on February 8, 2016, the Affordable Housing Advisory Board considered options for the program provided by the Lawrence Douglas County Housing Authority. The board’s recommended parameters are provided below.
Program Overview
The program would use the Transitional Housing model, providing 24 months of assistance paired with support services already used by the Lawrence Douglas County Housing Authority. In order to streamline administration of the program, the parameters recommended are very similar to those of the county program.
· Preference for Residents at the Lawrence Community Shelter. A preference would be given to individuals residing at the Lawrence Community Shelter. The intent of this program is to move more people out of emergency housing into transitional housing. This should also reduce the number of individuals at the shelter, which could help the shelter control their costs.
· Preference for Families. A preference would be given to families currently living at the shelter over single individuals. Affordable housing that can accommodate large families can be more difficult for individuals to find and can be more costly. Therefore, this preference will reduce the number of households able to be served by this program. However, by helping families, it may be possible for this program to help the same number or an even greater number of individuals.
· Preference for Douglas County Residents. While proving residency can be a challenge for some residents at the shelter, the program would provide a preference for those able to show they are Douglas County residents.
The board considered two other options – a preference for households with at least one member working or receiving other income (SSDI/ SSI or other) and/or a preference for single parents. However, given the transient nature of the guests at LCS, the Board was reluctant to place too many restrictions on the program and decided not to recommend inclusion of these preferences in the program.
Action Requested
Staff recommends the City Commission approve the program parameters as recommended by the Affordable Housing Advisory Board and award $100,000 from the City’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund to the Lawrence Douglas County Housing Authority.