Residents are invited to review and comment on a proposed strategy for using federal funds for local services and activities aimed at preventing and reducing homelessness in Athens-Clarke County. Public comment will be accepted through an online form at www.accgov.com/hcd and by U.S. mail and email through March 7, 2023.

A public meeting will also take place on Thursday, February 16 at the Athens-Clarke County Library at 2025 Baxter Street from 3:00-4:30 PM in Multipurpose Room B to present the proposed plan, answer questions, and receive public comments.

The HOME-ARP Allocation Plan is available online at www.accgov.com/hcd. Hard copies are also available at the Athens-Clarke County Housing and Community Development Department (HCD) office at 375 Satula Avenue and at the East Athens Development Corporation office at 310 McKinley Drive during normal office hours.

The plan was developed by HCD in conjunction with the Athens Homeless Coalition, The Cloudburst Group, and over 100 local service providers and stakeholders. Over 200 community members also participated in the process through surveys and interviews.

Athens-Clarke County received $2.5 million in HOME Investment Partnerships American Rescue Plan (HOME-ARP) program funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to assist individuals or households who are homeless or at risk of homelessness by providing affordable rental housing, rental assistance, supportive services, and non-congregate shelter.

A summary of the proposed use of funds is as follows:

HOME-ARP Allocation - $2,506,309
Development of Affordable Rental Housing - $1.3 million
Supportive Services - $625,000
Nonprofit Operating & Capacity Building - $250,630
Administration & Planning - $330,679
Athens-Clarke County’s HOME-ARP Allocation Plan will only determine the use of the $2.5 million of HOME-ARP funding. HCD is also leading the development of a separate strategic plan to prevent and reduce homelessness that will direct the use of an additional $5 million of American Rescue Plan Act funding and any future funding related to the prevention and reduction of homelessness in the community. The strategic plan is expected in fall 2023.

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

Individuals experiencing homelessness. "Homeless" is defined in the federal register (24 CFR 91.5) and generally refers to an individual or family who lacks a fixed nighttime residence.
Individuals at risk of homelessness. "At risk of homelessness" is defined in the federal register (24 CFR 91.5) and generally refers to an individual or family with incomes below 30% Area Median Income (AMI) who lacks the resources or networks to prevent them from moving into an emergency shelter.
Persons fleeing or attempting to flee domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking. HUD defines this population as an individual or family who is fleeing, or attempting to flee, domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking. These terms are defined in more detail in the federal register (24 CFR 5.2003).
Other (as defined by HUD). "Other" includes individuals and households who do not qualify under any of the qualifying populations above but where supportive services would prevent homelessness or serve those at greatest risk of housing instability. Example: an individual or households earning less than 30% AMI who pays more than 50% of their income on housing costs.
A draft of the full proposed plan and a one-sheet summary can be found at www.accgov.com/hcd along with a copy of stakeholder meeting presentations and federal HOME-ARP Plan submission requirements.

Comments on the HOME-ARP Allocation Plan can be provided through an online form at www.accgov.com/hcd or mailed to the Housing & Community Development Department, 375 Satula Avenue, Athens, GA 30601 or emailed to [email protected].

The Mayor and Commission is scheduled to discuss the plan at their Agenda Setting Session on Tuesday, February 21 and vote on the plan at their Regular Voting Session on Tuesday, March 7, 2023.

For more information on the HOME-ARP Allocation Plan, visit www.accgov.com/hcd or contact the Housing and Community Development Department at 706-613-3155.