Title
Consider/Discuss/Act on a Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Apply for and Accept, if Awarded, a HOME Investments Partnerships Program Tenant Based Rental Assistance (TBRA) Reservation System Participation (RSP) Agreement Through the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA)
Summary
COUNCIL GOAL: Enhance the Quality of Life in McKinney
MEETING DATE: March 17, 2020
DEPARTMENT: Housing and Community Development
CONTACT: Cristel Todd, Affordable Housing Administrator
Janay Tieken, Housing and Community Development Manager
RECOMMENDED CITY COUNCIL ACTION: Approve Resolution
ITEM SUMMARY:
• The attached Resolution authorizes the City Manager to apply for the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) HOME Investments Partnerships Program - Tenant Based Rental Assistance (TBRA) grant utilizing a reservation system, and authorizes the City Manager to execute a Reservation System Participation (RSP) Agreement with TDHCA and approve all pursuant documentation.
• The funds will be used to provide rental assistance to low-to-moderate income McKinney residents, experiencing a one-time event, such as illness, and in danger of eviction. The City will partner with nonprofit agencies, such as Samaritan Inn, to assist clients with case management. The grant will provide rental assistance to persons completing a Self Sufficiency Program. The program offers household financial counseling, job training, day care, and individual counseling.
• The funds are available on a first-come first-served basis until all funds are reserved. As of 3/9/20, $4,165,208.66 in TBRA funds were available through the Reservation System.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
• Through various programs, the City of McKinney has partnered with the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) in providing safe, decent and affordable housing for over 15 years.
• The grant provides funding to persons who have a job or income but require temporary rental assistance. The goals of the program include residential stability, increased skill sets and income, and an improved quality of life. The rental assistance will be provided for up to 24 months. Program participants must be considered low-to-moderate income at or below 80% of the area median income.
• The City has participated in the Tenant Based Rental Assistance program since 2014 and has a 100% success rate in transitioning individuals and families through financial hardship to financial stability.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY:
• The amount of the assistance is based on the funding available on the Reservation System at the time households are set up. Funding is available on a first-come first-served basis until all funds are reserved.
• There is no City match requirement. No general funds will be used.
• This is a reimbursable grant. TDHCA requires applicants to reserve $15,000 to provide services prior to reimbursements. The funds have been reserved for the FY19-20 budget in the Community Housing Fund 014-1254-463-8559.
BOARD OR COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION: N/A