Title
Consider/Discuss/Act on a Resolution to Distribute Funding to the LIFT Program
Summary
COUNCIL GOAL: Improving Quality of Life in McKinney
MEETING DATE: June 18, 2024
DEPARTMENT: Housing and Community Development
CONTACT: Shirletta Best, Community Services Administrator
RECOMMENDED CITY COUNCIL ACTION:
• Approve the Resolution
ITEM SUMMARY:
• The agency, The Family Place was awarded $7,250 through the FY 2023-24 Community Support Grant, administered under the city’s Housing and Community Development Department. The agency contacted the Department to request termination of the grant agreement, as the agency was unable to fulfill program requirements at this time. The Department provided technical assistance for support and the agency determine to continue the request to terminate. The agency returned award funds back to the City and the agency is eligible to apply for funding consideration in the future.
• The McKinney LIFT program provides one-time security deposit assistance to eligible very low to moderate income families and individuals. Program success aids in the goal of increasing housing stability and affordability for renters, affirmatively furthers fair housing, and helps reduce those at-risk of homelessness. The program is a partnership between the renter, landlord, and the city. Program funds were exhausted in December 2023 and resident requests for assistance have increased in the past month. The Community Grants Advisory Commission is recommending the returned funds of $7,250 to be used under the LIFT program.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
• Due to rising housing costs, vulnerable residents are increasingly unable to afford the security deposit needed to complete the rental process. The program began as a pilot program in FY 2022-23, to assist households receiving rental voucher assistance, yet unable to pay for rental deposits that landlords required for rent before accepting the voucher. The program has been expanded to assist non-voucher residents, who qualify as low-to-moderate income persons.
• The LIFT program was awarded funding of $20,000 under the Community Support Grant and exhausted all funds by December 2023, which benefited 14 residents to date this year. Applicants must complete an application, meet income requirements, and receive confirmation from the landlord to accept the one-time security deposit. The landlord also completes an application for approval and confirms the applicant’s approval for the housing unit. Program roles are as follows:
Landlords
• Comply with fair housing laws.
• LIFT program participation
• Prompt maintenance of rental unit
• Collect tenant portion of rent.
• Comply with and enforce the lease.
Tenants:
• Pay rent on time.
• LIFT program participation
• Abide by all terms of lease, including prompt payments, requesting maintenance and being a good neighbor.
• Pay for any damage to unit beyond normal wear and tear, as applicable.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY:
• The funding of $7,250 is available for use and is needed to assist vulnerable citizens to receive housing in McKinney. If approved, applicants may apply for one-time use of security deposit funding. Use of funds will be completed by September 30, 2024.
BOARD OR COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION:
• The Community Grants Advisory Commission met on June 6, 2024, and approved the funding recommendation for City Council consideration, to re-distribute available funds of $7,250 for use under the LIFT program.