In September 2021, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced the allocation of $2,729,078 to Collier County, Florida for a new grant called the HOME Investment Partnerships Grant American Rescue Plan (HOME-ARP). The purpose of HOME-ARP funds is to provide homelessness assistance and supportive services through several eligible activities. Eligible activities include acquisition and development of non-congregate shelter, tenant based rental assistance, supportive services, HOME-ARP rental housing development, administration and planning, and nonprofit operating and capacity building assistance. HOME-ARP funds must primarily assist people in HOME-ARP “qualifying populations” (QPs), which include:
- Sheltered and unsheltered homeless populations
- Those currently housed populations at risk of homelessness
- Those fleeing or attempting to flee domestic violence or human trafficking
- Other families requiring services or housing assistance or to prevent homelessness and those at greatest risk of housing instability or in unstable housing situations
To receive funding, the County must develop a HOME-ARP Allocation Plan which describes the distribution of HOME-ARP funds and identifies any preferences for eligible activities. This Plan will be submitted and approved by HUD. The development of the HOME-ARP Allocation Plan must also be informed through stakeholder consultation and public engagement.