Title
Freedom Fighting Missionaries Housing Support Grant
Action
Action:
A. Approve the use of $2,000,000 from the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund for Freedom Fighting Missionaries to support housing security and stability for low-income criminal justice-involved residents, and
B. Authorize the City Manager to execute, amend and renew contracts as needed to complete these transactions.
Body
Staff Resource(s):
Shawn Heath, Housing & Neighborhood Services
Explanation
§ On June 15, 2023, the city issued a Housing Support Grant opportunity to provide financial support to eligible medium-sized and/or emerging non-profit organizations that demonstrate the ability to reduce the severity of homelessness or housing instability in Charlotte. Organizations could apply for up to $2.5 million for projects or programming in support of housing security and stability for low-income residents.
§ In response to the grant opportunity, 15 proposals from eligible organizations were received. The city assessed each of the 15 proposals based on:
- Track record of delivering programming in underserved communities,
- Focus on Corridors of Opportunity areas of influence,
- Emphasis on populations facing housing instability (such as justice-involved residents),
- Demonstrated ability to implement and sustain the proposed project/program,
- Other confirmed funding sources to support the project/program, and
- Community support for the project/programming.
§ Based on a review of the proposals, Freedom Fighting Missionaries (FFM) was one of five organizations recommended for funding.
§ FFM exists to provide services and resources to criminal justice involved persons, including access to emergency and permanent housing as a key aspect of achieving self-sufficiency.
§ Proposed funding would be used for a combination of affordable housing for families in the 30 percent to 80 percent area median income (AMI) range, and supportive services for FFM clients.
§ The affordable housing projects include Missionary Grove, a proposed 16 unit for-rent townhome development located at 5735 East W.T. Harris Boulevard (parcel identification number 107-152-05) in Council District 5, and Sardony Lane Townhomes, a proposed 21 unit for-rent townhome development located at 2135 East W.T. Harris Boulevard (parcel identification number 105-372-20) in Council District 4.
- Both townhome projects will serve criminal justice involved families earning 30 percent to 80 percent of the AMI and have a 30-year affordability commitment.
- Residents will receive ongoing case management services, must maintain employment, attend financial literacy workshops, and participate in homeownership counseling.
- Both townhome developments will meet established land use requirements and will not require further council action.
§ Supportive services may be in support of FFM’s full client base, across any of its core service areas for formerly incarcerated and criminal justice involved persons: identification assistance (i.e., vital records necessary for employment, healthcare, and housing); healthcare access; employment readiness; housing access.
§ Other funders supporting FFM’s housing work include Mecklenburg County, Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), Wells Fargo, Ally Bank, United Way of Greater Charlotte, and other private sector and philanthropic entities.
City Council Discussion
§ On May 22, 2023, staff shared the proposed Housing Support Grant program concept with City Council.
§ City Council received an overview of the Housing Support Grant recommendations at its August 28, 2023 business meeting.
§ On September 11, 2023, Council voted to approve four of the recommended funding requests and to defer consideration of the FFM funding request to allow additional time for FFM to conduct community engagement activities.
Charlotte Business INClusion
These contracts are exempt under the CBI program.
Fiscal Note
Funding: American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funds
Attachments
Attachment(s)
August 28, 2023 Housing Support Grant presentation
Map - Missionary Grove
Map - Sardony Lane