Title
Housing Support Grants and Non-Profit Capacity Building Support
Action
Action:
A. Approve the use of $6,400,000 from the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund for the following nonprofit organizations providing projects and/or programming in support of housing security and stability for low-income residents:
- Heal Charlotte ($2,250,000),
- Freedom Fighting Missionaries ($2,000,000),
- West Side Community Land Trust ($1,750,000),
- Charlotte Family Housing ($400,000),
B. Approve the use of $1,100,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds for Rebuilding Together of Greater Charlotte in support of housing security and stability for low-income residents,
C. Approve the use of $99,000 from the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund for non-profit capacity building services to be provided by Next Stage Consulting, Inc., and
D. Authorize the City Manager to execute, amend and renew contracts as needed to complete these transactions.
Body
Staff Resource(s):
Shawn Heath, Housing and Neighborhood Services
Explanation
Actions A and B:
§ 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 and populations facing housing instability,
- 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.
§ Of the 15 proposals, five organizations are recommended for funding as noted in Actions A and B.
Action C:
§ An informal solicitation was conducted to identify a consulting firm with suitable credentials to provide capacity building services to a cohort of approximately 25 local nonprofit organizations, including Housing Support Grant recipients as well as certain recipients of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funded Nonprofit Support Operating Grants.
§ In response to the solicitation, three firms submitted proposals, and Next Stage Consulting, Inc. was selected to provide the capacity building services.
§ Next Stage Consulting, Inc. will work with the approximately 25 nonprofit organizations to provide a range of services including strategic planning, financial management, organizational strengthening, and other supportive services to help position the organizations for sustainable operations, growth and success.
City Council Discussion
§ On February 7, 2022, City Council received an overview of the use of ARPA funds for a Nonprofit Operating Grant Program to support local non-profit organizations through a competitive grant program.
§ 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.
Charlotte Business INClusion
These contracts are exempt under the CBI program.
Fiscal Note
Funding: American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funds and Community Development Block Grant Funds
Attachments
Attachment(s)
August 28, 2023 Housing Support Grant presentation