Barnstable County’s Department of Human Services HOME-ARP $1.5M Allocation Plan Update
Needs assessment informed how award would be used to address affordable rental housing on Cape Cod
April 11, 2023 (Barnstable, MA) – Barnstable County will receive over $1.5M in federal funds through HOME-ARP as part of the previously passed American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). HOME-ARP is designed to assist individuals and households who are homeless, at risk of homelessness, or other vulnerable populations through housing, rental assistance, supportive services, and non-congregate shelter.
In the spring of 2022, the Department of Human Services engaged Barrett Planning Group, LLC to assist in developing the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) required HOME-ARP Allocation Plan. Stakeholder interviews, community meetings, and a community survey were conducted to support the effort. Feedback and data collected were then applied to complete both a needs assessment and gap analysis to inform and guide how the award dollars would be allocated. Affordable rental housing was identified as a priority concern for our region and will be the focus of funded projects. The Allocation Plan was submitted to HUD on March 14, 2023, and full plan approval was provided on March 30, 2023.
“We appreciate the input and collaboration from our community partners in shaping how these funds will be prioritized, thereby ensuring the plan is representative of the Cape’s needs,” Human Services Director Joseph Pacheco said. Renie Hamman, HOME Program Manager added “We’re thrilled that our plan received quick HUD approval and are eager to begin the work of applying these funds to help address the critical shortage of affordable rental units in Barnstable County”. All award funds are required to be spent by September 30, 2030.
ABOUT HOME-ARP The American Rescue Plan (ARP) provides $5 billion to assist individuals or households who are homeless, at risk of homelessness, and other vulnerable populations, by providing housing, rental assistance, supportive services, and non-congregate shelter, to reduce homelessness and increase housing stability across the country. These grant funds will be administered through HUD’s HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME).
The 651 State and local Participating Jurisdictions (PJs) that qualified for an annual HOME Program allocation for FY 2021 are eligible to receive HOME-ARP grants.
HOME-ARP funds can be used for four eligible activities: Production or Preservation of Affordable Housing; Tenant-based Rental Assistance (TBRA); Supportive Services, Homeless Prevention Services and Housing Counseling; and Purchase and Development of Non-Congregate shelter.
ABOUT THE BARNSTABLE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES
The mission of the Department of Human Services is to plan, develop, and implement programs that enhance the overall delivery of human services in Barnstable County and promote the health and social well-being of County residents through regional efforts that improve coordination of services. For more information, visit us at:
https://www.bchumanservices.net/
https://www.instagram.com/bchumanservices/
https://twitter.com/HumanServicesBC
https://www.facebook.com/healthyconnectedcapecod/
ABOUT BARNSTABLE COUNTY REGIONAL GOVERNMENT OF CAPE COD Barnstable County provides exemplary government functions and services to keep our community healthy and safe, promote sustainable growth, and offers a proactive, open government that enhances the quality of life for the citizens of Barnstable County. Learn more at www.capecod.gov.
