HOME-ARP: American Rescue Plan

HOME-ARP Allocation Plan

The City's HOME-ARP Allocation Plan was recently accepted and approved by HUD. City staff is currently developing policies and procedures as well as an application guidebook and an application for funding.

The drafted HOME-ARP Allocation Plan was available for review and public comment through March 20, 2023. The plan includes a needs assessment and gaps analysis of housing and services benefiting individuals and families experiencing homelessness, at-risk of homelessness, fleeing or attempting to flee domestic violence / dating violence / stalking / sexual assault / and/or human trafficking, and facing other barriers to maintain housing stability. In the City’s HOME-ARP Survey, social service agencies provided feedback regarding the unmet needs and gaps for these populations as well as input on how to prioritize funding activities. In addition to analyzing local social service agency data obtained through the City’s HOME-ARP survey, the City reviewed shelter and housing inventory to help guide funding recommendations.

The City of Billings held a public hearing on Monday, March 13, 2023 at 5:30 pm to obtain public comment on the allocation plan. The Billings City Council voted to approve the HOME-ARP Allocation Plan via a substantial amendment to the FY2021-2022 Annual Action Plan at their regular meeting on that date.

HOME-ARP Survey  

In October 2022, the City of Billings created a survey to consult with local organizations and gain information to help assess housing and service needs and gaps. Twenty-six local agencies provided responses to the survey. The City analyzed survey data to create a needs assessment and gaps analysis for the HOME-ARP Allocation Plan. The plan will help prioritize a coordinated response to address the issues of homelessness and housing instability within our community.

Overview

The City of Billings was awarded HOME-ARP funding through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Funding must benefit 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. 

HUD issued HOME-ARP requirements and is in the process of developing training materials and toolkits to help participating jurisdictions with program design and implementation. The City is required to complete a community needs assessment prior to developing an open and competitive application process to allocate approximately $969,000.

HOME-ARP funding must be fully expended by September 2030.

HOME-ARP funds must be used for individuals or families from the qualifying populations:

  • Homeless
  • At-risk of homelessness
  • Fleeing or attempting to flee domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking; 
  • Other populations where providing assistance would prevent the family’s homelessness or would Serve those with the greatest risk of housing instability; and 
  • Veterans and families that include a veteran family member that meet one of the preceding criteria.

HOME-ARP funds can be used for the following activities:

  • Production or preservation of affordable housing; 
  • Tenant-based rental assistance; 
  • Supportive services, including homeless prevention services and housing counseling; and 
  • The purchase or development of non- congregate shelter for individuals and families experiencing homelessness.