Meeting Date: December 5, 2024
To: Members of the Housing & Redevelopment Authority
From: Melissa Hanson, Housing Coordinator
Title
Community Action Center of Northfield Update.
Body
Action Requested:
Executive Director, Scott Wopata, from Community Action Center (CAC) of Northfield will provide an annual update for the HRA and request for continued partnership.
Summary Report:
The HRA’s mission is to be a partner in providing a sufficient supply of affordable, adequate, safe and sanitary dwellings in Northfield. Our goal is to create a community with housing opportunities available along the entire housing spectrum: from renters to homeownership, first-time homeowners, to senior living, workforce housing and empty-nesters. We strive to create affordable housing opportunities and strengthen our neighborhoods utilizing:
• Sustainability
• Innovation
• Partnerships
• Community Input
The CAC’s mission is to promote a healthy, caring and just community for all people through resources, advocacy and volunteer effort. Housing is a well-established social determinant of health. The CAC’s mission align in responding to the housing challenges faced by Northfield community members.
In 2023, the HRA partnered with the CAC to help provide funding for emergency hotel vouchers used by the Northfield Police Department. The HRA provided five thousand dollars ($5,000) when money from the Salvation Army was depleted. The CAC reports that they have funding remaining and are appreciative of the opportunity to use as leverage for additional funding.
HRA has also partnered with the CAC to administer the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funded Northfield Building Department Emergency Housing Program. (Attachment 1) The Building Department has condemned six (6) units since the inception of this program, with four (4) families taking advantage of the navigation services offered by the HRA through CAC.
The CAC proposes continued collaboration between Northfield HRA and CAC. As the HRA considers what programs to fund in 2025, the CAC has asked that the HRA considers an annual grant of $50,000 to the CAC to further assist in providing housing stabilization funds for low-income families facing the loss of stable housing. This amounts to 20% of CAC’s annual rent/utility support in Northfield.
With the additional funding, the CAC will cover the cost of administering such a program. This includes meeting with families, assessing eligibility, developing policies and procedures, prioritizing other mainstream programs and resources, and issuing direct financial assistance when needed. The CAC will seek reimbursement from HRA after funds are spent and will provide documentation at time of reimbursement request.
The HRA Board will have the opportunity to vote on a Resolution allocating funds to the CAC in a separate action.
Alternative Options:
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Financial Impacts:
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Tentative Timelines:
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