DATE: March 9, 2017
TO: Members of the Housing & Redevelopment Authority
FROM: Janine Atchison, Housing Coordinator
Title
Community Action Center Proposal for Lease at 517 Washington Street South
Body
SUMMARY AND ACTION REQUESTED:
The Community Action Center is proposing to lease the 2 dwelling units located at 517 Washington St South, owned by the Housing & Redevelopment Authority (HRA), for transitional emergency shelter.
BACKGROUND:
Executive Director Jim Blaha of the Community Action Center of Northfield (CAC) has proposed a lease for the two dwelling units at 517 Washington St S owned by the HRA.
The dwelling units were previously leased to Three Rivers Community Action Agency (Three Rivers). Three Rivers had partnered with CAC to provide a transitional housing program which was funded through Housing and Urban Development (HUD). However, in May, 2016 Three Rivers received notice from HUD that this funding source was discontinued.
The tenants living in the upper unit were at the end of their transitional program and moved out on May 31, 2016. The HRA entered into a lease agreement with the lower unit tenant until June 30, 2017. This allowed the lower unit tenant to complete their transitional housing program.
The HRA has made numerous inquiries to different agencies regarding a possible lease for the upper unit to persons or programs in need of affordable housing. The upper unit has remained vacant during this period as it underwent repairs and cleaning.
The CAC is proposing to rent both units to be used as emergency shelter. The CAC currently provides emergency shelter for up to 2 weeks at the Manger Inn and the Extended Stay Motel. However, CAC staff has determined that it takes 1 to 3 months for a person or family to stabilize enough to obtain permanent housing. The CAC would like to lease both rental units at 517 Washington St S for use as transitional housing for their emergency homeless program.
ANALYSIS:
The CAC is proposin...
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