HOME- ARP

In September 2021, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) allocated $1,965,737 in Home Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) American Rescue Plan funding to the Southwestern NC HOME Consortium, which consists of Haywood, Jackson, Macon, Swain, Clay, and Graham counties. This supplemental funding (HOME-ARP) is part of The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 that appropriated funding to HOME entitlement communities to provide housing and services to vulnerable populations experiencing housing insecurity. Additionally, HOME-ARP allows the acquisition or development of non-congregate shelter units to address the needs of those experiencing homelessness. The $1,965,737 in HOME-ARP funding will play a critical role in developing affordable rental housing, providing tenant based rental assistance, supportive services, and addressing affordable housing needs in the southwestern region.

Eligible activities that may be funded with HOME-ARP include:

  • development affordable rental housing;
  • tenant-based rental assistance;
  • provision of supportive services (including but not limited to childcare, job training, legal services, case management, health/mental health services, housing search and financial assistance); and
  • acquisition and development of non-congregate shelter.

Funds must primarily benefit individuals and households in the following qualifying populations:

  • experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness;
  • fleeing domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking; and
  • other populations where providing supportive services or assistance would prevent a family’s homelessness or would serve those with the greatest risk of housing instability.

The Southwestern Commission Council of Governments (the Southwestern Commission), is developing an Allocation Plan that will detail the communities’ priorities for use of the region’s HOME-ARP funding. The Southwestern Commission is conducting multiple public engagement activities, a needs and gaps survey, and stakeholder consultation to garner input that will be included in the draft Allocation Plan. The community engagement and consultation process will help the Southwestern Commission identify housing and service needs priorities in the region that may be supported with HOME-ARP funds.

A public presentation was held on December 14, 2022, to provide an overview of HOME-ARP and answer questions from the community and stakeholders. The Introduction to HOME-ARP presentation may be accessed via the link below.

SW HOME ARP Introduction

The SW NC HOME Consortium is seeking Letters of Interest and Requesting Qualifications to help identify providers of supportive services and financial assistance activities that may be supported with HOME ARP funds in the Consortium area.

The DRAFT Southwestern NC HOME Consortium HOME ARP Allocation Plan is now available for public review. Please provide comments and feedback to Caroline LaFrienier at [email protected] by March 10th. The Haywood County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing on the draft plan on Monday, March 6th at 9:00 a.m. at the Haywood County Courthouse.  Link to the draft plan below: 

DRAFT SW NC HOME Consortium HOME ARP Allocation Plan- Posted 2/24/23

Approved SW NC HOME ARP Allocation Plan

For more information on the HOME-ARP program, visit the Department of Housing and Urban Development at: https://www.hudexchange.info/programs/home-arp/  or read the HOME-ARP Notice using the link below:

HUD HOME-ARP 21-10

Arrangements will be made to provide technical assistance, participate, or review any or all parts of this announcement or the details of the Southwestern Commissions HOME-ARP Allocation Plan process, in a manner that is effective for persons with disabilities or any person with Limited English Proficiency (LEP).