North Kentucky News

Feedback needed on $2MM plan to address, prevent homelessness

One-time allocation earmarked for Covington, five neighbors

A plan that allocates over $2 million in federal grants toward helping the homeless and those at risk of it in Covington and five neighboring cities goes before the public for comment starting today.

Proposed activities include the development of affordable rental housing, supportive services and homeless prevention programs in the six cities that make up the Northern Kentucky HOME Consortium: Covington, Ludlow, Erlanger, Newport, Bellevue, and Dayton.

The money -- $2,044,421 – comes from the HOME-ARP, a one-time supplemental allocation of HOME funds from the 2021 American Rescue Plan Act. The draft allocation plan was put together using input from the general public and 14 agencies and organizations that provide homelessness and other supportive services that benefit vulnerable populations.

“This plan was drafted after months of consultation with local stakeholders who work with these vulnerable populations,” said Jeremy Wallace, the City’s Federal Grants Manager. “These federal funds will help fill the gap in available affordable housing and the supportive services needed to assist the homeless population and those at-risk of homelessness.”

You can review the draft plan at HOME-ARP Allocation Plan.

Feedback on the plan will be accepted through the end of the day March 26. Send comments to jwallace@covingtonky.gov or call (859) 292-2147.

The cities will likely partner with some of the 14 agencies and organizations to flesh out and manage the proposed programs and services.

Note that “homeless prevention” may include shelter diversion programs, eviction diversion, housing and financial counseling, rent and utility assistance programs. “Supportive services” may include case management, mental health, substance abuse, employment, housing navigation, transportation, childcare and other holistic services.

It likely will go to the Covington Board of Commissioners for review on March 28.

Original source can be found here.