The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 appropriated $5 billion to provide affordable rental housing, services, and non-congregate shelter to individuals to experiencing homelessness and other vulnerable populations. The funds were allocated by formula to jurisdictions that qualified for funding through the HOME Investment Partnership Program (HOME Program) from the U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). This special one-time round of funding is called the “HOME-ARP” program.

In September 2021, HUD awarded the City of Ames $1,269,248 in HOME-ARP funds (including program administrative expenses). HOME-APR funds are available for expenditure until September, 2030.

Eligible Populations

HOME-ARP funds must be used to primarily benefit individuals or families from the following "Qualifying Populations" (QP):

• Homeless, as defined in section 103(a) of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11302(a));
• At-risk of homelessness, as defined in section 401(1) of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11360(1));
• Fleeing, or attempting to flee, domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking, as defined by the Secretary;
• In other populations where providing supportive services or assistance under section 212(a) of the Act (42 U.S.C. 12742(a)) would prevent the family’s homelessness or would serve those with the greatest risk of housing instability;
• Veterans and families that include a veteran family member that meets one of the preceding criteria.

Eligible Activities

HOME-ARP funds can be used for FOUR eligible activities.

• Production or Preservation of Affordable Housing
• Tenant-Based Rental Assistance (TBRA)
• Supportive Services, including services defined at 24 CFR 578.53(e), homeless prevention services and housing counseling.
• Purchase and Development of Non-Congregate Shelter.  These structures can remain in use as a non-congregate shelter or can be converted to:  1) emergency shelter under the Emergency Solutions Grant program; 2) permanent housing under the Continuum of Care; or 3) affordable housing under the HOME Program.   

The City of Ames is developing an Allocation Plan to identify priority housing and services needs in the community that may be supported with HOME-ARP funds and to describe the process that will be used to distribute HOME-ARP funds. The following outlines the public input about the HOME- ARP funding and allocation plan development that must be submitted to HUD on or by March 31, 2023. 

The above tentative community outreach and engagement process for the HOME-ARP grant  will provide multiple opportunities for consultation that include the following details:

Providers/Stakeholder organizations (agencies and organizations that provide the above services):
Focus group meetings from agencies and/or organizations that directly provide the above named services to the specific "qualifying populations" will be held on January 9, 2023. Providers/Stakeholders survey click here!

Community Input Survey:  Input from the public is encouraged regarding the needs and priorities for the use of the City's HOME-ARP funds that will benefit the above-named Qualifying Populations.  Community Survey click here!

The both surveys will are now closed! 

General Community Public Forums:
Two input sessions will be held for the general public (citizens, neighborhood associations, property owners, churches, etc.,) on  Thursday, January 12, 2023.

The HOME-APR Allocation Plan will require a 15-day public comment and public hearing. It is anticipated that the public comment period will run from March 8, 2023 thru March 23, 2023. The public hearing with the Ames City Council will be conducted on March 28, 2023. The draft Allocation Plan must be submitted to HUD on or by March 31, 2023.

QUESTIONS? and for more information about the City of Ames HOME-ARP Program, please contact the Housing Coordinator at: home-arp@cityofames.org or call the Housing Division Hotline at: 515.239.5380.

For information about the HOME-ARP program, please see the HUD Exchange Website at: https://www.hudexchange.info/programs/home-arp/

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