HOME-ARP Funding

  • In early 2021 the American Rescue Plan Act became law and included substantial funding to address homelessness to be provided through the existing HOME Investment Partnership Program (HOME Program).  Vermont has been awarded $9,564,691 of this one-time funding known as HOME-ARP.  In order to access these funds, Vermont must prepare an Allocation Plan describing how the funding will be used to assist those experiencing homelessness or at-risk of homelessness, which must be approved by HUD.

    Eligible activities for HOME-ARP funds include the development of permanent rental housing, development of non-congregate shelters, tenant-based rental assistance, supportive services, and organizational support for non-profits.  After consultation with numerous agencies, organizations and stakeholders, VHCB is recommending utilizing these funds primarily for the development of permanent affordable rental units, with up to 10% used to provide operational and capacity building support for non-profits conducting HOME-ARP activities.

    Public Participation

    VHCB has prepared a draft HOME-ARP Allocation Plan and the State is now inviting Vermont residents to submit comments on the draft Plan. These comments will be considered by the State and a summary of the comments, and how they were addressed, will be included in the final version of the Allocation Plan that is submitted to HUD.
     

    Submit written comments

    The public comment period in which written comments will be accepted runs from December 15, 2021 through January 14, 2022. Please submit written comments via email by 5:30 p.m. January 14, 2022 to:

    Ron Rupp, Director of Federal Housing Programs
    Vermont Housing & Conservation Board
    email:     @email
    (802) 828-2912

    public hearing

    A public hearing was held on January 4, 2022 during which Vermont residents provided comments about the draft HOME-ARP Allocation Plan and how the State should utilize the funds.  You can watch a recording of the hearing here. 

    links to the draft Plan and associated reference documents