Agenda Item Name:
Title
Emergency Rental Assistance Program 2 Reallocated Funds
End
Presenter:
Claudia Tuck, 352-264-6704
Description:
ERA-2 Reallocated Fund in the amount of $7,232,650.86, unanticipated revenue for ERA-2, Budget Amendment to add budget to ERA-2.
Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Accept the ERA-2 Reallocated Funds award and the unanticipated revenue for ERA-2, approve budget resolution and attached budget amendment for the award. Authorize the County Manager to accept ERA-2 refunds for reallocation within 10% of the total award.
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Prior Board Motions:
01/26/2021: Accepted U.S. Treasury Award of ERA Funds
02/23/2021: Approved agreement with CRI for Program Administration and provided policy direction
03/09/2021: Approved program policies
06/22/2021: Accepted U.S. Treasury Award of ERA 2 Funds
09/28/2021: Approval of 2 FTE to support ERAP
02/08/2022: Accepted U.S. Treasury Awards of ERA 1 Reallocated Funds
04/24/2022: $124,632.64-Refunds of prior year payments and $693,559.93 -ERA-1 Reallocated Funds-Round 2 Award
08/09/2022: Accepted U.S. Treasury Award of ERA 1 Reallocated Funds Round 3
Fiscal Consideration:
Fiscal Consideration
230.00.0060.331.2000 - $7,232,651
230.00.0060.525.12.10 - $180,000
230.00.0060.525.31.00 - $900,000
230.00.0060.525.49.01 - $4,000,000
230.00.0060.525.49.93 - $2,152,615
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Strategic Guide:
Strategic Guide
Social and Economic Opportunity
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Background:
Community Support Services will bring an expenditure plan back in front of the board as new regulations allow for more flexibility on serving the community.
Even as the American economy continues its recovery from the devastating impact of the pandemic, millions of Americans face deep rental debt and fear evictions and the loss of basic housing security. COVID-19 has exacerbated an affordable housing crisis that predated the pandemic and that has exacerbated deep disparities that threaten the strength of an economic recovery that must work for everyone.
To meet this need, the Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA also referred to as ERAP) program makes funding available to assist households that are unable to pay rent or utilities. Two separate programs have been established: ERA1 provides up to $25 billion under the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, which was enacted on December 27, 2020, and ERA2 provides up to $21.55 billion under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, which was enacted on March 11, 2021. The funds are provided directly to states, U.S. territories, local governments, and (in the case of ERA1) Indian tribes. Grantees use the funds to assist eligible households through existing or newly created rental assistance programs.
ERA2 payments are made directly to states (including the District of Columbia), U.S. territories (Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa), and local governments with more than 200,000 residents. ERA2 sets aside $2.5 billion for eligible grantees with a high need for ERA2 assistance, based on the number of very low-income renter households paying more than 50% of income on rent or living in substandard or overcrowded conditions, rental market costs, and change in employment since February 2020.
At least 90% of ERA1 and 75% of ERA2 awarded funds must be used for direct financial assistance, including rent, rental arrears, utilities and home energy costs, utilities and home energy costs arrears, and other expenses related to housing. Remaining funds are available for housing stability services, including case management and other services intended to keep households stably housed. ERA2 funds generally expire on September 30, 2025.
Carr, Riggs and Ingram (CRI) is currently assisting the County with administration of ERA1, including accepting and reviewing applications from both landlords and tenants; providing help desk support to applicants; and remitting payment batches to the County for subsequent distribution. CRI would continue that role with ERA2.