The City has pitched a plan to shift $1 million in federal funds towards establishing permanent supportive housing for young adults transitioning out of the foster care system. In a briefing, the City's Housing and Neighborhood Development Department broadcasted intentions to reconsider the disposition of the HOME Investment Partnerships-American Rescue Plan (HOME-ARP) cash, with an aim to go to bat for those at the intersection of youth and homelessness—a double jeopardy.
Residents eager to weigh in and those affected by the housing puzzle have been invited to a public meeting, scheduled for April 9 at 6 p.m. It will be hosted at the Public Works Service Center, situated at 3131 Morris Avenue. For those preferring or needing to stay remote, a virtual session will be accessible with details and a registration link provided on KnoxvilleTN.gov/Development by noon the preceding day. Public contributions are a critical piece of the puzzle to ensure the right fit between funds and local needs, with the spotlight shining on a demographic often left in the lurch.
In April 2021, it became clear the city would receive a hefty $4,076,859 in HOME-ARP funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Initially, the proposal saw $2.9 million lined up for affordable rental housing development and $1 million for supportive services with a sprinkle of $176,859 for planning. According to the original release, the altered proposition looks to pour that million into housing designed for youths without the safety net of a family structure post-foster care—a departure from the original plan that warranted a public heads-up.
This pivot points directly back to local input, specifically through the Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program's collected data and strategizing, mandating revision to heed to the expressed need. It's not a routine shift—HUD spells out that adjustments of this stripe require a "substantial amendment" when veering off from preset plans. The city's revised draft has been published for transparent inspection, and those invested can send their feedback up until April 15, nudging the process forward.
The city underscores its commitment to nondiscriminatory access, conforming with Civil Rights Title VI and ADA Title II laws. They've promised to provide an array of aids and accommodations for individuals requiring assistance due to disabilities. They are nudging interested parties to reach out to ADA Coordinator, Stephanie Brewer Cook, via phone at 865-215-2034 or email at [email protected]—ensuring no later than 72 business hours prior to the meeting or the April 15 feedback deadline. The city is being intentional about dotting i's and crossing t's so that all voices can be heard and acknowledged in the pursuit of housing security for these young adults who, all too often, face the future alone.
