Title
Award American Recovery Plan Act (ARPA) Funding to Establish and Implement the Carrboro Family Financial Assistance Program
PURPOSE: This agenda item seeks Town Council approval to establish a program providing targeted financial assistance for housing, utilities, childcare, and transportation costs to qualified Carrboro families.
Department
DEPARTMENT: Town Manager’s Office
Contact
CONTACT INFORMATION: Anita Jones-McNair, Chief Race and Equity Officer, 919.918.7381, amcnair@carrboronc.gov and Anne-Marie Vanaman, Housing and Community Services Director, 919.918.7321, amvanaman@carrboronc.gov
Council Direction
COUNCIL DIRECTION:
_X_ Race/Equity ____ Climate ____ Comprehensive Plan _X___Other
Council Direction Statement
The Town Council approved ARPA funding for race and equity initiatives and housing and community services on October 11, 2022 - Grant Ordinance #4 Fiscal Year 2022-2023.
Information
INFORMATION: Staff presented this program initiative to the Town Council on November 29, 2023. The Council approved the concept and requested staff develop a process and bring back to Council January 2024. The Racial Equity Commission is recommending this program because numerous families continue to face challenges resulting from the ongoing pandemic. These challenges primarily pertain to securing necessities such as food, housing, utilities, transportation, and childcare. The lack of these necessities reflects a persistent struggle within our community. This assistance can help lessen the burden. See Attachment C. for program details. Race and Equity, Housing and Community Services and Orange County Department of Social Services will partner on this program. The intent is to have funding dispensed by February 2024.
Fiscal and Staff Impact
FISCAL IMPACT: $75,000 was approved through Grant Ordinance # 4 Race and Equity initiatives and $75,000 of HCS funding will be allocated for this program. See Attachment B -ARPA Project Ordinance for details. Staff impact determined by project implementation.
Recommendation
RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends approval of the resolution supporting the Carrboro Family Financial Assistance Program and process.