Submitted By
Ahmad Zayyad, Interim Neighborhood Services Director/Deputy Village Manager
Reviewed By
Erin E. Baynes, Assistant to the Village Manager
Agenda Item Title
Title
A Resolution Approving a Funding Grant Agreement Between Housing Forward and the Village of Oak Park in the Amount of $500,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funds and Authorizing Its Execution
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Overview
Overview
On February 6, 2024, the Village Board approved a motion to support Housing Forward with American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds in the amount of $500,000 to support the renovation of the Write Inn, 211 Oak Park Ave.
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Recommendation
Recommendation
Adopt the Resolution.
Background
With the support of $6.5M from Cook County, Housing Forward’s purchase of the Write Inn was finalized in November 2023. These ARPA funds will support the renovation of the property and bring the facility into full compliance with Village building codes. This request is an allowable expense of ARPA funds through Expenditure Category 2.16 Long-term Housing Security: Services for Unhoused Persons.
Since September 2020, Housing Forward has operated a temporary fixed-site shelter at the Write Inn, a former residential hotel. This shelter location serves clients in need of housing across Housing Forward’s 25-community service territory in western Cook County. The property will be fully renovated to provide 50-60 high-quality interim housing units.
The property will offer Housing Forward’s clients the following:
- Private rooms with showers and personal storage designed to protect against adverse health outcomes due to exposure to winter cold and/or summer heat
o 45 rooms for adults, couples, and small families;
o 19 rooms for medical respite care and stable housing supporting better health outcomes; and
o Climate-controlled rooms that minimize potential exposure and cross-infection, including isolation and quarantine space in the event of a public health emergency.
- Case management services, including dedicated case managers who provide clients with specialized services and continuity of care across program areas from the client’s initial entry through relocation to a more permanent destination
- Wrap-around services pertaining to physical and behavioral health, employment and income support, and other critical needs of clients as per Housing Forward’s service integration model
A portion of building units will continue to operate as the RISE Center (Recuperation In a Supportive Environment) for persons experiencing health trauma and uncertain refuge. Housing Forward and Cook County Health have collaborated to provide short-term residential and post-acute medical care for patients experiencing homelessness not sick enough to be hospitalized but who are too ill or frail to recover from a physical illness on the streets or while seeking nightly refuge in a rotating overnight shelter system.
Housing Forward plans to renovate residential areas, laundry rooms, and common space. The first-floor hotel lobby will be converted to office space and storage with potential space where congregate meals can be served. Independent of unit layout and configuration, all residential units in the building will require substantial rehabilitation to bring them up to the required quality and accessibility parameters. Building systems will also require a material investment. Housing Forward anticipates that the building will require substantial replumbing in conjunction with the demolition and rehabilitation of all bathrooms.
The total budget for the rehabilitation of the Write Inn is $7.7M. As of January 18, 2024, Housing Forward has secured $3M from the State of Illinois with support from Senator Harmon and Representative Welch. To support the current gap, an additional request for $1.5M has been earmarked with Cook County HUD’s Economic Development Initiative.
On February 6, 2024, the Village Board approved a separate agenda item to contribute $500,000 in unallocated CDBG PY2022 funds. These two items will provide a total allocation of $1,000,000.00 toward the renovation of the Write Inn.
Fiscal Impact
Currently, remaining ARPA funds total $684,257. This request includes the utilization of returned funds. The remaining balance in unallocated ARPA funds would be $184,257.
DEI Impact
The renovation of the Write Inn would provide essential services and increase the capacity to better serve those who are unhoused. The proposed interdisciplinary services will address the gaps in service and support experienced by this community. This aligns with data-proven best practices in aiding those experiencing homelessness.
Alternatives
N/A.
Previous Board Action
On February 6, 2024, the Village Board approved a motion to provide $500,000 for renovation at the Write Inn.
On December 5, 2022, the Village Board approved an Agreement for Housing Forward to use $300,000 in ARPA funds for an Emergency Shelter at St. Catherine/St. Lucy Parish in Oak Park.
On August 30, 2021, the Village Board approved an Agreement for Housing Forward to use $500,000 in ARPA funds for rental assistance and staffing for the unhoused due to COVID-19.
Citizen Advisory Commission Action
N/A
Anticipated Future Actions/Commitments
N/A
Intergovernmental Cooperation Opportunities
N/A