Real Change web graphic

Real Change

Escambia County's Real Change initiative aims to help connect the community with resources and assistance. Working with our community partners, our goal is to help provide services that make a real change in the lives of individuals in need.

For more information, please reach out at realchange@myescambia.com. 

 

HOME-ARP Addresses Specific Needs Relating to Homelessness and Housing Instability

The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 appropriated $5 billion to provide housing, services, and shelter to individuals experiencing homelessness and other vulnerable populations. These funds were allocated by formula to jurisdictions that qualified for funding through the HOME Investment Partnership Program (HOME Program) from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). This special round of funding is called the “HOME-ARP” program. 

In September 2021, HUD awarded the Escambia County, FL HOME Consortium (which consists of Escambia County, Santa Rosa County, the City of Pensacola and the City of Milton) $4.1 million in HOME-ARP funds.

The HOME-ARP Program is a stand-alone program distinct from the traditional HOME Program. Since the American Rescue Plan Act’s purpose is to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on American communities, HOME-ARP funds are reserved for specific  eligible activities benefiting specific qualifying populations that are known to have experienced much higher risks of homelessness and housing instability during the pandemic.

Eligible Activities

HOME-ARP funds can be used for four eligible activities.

  • Production or Preservation of Affordable Rental Housing
  • Tenant-Based Rental Assistance (TBRA)
  • Supportive Services, including services defined at 24 CFR 578.53(e), homeless prevention services, and housing counseling.
  • Purchase and Development of Non-Congregate Shelter. These structures can remain in use as non-congregate shelters or can be converted to 1) emergency shelter under the Emergency Solutions Grant program; 2) permanent housing under the Continuum of Care; or 3) affordable housing under the HOME Program. 

Qualifying Populations

HOME-ARP funds must be used to primarily benefit individuals or families from the following qualifying populations:

  • Homeless, as defined in section 103(a) of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11302(a));
  • At-risk of homelessness, as defined in section 401(1) of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11360(1));
  • Fleeing, or attempting to flee, domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking, as defined by the Secretary;
  • In other populations where providing supportive services or assistance under section 212(a) of the Act (42 U.S.C. 12742(a)) would prevent the family’s homelessness or would serve those with the greatest risk of housing instability;
  • Veterans and families that include a veteran family member that meet one of the preceding criteria.

HOME-ARP Notice of Funding Availability

The Thursday, Oct. 3, pre-application meeting has been moved to Monday, Oct. 7, at 3 p.m. using the same Teams link provided.

Escambia Consortium HOME-ARP Allocation NOFA V1.0_Final 8.20.24

Appendix I - Escambia Consortium HOME-ARP Allocation Plan

HOME-ARP Applications FY24-25

HOME-ARP Application Meetings

Monday, Feb. 3, 2025, at 1 p.m. - Performance Evaluation and Ranking - HOME-ARP NOFA

Monday, March 3 - HOME-ARP Final Ranking

Escambia County Opioid Abatement Funding

Escambia County is receiving funding from the National Opioid Settlement and has formed an Opioid Abatement Advisory Board. Find out more here.