City seeks input on allocating federal funds
September 8, 2022

KNOXVILLE -- The City’s Housing and Neighborhood Development Department seeks public input on how the City should allocate approximately $4 million in federal funds to assist eligible individuals or households under federal guidelines. Eligible individuals include those experiencing homelessness, those who are at risk of homelessness, those fleeing/attempting to flee domestic violence, and other populations deemed most vulnerable.

This year, the City was awarded a one-time allocation of $4,076,859 appropriated under the American Rescue Plan Act from the U.S. Department of Housing Development (HUD) to fund local program activities including provision of rental housing (including Permanent Supportive Housing), Tenant-Based Rental Assistance, supportive services, and non-congregate shelter to reduce homelessness and increase housing stability.

A draft of the proposed HOME Investment Partnerships – American Rescue Plan (HOME-ARP) Allocation Plan is attached and available for review at KnoxvilleTN.gov/development. To submit comments or questions before the deadline of Sept. 20, please contact Bennett Meeks at bmeeks@knoxvilletn.gov or P.O. Box 1631, Knoxville, TN 37901.

A public hearing will be held Monday, Sept. 19, at 6 p.m., via Zoom. To join, use the Zoom link posted at knoxvilletn.gov/development. City staff will:

• Discuss the range of eligible program activities that meet grant specifications

• Review priority goals and objectives from the City’s 2020-2024 Five Year Consolidated Plan

• Share data and feedback from consultation meetings with social service agencies and affordable housing providers

• Describe the process/timeline for developing the HOME-ARP Allocation Plan

• Answer questions and receive comments

Learn more about community priorities set through public meetings for the City’s Five-Year Consolidated Plan in this document and the City’s investments in housing and homelessness services and prevention at KnoxvilleTN.gov/development.