Housing Opportunities Commission 2024 09 18

The Housing Opportunities Commission (HOC) of the City of Eau Claire discussed homelessness and housing needs at its September 18, 2024 meeting (date identified in the meeting title). Members heard that the 2024 point-in-time count found a sharp increase in unsheltered residents, including a substantial rise in the Dairyland region. A community resource event served 60 people and offered health, housing, and other services. The discussion also covered eviction data and housing supply; no votes were reported on these items.

Procurement and funding discussions focused on potential uses of remaining housing funds. The commission discussed approximately $1.028 million in ARPA funding that must be contracted by year-end, $75,000 in CIP funds available for services, operations, or capital, and $1 million in bonded funds restricted to capital projects. A $500,000 commitment to the Community Resource Center was noted; members discussed prioritizing immediate services, including the center and a street ambassador program, alongside affordable housing development. An RFP for the street ambassador program was open through Friday at noon, with a preliminary two-year estimate of $600,000–$800,000; staff would review submissions, and no award was made. A member also flagged an outside organization’s open $2.5 million housing RFP, due Friday, covering services and potential acquisition, rehabilitation, or new construction. The commission received an update that a readiness study estimated community fundraising capacity of $4.5–$5 million for the resource center, while site selection and campaign planning remained underway. No procurement motions or votes were identified.