HOME American Rescue Plan Notice of Funding Availability Pre-Application Meeting - Oct. 21, 2026

Escambia County/MyEscambia held a HOME American Rescue Plan (HOME-ARP) Notice of Funding Availability pre-application meeting on October 21, 2026. The County announced $2,543,209 available for community projects, with applications due January 6, 2027, at 5:00 p.m. Requests must be at least $50,000, and funded expenses will be reimbursed rather than paid upfront. The funding may support eligible supportive services and affordable rental housing; the County said it may amend its funding plan with its board and HUD after reviewing applications, so applicants should not assume the current percentages limit the funding available for either activity. No contract awards or spending votes were made at the meeting.

Applicants were told to submit questions by November 16, with County responses expected December 2, and to document tax-exempt status, current W-9, tax returns, financial statements, reimbursement capacity, and reporting capability. Applications will be evaluated in February, with conditional selections expected February 26, 2027, subject to County Commission approval. County staff emphasized HUD requirements, including serving qualified populations, completing environmental review before site work or other choice-limiting actions, and a 48-month expenditure timeline. Matching funds, partnerships, measurable outcomes, and sustainability may strengthen applications. Rental projects also face income-based rent requirements, and supportive services cannot be mandatory as a condition of tenancy.