Title
Washtenaw County Gaps Analysis Homeless Response System Through the Continuum of Care
Memorandum
According to HUD’s 2024 Annual Assessment Report to Congress [attached], the United States is experiencing record numbers of homeless households. Local non-profits that provide shelter, services, and housing for homeless households have seen an impact locally, especially among families with children. The federal government is the primary source of funding to alleviate homelessness locally, supplemented by state, local, philanthropic and individual funding. The local Continuum of Care provides a coordinated homeless response system and consists of nonprofits, governmental entities, schools, health care providers, and community members with lived experience.
The attached Gaps Analysis was prepared by local Continuum of Care homeless service providers in anticipation of a shortfall in funding to address the need this winter. It’s important for the community to understand the need in Washtenaw County for shelter and permanent housing and to understand that there is insufficient funding to meet current demand.
The attached Gaps Analysis includes a break-down in funding by source. The City of Ann Arbor and the Ann Arbor Housing Commission (AAHC) provide over 90% of the funding in the “other local government and AAHC” category. City of Ann Arbor and AAHC funding includes:
• Direct allocations by City Council to local nonprofits providing homeless services
• Allocations by City Council administered through Washtenaw County Office of Community & Economic Development through the New Human Services Partnership contracted with local non-profits providing services to homeless households and homeless prevention services
• Allocations by City Council of the County Mental Health and Public Safety Millage Rebate administered by the AAHC and contracted with local non-profits that provide supportive services to AAHC residents and program participants who have a history of homelessness and to prevent homelessness
• Allocations by City Council of the Affordable Housing Millage administered by the AAHC and contracted with local non-profits that provide supportive services for residents living in housing for homeless households and to prevent homelessness
• Direct allocations by the AAHC from its budget to local non-profits that provide supportive services for residents living in housing for homeless households and to prevent homelessness
Budgets and data were provided by the Washtenaw County Office of Community & Economic Development, Washtenaw County Community Mental Health PATH, Ann Arbor Housing Commission, Avalon Housing, Interfaith Hospitality Network Alpha House, Michigan Ability Partners, Ozone House, Shelter Association of Washtenaw County, Safe House, SOS Community Services, and the Washtenaw Housing Alliance.
Washtenaw County OCED is providing this same report to the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners and the municipal members of the Urban County Executive Committee.
Staff
Prepared by: Jennifer Hall, Executive Director Ann Arbor Housing Commission
Reviewed by: Derek Delacourt, Community Services Area Administrator
Approved by: Milton Dohoney Jr., City Administrator