Council Revives ADOH Grant to Combat Homelessness

The Sedona City Council has unanimously voted to withdraw its proposed rental assistance program, opting to return an Arizona Department of Housing (ADOH) grant meant for supporting a car camp for homeless workers in Sedona Cultural Park. The decision, made on April 8, will allow the grant funds to be redistributed to organizations across the Verde Valley.

The grant, totaling $875,638, had been previously earmarked for a two-year rental assistance initiative managed by Catholic Charities Community Services. This program aimed to support homeless individuals or facilitate their relocation from Sedona. However, discussions revealed complexities regarding eligibility requirements that influenced the council’s decision.

Housing Manager Jeanne Blum noted that the council sought to understand how this funding could address the needs of homeless students in Sedona who do not fit the conventional definition of homelessness. “Some of the homeless students may not qualify for this particular program,” she explained.

Blum added that staff was tasked to revise the proposal to ensure a more Sedona-focused approach, which would verify a local connection for applicants. This modification would likely reduce the number of households served, diminishing the potential absorption of the full grant amount. It was suggested that a broader eligibility might be more aligned with ADOH’s intent.

One potential alternative discussed was transferring the grant to a qualified nonprofit, aiming to enhance housing opportunities and improve data collection for future policy decisions. “Staff recommendation is to transfer the grant to a qualified nonprofit,” Blum affirmed.

City Manager Anette Spickard emphasized ADOH’s concerns regarding the narrow focus, indicating that fewer than 25 families might be directly impacted under the proposed revised scope. The department’s priority centers on supporting the broader, underserved communities within the Verde Valley.

The council also deliberated what would happen to any unspent funds. Blum clarified that, as a reimbursement grant, any leftover money would remain with the state. Councilwoman Kathy Kinsella questioned whether Catholic Charities would remain involved once the grant was reassigned. Spickard assured her that the organization would continue to be part of the network aiding these efforts.

During public comments, Sedona Chamber of Commerce President David Key expressed support for a regional solution to the homelessness challenge. Similarly, Elizabeth Slane of Hope House pointed out that funds for rental assistance could help families transition into permanent housing more swiftly.

Jo Martin emphasized the reliance on state administration for effective fund management, while Bill Noonan criticized the grant’s alignment with local needs, labeling it “a solution in search of a problem.”

Council members acknowledged the complexity of homelessness in Sedona. Councilman Brian Fultz noted the significant increase in funding from zero to $875,000 and supported returning the grant to ADOH. Others, including Vice Mayor Holli Ploog, concurred with moving funds to assist the broader Verde Valley population, emphasizing regional solutions. Kinsella highlighted the necessity of utilizing all available state funds.

Ultimately, the council reaffirmed the decision to return the grant, seeking to foster collaboration and address the regional issue of homelessness effectively.