Charlottesville City Council will vote Monday night on whether to donate unallocated American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) money to The Salvation Army for the expansion of its homeless shelter operations.
The vote will come after a contentious Fifeville Neighborhood Association meeting Thursday night during which a couple dozen neighborhood residents shared their concerns on the plan with city and Salvation Army leaders. Most acknowledged that homelessness is a problem in the community, and said they want to help, but they are concerned about what a shelter expansion could mean for the safety of their neighborhood.
In the fall, City Manager Sam Sanders proposed that the Council give $5.25 million to the Salvation Army — a combination of ARPA funds and budget surplus — for two shelter projects. The Salvation Army is working on doubling the capacity at its current Center of Hope facility on Ridge Street, and has proposed converting its thrift store on Cherry Avenue into a permanent, overnight low-barrier shelter, something the city does not currently have.
A city staff report on the matter recommends that the Council allocate $3 million in unused ARPA funds for the expansion of the Salvation Army’s Center of Hope on Ridge Street.
If the Council votes yes, the City’s contribution would cover a portion of the Center of Hope project, which is expected to cost $28 million. The Salvation Army is in the process of fundraising the rest, looking mainly to philanthropic organizations.
The staff report notes that the Salvation Army would use the City’s contribution to “leverage additional funds.”
Previously, Sanders had proposed allocating $250,000 in unused ARPA funds for the Cherry Avenue shelter project. It is unclear from the agenda and staff report whether or not that amount is included in the $3 million.
The City must allocate any unused ARPA funding by Dec. 31. After that, any unused funds must be returned to the federal government.
Take Action
Charlottesville City Council meets Monday, Dec. 16 at 4 p.m. in the City Council chambers in City Hall, located at 605 East Main Street. The meeting will also be streamed virtually (register to watch). The City Council will vote on distributing $3 million in American Rescue Fund Act money to The Salvation Army to expand and build a new shelter during the business session of the meeting, which begins at 6:30 p.m. View the agenda here. Anyone who wishes to speak at the meeting must register by 9 a.m. Monday, the morning of the Council meeting. There are a few ways to register: online; by emailing the Clerk of Council office; or by calling the Clerk of Council office at 434-970-3113.
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