| 9/21/2021 |
Clark County Board of Commissioners
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Agenda note: DOCUMENT(S) SUBMITTED:
1. CHAP Update (11 pages) submitted by Tim Burch, Administrator of Human Services
DISCUSSION: Following introduction of the item, Tim Burch, Administrator of Human Services provided a brief update on the Cares Housing Assistance Program (CHAP); advised that the program was available for those requiring rental assistance due to the pandemic; loss of income or employment, or for those behind on rent; provided a timeline starting in May 2020 when the Board approved the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES) funding for rental assistance; In December 2020, the CARES Act funding expired and from January through June, 2021 the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) funding was received through a joint collaboration with the City of Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, and Henderson; received referrals for assistance from the Justice Courts of the City of Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, and Henderson; June 2021, Assembly Bill 486 was enacted which designated eviction proceedings were to be stayed for 30 days to facilitate a program of alternative dispute resolution.
Mr. Burch provided a brief overview, by jurisdiction, of the CARES Act and ERAP monies spent; advised that approximately $100 million dollars had been paid to landlords and constituents to cover mortgages, rent, and utilities; spoke regarding Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) 1 funding and advised that aggregate overall, approximately 50% of the monies allotted had been expended from all the jurisdictions; further advised of the number of households assisted, the number of workers assigned to CHAP, and the number of applications currently in the CHAP queue; explained the eviction prevention process; provided rent costs, unit availability and affordability in Clark County.
Commissioner Kirkpatrick advised that in the 89102 zip code area, rental apartments were approximately $1,500 per month for a 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom; in 89156, $1,400; and in 89031, rent for a 3-bedroom home was $2,000 per month; there was no rent control in Clark County; expressed concern for senior citizens on fixed incomes that could not pay the high rents.
Commissioner McCurdy spoke regarding a document mailed by the Nevada Realtors Association to “raise the roof” regarding rent increases; the County could not subsidize greed; ask if a plan can be put together to address the County’s most vulnerable, and to absorb some of the costs; and would be willing to work with the partners and associations on the high rents.
Responding to a question from Commissioner Gibson on utility arrearages, staff advised that individuals could apply at Chap.ClarkCountyNV.gov for CHAP assistance to cover utility payments.
Responding to Commissioner Segerblom regarding issues with the hearing masters in Justice Court, Assistant County Manager Kevin Schiller advised of meetings with those contracted in conjunction with the courts for problem solving solutions; and in response to a comment from Commissioner McCurdy regarding the senior population, eligibility had to be finite in order for the Board to serve those hardest hit; can work with Mr. Burch to develop a program to cover COVID related services and other social services.
The Board discussed having a conversation with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) regarding affordable housing in Nevada and rental assistance.
Mr. Schiller advised that when affordable housing is constructed, there were affordability restrictions on the units and caps on increasing rents; and further advised of regular calls to the Apartment Association and the Realtor Association throughout CHAP to collaborate and engage; and complimented that 400 staff members who were working on CHAP.
Mr. Burch advised that an update would be provided to the Board regarding a program for the most vulnerable, and the rehousing issues with available units. | |
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