Council OKs housing plan, hears funding warning
May 14—It's not much of a challenge to approve spending to help those in need — especially when the money doesn't come out of your own pocket.
So, it was that Scottsdale City Council approved nearly $1.6 million — most of it federal funding — on housing assistance and community programs.
But there were a few warnings at the May 6 meeting that the waves of federal funding may slow, creating a potential need for more city funding.
Community Assistance Manager Mary Witkofski laid out Scottsdale's "annual action plan."
According to the housing presentation, "The city of Scottsdale receives federal funding from the Community Development Block Grant."
A little more than $1.1 million of federal grant money will "support affordable housing, homeless, and community development programs and projects in the fifth program year."
The city's housing services department is also banking on an estimated $230,688 in program income (from reduced rate rent at the city's eight-unit public housing building) and $379,960 that rolls over from last year.
"Non-federal resources" include $150,000 from the Scottsdale Cares Fund and $100,000 from the city's General Fund.
Neal Shearer, chair of the Human Services Advisory Commission, warned Council "it's becoming increasingly difficult for staff to secure funds ... it may not be a popular sentiment but the city is approaching a time when more General Funds may need to be invested" for human services.
"The funding coming in," Witkofski confirmed, "is going down."
At the same time supply is shrinking, demand for services is increasing.
According to an executive summary of Scottsdale's Community Block Grant proposal, "Over the next year, the need for programs and services for the target populations identified will continue to grow. The City of Scottsdale Is committed to providing critical services through continued programs with available resources."
The executive summary identified "potential opportunities and challenges," including:
—Significantly increasing Scottsdale Cares donations;
—Increase in the demand for basic services offered through the community centers, senior centers and Community Assistance Office.
In the coming fiscal year that begins July 1, Scottsdale is setting $333,000 aside for senior housing needs.
Councilwoman Solange Whitehead liked that concept.
"If we don't want homelessness — especially in the senior community — we have to catch them before they fall," she commented.
Responding to Whitehead's question on if more seniors could be served, Witkofski said "it costs $15-18,000 per year per person for rental subsidies for seniors."
She added referrals for the program have to come from a case manager at Granite Reef or Via Linda senior centers.
Topping the list of priorities for Community Assistance programs: "Administer housing, human services and community development resources to provide opportunities to low and moderate-income people for safe and sanitary housing, self sufficiency, social services; economic growth, and reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities."
Councilwoman Tammy Caputi was upbeat about the assistance programs.
"We've helped thousands of people over the years," Caputi said. "This is what we do in Scottsdale: we take care of people who are vulnerable."
Who gets what
Most of the $1.6 million will stay in the city through various programs. The rest is funneled to vendors — most of which Scottsdale has worked with as subcontractors for years.
The "action plan" to distribute federal funds from July 1 through June 30, 2025:
Public Services
—A New Leaf — East Valley Men's Center: $43,500 for emergency shelter, basic needs, and supportive services for "a minimum of 12 Scottsdale residents experiencing homelessness who are living on the streets or in other unsafe conditions." EVMC provides clients with shelter and supportive services for up to 120 days with a capacity of 110 beds.
—Central Arizona Shelter Services: $43,500 for emergency shelter costs "to deliver critical crisis services" at either the CASS single adult shelter or family shelter.
—Chrysalis Shelter for Victims of Domestic Violence: $22,682 for case management services to 23 victims of domestic abuse.
—Florence Crittenton Girls Ranch Scottsdale: $25,800 for the 15-bed community-based group home for girls and young women in need of safe shelter.
—Homeward Bound: $31,020 for emergency shelter, transitional housing and case management.
—Family Promise Greater Phoenix: $42,653 for the Emergency Shelter Program.
—City of Scottsdale: $98,000 for a full time Human Services Case Worker at the Granite Reef Senior Center.
Housing/Facility Improvements
—Ability360: $57,879 to "increase accessible modification services to four vulnerable, low-to-moderate income Scottsdale residents with disabilities, and seniors."
—City of Scottsdale: $100,000 for the city's Green Housing Rehabilitation Program to "help five low/moderate income eligible, owner-occupied single-family homeowners" with needed repairs or replacements.
—City of Scottsdale: $400,000 for emergency repairs for "at least 45 low/moderate income eligible, owner-occupied single-family homeowners."
—City of Scottsdale: $300,000 for roof repair and replacement for "12 low/moderate income eligible, owner-occupied single-family homeowners."
—City of Scottsdale: $200,000 to "administer public facility improvements ... there are currently three projects underway which may result in increased costs due to inflation."
Administration Costs
Scottsdale Community Assistance Office: $232,637 for "expenditures relating to planning and preparing Annual Action Plans, performance and evaluation reports, environmental reviews, labor standard reports, locally compatible grant applications, activities to affirmatively further fair housing, and general administrative staff and equipment costs to operate the CDBG program."
Home Funding
City of Scottsdale: $333,388 for "a pilot program for Tenant Based Rental Assistance to help elderly/disabled households afford rent." Rental assistance for up to one year.
