The City of Plano is entitled to receive Homeless Housing and Services Program (HHSP) funds from the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) for persons who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness. In fiscal year 2020-21, the City expects to receive HHSP Youth Set-Aside funds in the amount of $44,231. All TDHCA funds must be expended during the state’s fiscal year, which begins on September 1, 2021 and ends August 31, 2022.
The City of Plano became an HHSP recipient on September 1, 2018. The City receives General HHSP funds and HHSP Youth Set-Aside funds. Youth Set-Aside funds must be used for youth-headed households, ages 18-24, who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness. City House, Inc. and the Assistance Center of Collin County administer a Rapid Re-Housing Program through these funds. City House, Inc. serves as the lead agency for the program and ensures that all program recipients receive the necessary services to become self-sufficient. The program, which began in December 2018, provides financial assistance and case management support to assist Plano’s homeless youth population with obtaining affordable rental housing within Plano city limits.
Since the program’s inception, the overall HHSP program has helped 72 individuals obtain housing; 18 of which were youth. As participants exit the program, City House tracks housing retention to measure program success. To date, 36 people have maintained their housing at least three months after exiting the program; 8 of which were youth.
TDHCA reimburses the City for expenditures and the City must report monthly on the status of the funds through the State’s online contracting system. Any funds remaining at the end of the fiscal year are returned to the State’s general fund.