City staff recommends $300,000 HOME/TBRA subrecipient agreement with Families in Crisis

City staff briefed the council on a proposed HOME-funded subrecipient award to Families in Crisis (FIC) to administer a tenant‑based rental assistance (TBRA) program. The proposal would authorize a $300,000 subrecipient agreement — covering direct rental assistance and the provider’s project-delivery costs — to serve eligible low‑ and moderate‑income households in Killeen.

Program details: Staff said the HOME program allows participating jurisdictions to subaward funds to subrecipients to administer activities that benefit low/moderate‑income households. TBRA assists tenants with rent, security deposits and, under limited conditions, utility deposits; utility deposits must accompany TBRA security deposits or monthly assistance. Families in Crisis is a HUD‑certified housing counseling agency with prior rental‑assistance experience. Staff said FIC will prioritize clients already receiving FIC services but that any qualified household within city limits may apply.

Goals and limits: The staff memo estimated FIC could assist up to 15 households for as much as 24 months per household, with program objectives including establishing housing stability, reducing eviction risk, and providing supportive services to improve self-sufficiency.

Action requested: Staff recommended the council authorize the city manager to execute the HOME subrecipient agreement with Families in Crisis for $300,000. Council members asked clarifying questions on program requalification rules and whether clients must re‑certify annually; staff said households must requalify annually and may remain on assistance up to two years as long as they meet eligibility and lease terms.

Next steps: The item was on the consent agenda for council consideration; staff noted this is a distinct subrecipient agreement and not funding of FIC’s general operating budget.