County authorizes RFPs for 2026 homeless‑prevention and statewide affordable‑housing aid

Clay County authorized two separate requests for proposals for 2026 housing funds during the board meeting.

Quinn of Clay County Social Services asked the board to authorize an RFP for Local Homeless Prevention Aid. He said Clay County’s allocation is $303,877 for 2026 (an increase of $751 from the prior year) and described statutory eligibility focusing on families with children and unaccompanied youth. Quinn said the county will score proposals consistent with prior practice and work closely with recognized local providers.

Quinn also sought and received authorization to issue an RFP for Statewide Affordable Housing Aid (SAHA). He reported Clay County’s SAHA allocation at $81,550 for 2026 (up from $68,698 in 2025) and described allowable uses that include emergency rental assistance, gap financing and support for nonprofit housing providers. Commissioners asked about sunset dates for the programs; staff said both were scheduled to terminate under current law (with SAHA noted around 2028) but that legislative change is possible.

Commissioners asked about fraud safeguards. Quinn described program‑level checks and balances, differentiation from other statewide programs, and the county’s practice of close oversight of selected providers and submitted invoices. Both motions were made and carried by voice vote: the board authorized issuance of the Local Homeless Prevention Aid RFP ($303,877) and the Statewide Affordable Housing Aid RFP ($81,550).