Explanation
BACKGROUND: This ordinance authorizes the Director of the Department of Development to modify a grant agreement (Modification No. 5) with the Tony R Wells Foundation dba The Wells Foundation in to extend the agreement end date from March 31, 2026 to March 31, 2027 for the Displaced Tenant Services program. Applications for assistance slowed as some property owners began paying for relocation costs directly pursuant to the relocation code. The program need continues and remaining funds can be extended to future need. Dollars should remain available on behalf of the program because of the unpredictable and emergency nature of the emergency of emergency vacates.
Original $ 65,000.00 Ord. 1686-2024 PO467735
Mod 1 $ 150,000.00 Ord. 3360-2024 PO485707
Mod 2 $ 50,000.00 Ord. 1994-2025 PO522914
Mod 3 $ 514,100.00 Ord. 2870-2025 PO542502
Mod 4 $ 9,000.00 Ord. 3318-2025 PO552033
Mod 5 $ 0.00
Total $ 788,100.00
Due to the current housing crisis, securing new housing quickly is also extremely difficult, especially for our most vulnerable residents who are more likely to receive a vacate order. These vacated residents often need immediate assistance to avoid homelessness, including emergency temporary housing, rental assistance, help locating housing, and other additional supports to promote stability.
The goal of Displaced Tenant Services is to mitigate the effects of disruptive displacement. This program provides relocation support to residents who are emergency vacated by the City of Columbus by:
• Offering reasonable and necessary temporary housing during the displacement, as needed
• Securing an alternative, permanent housing option OR the tenant returning to the original unit
• Providing all essential services to accomplish the above
The Tony R. Wells Foundation acts as the program’s Fi...
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