Connecticut Municipality Guidance and Resources for ARPA Funding

The following content is to assist both Coordinated Access Networks (CANs) and Municipalities with conversations and actions to identify and respond to opportunities for ARPA funding to support addressing homelessness. There are federal, state and local examples to help with this engagement and a template introduction for CAN partners.

Federal Implementation Guidance

  • Department of the Treasury
    • Interim Final Rule
      • Official policy of the Dept. of the Treasury that recovery funds must be used in tandem with state and local efforts to limit the impact of COVID-19 in “congregate living settings… [including] expanded services to support individuals experiencing homelessness”. The document does not specify which kind of essential workers should receive hazard pay or increased pay, only mentioning “workers performing essential work during the COVID–19 public health emergency” and includes nonprofits suffering lost revenue as eligible for funding, which may include direct services workers and nonprofits providing homeless services.
    • Reporting and Compliance Responsibilites
      • The Department of the Treasury requires all ARP recipients to make ongoing reports on the distribution of funds. The State and Local Fiscal Recovery guidelines require a demonstration that funds have been used to promote equitable economic recovery, and efforts to resolve homelessness may fall under this category.
  • Department of Housing and Urban Development
    • HUD Exchange HOME Investments Partnership Program
      • Fact sheets on implementation and allocation for participating jurisdictions from the HUD entity charged with administering ARPA funds for housing and homelessness programs.
    • HOME-ARP Page
      • Includes further information such as trainings, allocation guidelines, and an allocation plan template.

State-by-state Guidance

  • National League of Cities (NLC):
    • Resource Library
      • NLC has an extensive resource library that provides detail and context of ARPA funding, how to receive funds and compliance and reporting basics. 
  • NJ State Comptroller:
    • “Best Practices for New Jersey Local Governments Using Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Funds”
      • Content about planning and community engagement. “As a best practice, OSC recommends that local governments invest time in engaging with the community and other stakeholders to assess community needs, determine priorities, and analyze potential costs to ensure that funds are used efficiently and advance shared interests in the community. Planning should involve consideration by the local government of how the funding will be used to promote equitable delivery of government benefits and opportunities to underserved communities, as outlined in Executive Order 13985, Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government.”
  • MA Municipal Association:
  • NYS Conference of Mayors
  • NYC Comptroller’s Office
    • Budget presentation on stimulus funds
      • This offers a view of the budget of NYC and the ways federal funding to respond to COVID has been integrated into component parts of city government.

Municipal Implementation Guidance for Connecticut