TO: Chair and Housing Authority Commissioners
THROUGH: Krishna Namburi, Interim Executive Director
FROM: Nicole Utz, Administrator
SUBJECT:
title
Homeless Rental Assistance Program completion.
Ward(s): All Wards
Commissioners(s): All Commissioners
Neighborhood(s): All Neighborhoods
Result Area(s): Welcome and Livable Neighborhood
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SUMMARY:
summary
Plan to conclude the Special Programs Outreach Team (SPOT).
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ISSUE:
Conclusion of the Special Programs Outreach Team (SPOT).
RECOMMENDATION:
recommendation
Information only
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FACTS AND FINDINGS:
The Salem Housing Authority (SHA) announces the official conclusion of the Special Programs Outreach Team formerly known as the Homeless Rental Assistance Program (HRAP), effective May 16, 2025. This marks the end of a highly impactful pilot program that has served over 313 unduplicated individuals, our “hardest to house”, move off streets and into permanent housing. HRAP was the first Coordinated Entry system pilot program in Marion County using the HUD-mandated service prioritization system. The goal of HRAP was to successfully house chronically homeless individuals and families by removing barriers to housing. The team has completed over 200 Coordinated Entry assessments, meeting unsheltered neighbors where they are to help get assessed for housing opportunities, and supported over 275 households with Governor Kotek’s Executive Order, helping individuals transition off the streets or fleeing domestic violence move into stable housing.
HRAP was launched to provide a scattered-site Housing First model, supporting individuals identified through the Coordinated Entry System in partnership with the ARCHES team. Over the years, the program has demonstrated the effectiveness of transitional housing paired with intensive case management and barrier removal funding. This model is now being utilized through Rapid Rehousing programs and Long- Term Rent Assistance programs.
Since the creation of HRAP, the homelessness response system in Salem has expanded significantly with the addition of permanent supportive housing (Redwood Crossings, Yaquina Hall and Sequoia Crossings), HOPE Plaza, micro shelter communities, the ARCHES Inn, ARCHES Lodge, The Nest Family Shelter, Navigation Center, His Place, Her Place, and an expanded shelter infrastructure. These developments have shifted the housing landscape and opened new pathways for individuals exiting homelessness.
As part of this transition, SHA will cease all outreach activities as of May 16, 2025. This consideration comes after a review of the infrastructure that includes (9) partnering agencies that are currently conducting Coordinated Entry Assessments and over (13) entities that conduct a form of outreach and collaboration services. Outreach staff will remain employed through May 16, 2025, and have been offered vacant available positions within their classification at SHA. The past year has been supported through carry-over HRAP funds, Rapid Rehousing funds through Mid-Willamette Valley Homeless Alliance and SHA reserves. This funding is concluding this fiscal year with no renewals.
Pursuant to Mid-Willamette Valley Homeless Alliance Strategic plan priorities; 2.3.2 Support community wide efforts to prevent homelessness, and Section 2.3.3 Increase availability of case management for people in affordable housing units or using housing vouchers. SHA staff will begin shifting focus toward eviction prevention, leveraging the experience from HRAP to Special Programs Outreach services deep experience in client support, housing stability, and landlord engagement. This strategic transition reflects SHA’s continued commitment to addressing housing instability in our community, with a renewed emphasis on helping individuals and families remain housed within our portfolio.
The conclusion of Special Programs Outreach team will be carried out with great care to ensure continuity of support for existing program participants. All former HRAP program clients have transitioned to permanent housing options, including the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program and other HUD-supported resources.
BACKGROUND:
The Homeless Rental Assistance Program began in March 2017, funded by a $1.4 million allocation from the City of Salem’s FY 2017-18 budget. The program provided transitional housing, rental assistance, and case management to individuals experiencing chronic homelessness. At full operation, HRAP supported four staff: two case managers and two program navigators.
Though the HRAP program is concluding, its legacy lives on in the expanded infrastructure and knowledge it helped develop-proving the value of transitional support in the path to housing stability.
SHA remains dedicated to addressing homelessness through permanent supportive housing, rental assistance programs, and now, more intentionally, through efforts focused on preventing eviction and preserving housing stability in our portfolio.
Nicole Utz
Administrator
Attachments:
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