HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-IURA-2023-03-02Approved: 3/23/23 108 E. Green St.
Ithaca, NY 14850 (607) 274-6565 SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES
ITHACA URBAN RENEWAL AGENCY BOARD
8:30 A.M., Thursday, March 2nd, 2023
Common Council Chambers, Third Floor (City Hall)
108 E. Green St., Ithaca, NY 14850
Members: Chris Proulx, Chair; Karl Graham, Vice-Chair; Laura Lewis (Mayor); Donna Fleming; George
McGonigal (Common Council Liaison)
Excused: None.
Vacancies: 1
IURA Staff: Nels Bohn; Anisa Mendizabal; Charles Pyott
City Staff: Lisa Nicholas
Guests: Shaianne Osterreich, IURA Neighborhood Investment Committee (NIC)
I. Call to Order
Vice-Chair Graham called the meeting to order at 8:35 A.M.
II. Agenda Additions/Deletions
None.
III. Public Comments
None.
IV. 2023 HUD Entitlement Grant Action Plan
A. PUBLIC HEARING #1 (cont.)
On a motion by Fleming, seconded by Lewis, and unanimously approved, Vice-Chair Graham re-convened the
Public Hearing.
B. Overview of Public Hearing Format
Mendizabal recapitulated that IURA staff anticipates the availability of $616,000 in Community
Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program funds and $304,000 in HOME Investment Partnerships Program
(HOME) funds, in addition to $140,000 in CDBG Program Income, $3,133 in recaptured CDBG funds, and
$11,124 in recaptured HOME funds. A total of approximately $921,000 in CDBG and HOME funds is
anticipated to be available. She added no Public Comments have been received to date.
C. Disclosure of Potential Conflicts of Interest
• Lewis disclosed she served on the Core Advisory Team for the Ithaca Evictions/Displacement Defense
Project (IEDD), convened by the Human Services Coalition of Tompkins County (HSC), but her role
concluded in March 2022 with publication of the project’s report.
IURA Minutes
March 2, 2023
Page 2 of 14
• Mendizabal disclosed she also served on IEDD’s Core Advisory Team, assisting with designing the
project. She was not a decision-maker and would not benefit from any award to the 2-1-1 program.
• Nicholas disclosed she serves as an unpaid volunteer and non-voting member of the Ithaca
Neighborhood Housing Services, Inc. (INHS) Board.
• Osterreich disclosed she served on the Capital Campaign Sub-Committee of the Village at Ithaca’s
Board Village and will recuse herself from any discussion or decision regarding Application #9, “Village
at Ithaca Capital Project Expansion: Housing Component.”
• Graham disclosed he served in an advisory capacity for the IEDD project, but has not been involved in
the project since September 2022 and has no financial interest in the project.
― HOUSING APPLICATIONS ―
1. APPLICATION #1: THE BEACON — ITHACA NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSING SERVICES, INC. (INHS)
Speaker Affiliation Comments-in-Brief
Lynn Truame Ithaca
Neighborhood
Housing Services,
Inc. (INHS)
Requested funding would go towards construction of 55 units (studio,
1-bedroom, and 2-bedroom apartments) of 5-story affordable housing
serving households with incomes between 30% and 100% Area
Median Income (AMI), in addition to 9 households exiting
homelessness with a household member impacted by a substance use
disorder. The Beacon is part of the larger redevelopment of Inlet
Island, including construction of an extended-stay residence hotel and
significant public site improvements (e.g., public playground, access
points to the water, kayak storage racks, seating areas, paving the
Cayuga Waterfront Trail). The Beacon will also include a community
room, laundry rooms, rental office, and service provider office. INHS
will partner with Catholic Charities of Tompkins/Tioga Counties on the
nine 30% AMI units for households exiting homelessness. Catholic
Charities will provide comprehensive, wrap-around supportive
services to them as they transition to housing stability. Core services
will include individual case management, drug/alcohol counseling
through partner agencies, safety planning, and assistance with
obtaining public benefits. INHS will also apply to: Tompkins County
Community Housing Development Fund (CHDF); Homeless Housing
Assistance Program (HHAP); and New York State for awards of Federal
and Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) and subsidized loans from
Housing Trust Fund, Middle Income Housing Program, and Clean
Energy Initiative Program. The project schedule in the application may
be optimistic due to site-control issues, since the property is owned by
the City, IURA, and DEC. The project needs to be funded in the 2023
HUD Entitlement Program award cycle, prior to INHS’ application to
NYS Homes and Community Renewal (HCR).
IURA Minutes
March 2, 2023
Page 3 of 14
McGonigal recalled when the IURA first reviewed the project, there was interest in designing a smaller
project for both The Beacon and Staytel buildings (e.g., smaller foot-prints, four stories). He asked if that
issue was ever pursued and what The Beacon’s lot coverage would be. Truame replied the lot boundaries
have not been definitively established, but the building would cover about 90% of the lot. In terms of
project size, while she knows Common Council discussed the issue, she believes reducing the project size
was determined not to be financially feasible.
Lewis remarked she is pleased to see 55 new housing units with supportive housing in the City. She noted
Truame mentioned the project schedule would likely be extended. Since INHS is requesting funds for
architectural and engineering expenses, presumably on the front-end of the schedule, she asked how INHS
plans on managing those costs until it receives funding. Truame responded INHS is accustomed to spending
its own funds on projects and then subsequently drawing grant funds down to reimburse itself.
Bohn noted the 9% Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) application process is highly competitive, with
usually only one or two approved in the Southern Tier. He asked if the INHS application would compete
directly with another INHS application. Truame replied, no. It will be the only INHS application in the cycle.
Graham asked how it is that IURA funding would impact INHS’ separate HCR application. Truame
responded HCR wants its applicants to secure all their other funding, before applying.
Graham noted the project has considerable funds to raise. He asked what INHS would do if some other
funding sources are not secured. Truame replied HCR has two funding application rounds a year, so INHS
could re-apply for that in the next round. She believes CHDF will also have two rounds, while HHAP has a
rolling application process. Any funding INHS applies for, but does not receive, would be re-applied for.
Graham asked what INHS would do if it received partial IURA funding. Truame responded INHS would
increase its developer fee.
2. APPLICATION #2: HOMEOWNER REHAB — ITHACA NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSING SERVICES, INC. (INHS)
Speaker Affiliation Comments-in-Brief
Delia Yarrow Ithaca
Neighborhood
Housing Services,
Inc. (INHS)
INHS proposes to help at least 8 low-to-moderate income (LMI)
homeowners maintain and remain in their homes by conducting major
repairs and housing rehabilitation (e.g., plumbing, electrical, roofing).
The project would operate in the same way as in the past. LMI
homeowners in Ithaca typically occupy homes that are both very old
and in poor condition. Loans generally average $25,000 per home,
although rehabilitation jobs below $25,000 enable INHS to serve more
homeowners. Most applicants have historically been far lower than
80% of Area Median Income (AMI), between 40% and 60% AMI. All
funds will be used towards hard and soft costs related to completing
home improvement projects. This includes construction (both labor
and materials), professional fees, recording fees, and permit fees.
INHS requests CDBG funds for the purpose of this proposal. The post-
IURA Minutes
March 2, 2023
Page 4 of 14
Speaker Affiliation Comments-in-Brief
repair property value requirement for HOME severely limits the
number of low-income homeowners INHS can assist. In 2023, INHS
anticipates applying for more funding including rehabilitation funding
for a Community Development Block Grant with Tompkins County and
the NYS Affordable Housing Corporation, which it could pair with IURA
funds. It is a very scalable project, so INHS could reduce the number
of homes assisted should it not receive full funding.
McGonigal asked why homeowners at Nate’s Floral Estates are ineligible for the program. Yarrow replied
eligible homeowners are required to legally own the land beneath their homes. McGonigal asked if there
would be any way to assist them. Yarrow replied they are certainly eligible for Minor Repair assistance, in
addition to the use of any funds INHS receives from the new NYS Residential Emergency Services to Offer
(Home) Repairs to the Elderly (RESTORE) program.
Graham recalled seeing that 2022 IURA funds for the program have not been used. Yarrow replied INHS
has been focused on finalizing the five rehabilitation projects from the 2021 grant. It is common for INHS to
take some time to spend all its funds, given the complexity of most rehabilitation projects.
3. APPLICATION #3: MINOR REPAIR PROGRAM — ITHACA NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSING SERVICES, INC. (INHS)
Speaker Affiliation Comments-in-Brief
Delia Yarrow Ithaca
Neighborhood
Housing Services,
Inc. (INHS)
There is a constant need for the services the program provides. LMI
homeowners need assistance to maintain and stay in their homes, so
they can age in place. The program provides labor at no cost to the
homeowner, with occasional INHS funding for materials. Most clients
fall between 40%-60% AMI. A comprehensive safety check (e.g.,
expired smoke detectors) is the first step in the process, followed by a
survey to determine if additional maintenance is needed. INHS
conducts door-to-door outreach to identify people who do not know
about the program. Many materials used by the program are funded
by the County’s Office for the Aging (e.g., grab bars, plumbing
supplies).
Graham recalled seeing that some 2021 and 2022 IURA funds for the program have not been used. Yarrow
responded INHS has until March 31st to spend the 2021 funds, which it will have no problem doing, at which
point it will start using 2022 funds.
IURA Minutes
March 2, 2023
Page 5 of 14
Graham asked what the impact of lower IURA funding would be on the program. Yarrow replied that
reduced funding would be more of a challenge for this program than other INHS programs, since IURA funds
go towards staff salaries and the program is highly labor-intensive.
4. APPLICATION #4: CHT SEARS STREET DEVELOPMENT — ITHACA NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSING SERVICES, INC. (INHS)
Speaker Affiliation Comments-in-Brief
Leslie
Ackerman
Ithaca
Neighborhood
Housing Services,
Inc. (INHS)
INHS received IURA funding in 2022 for half the project (2 units),
which will result in the construction of four new permanently
affordable for-sale Community Housing Trust homes (either 4 single-
family homes or two single-family homes and a duplex) for 1st-time
homebuyers earning up to 80% of AMI. Tompkins County and INHS
are finalizing the purchase contract for the property. The full project
will include two 2-bedroom and two 3-bedroom units,
accommodating a range of household sizes (though oriented to the
local market, which tends toward smaller households). The aim is to
optimize the use of the parcel's compact area, providing all units with
attractive and functional interior space, while also providing sufficient
outside space for recreation and relaxation. The project still requires
Subdivision and Site Plan Review (SPR) approval, so construction
would likely not begin until the end of 2023.
Graham observed the 2022 IURA funding has not been used. He asked if that is because INHS wants to build
the units simultaneously. Ackerman replied, yes. Building them simultaneously is more efficient and less
expensive. The other factor is that a major source of project funding comes from a new HCR Affordable
Homeownership Opportunity Program (AHOP), which only launched its application cycle in November 2022.
Lewis asked what INHS would do if it does not receive full funding from HCR. Ackerman responded INHS
would fill the gap with part of the developer fee, although it would depend on the extent of reduced
funding. There has been no indication from HCR that this is likely, but should any funding gap be significant,
INHS would extend the project schedule.
Bohn noted HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) regulations require homes to be sold to
eligible homebuyers within 9 months of the completion date or be converted to rental housing. Ackerman
replied INHS was initially concerned about being able to sell its other homebuyer housing units, since
interest rates have increased so much. Despite its concerns, however, all its Founders Way and S. Plain
Street units were successfully sold within several months.
(Proulx arrived at 9:29 a.m.)
IURA Minutes
March 2, 2023
Page 6 of 14
5. APPLICATION #5: 312 S. PLAIN ST. DUPLEX — HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF TOMPKINS & CORTLAND COUNTIES
Speaker Affiliation Comments-in-Brief
Shannon
MacCarrick
Habitat for
Humanity of
Tompkins and
Cortland
Counties
IURA funds would go towards deconstructing and rebuilding 312 S.
Plain Street, creating 2 units of owner-occupied, affordable housing
for income-qualified, first-time homebuyers. Habitat for Humanity
partners with local, first-time homebuyers with household incomes of
30-60% Area Median Income (AMI). Most Habitat homebuyers have
families which include youth, and some have members who are
elderly or disabled. IURA funds would be used for construction
materials, sub-contractors (e.g., roofers, drywall finishers), and
professional services. Habitat has also applied to the NYS Affordable
Housing Corporation for funding. Were Habitat to only receive partial
IURA funding, it would be a challenge, especially in terms of the cost
of construction materials.
Proulx asked why no CHDF funds are listed in the application. MacCarrick responded Habitat had not initially
applied to the County for those funds, although it has since done so.
Fleming asked what the sales model is. MacCarrick replied it involves a land trust, so homebuyers would own
their homes and any improvements, while Habitat would own the land under the homes. Homebuyers would
pay no more than 30% of their monthly household income for monthly housing payments.
Bohn asked if Habitat expects to need any Zoning Variances. MacCarrick responded she does not believe that
will be necessary, since the City Building Division already reviewed the draft plans and they appear fully
compliant.
6. APPLICATION #6: HOUSING SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM (HSP) — THE LEARNING WEB, INC.
Speaker Affiliation Comments-in-Brief
Michelle Nolan The Learning
Web, Inc.
The program would provide 12-18 months of rent/utility subsidies to 6
low-income unaccompanied/homeless youth and young adults, in
supported apartments so they can maintain stable housing while
increasing their self-sufficiency through intensive staff support.
Individualized life-skills training and financial literacy counseling are an
important part of the program. The apartments are situated in high-
opportunity areas, which is critical to enable participants to access
various commercial services, transportation, food, employment, and
social services. Despite the pandemic and having undergone
considerable turnover over the past 2 years, The Learning Web has
continued to see successful outcomes. 100% of Housing Scholarship
Program (HSP) graduates are living at or below the poverty line. Of the
IURA Minutes
March 2, 2023
Page 7 of 14
Speaker Affiliation Comments-in-Brief
youth who exited the program: 35% were housed in rentals without
subsidy; 15% were housed in rentals with subsidy; 9% were housed in
permanent supportive housing; 18% were housed permanently with a
relative; and 12% housed permanently with a friend.
Olan Mack The Learning
Web Inc
Anthony
Paolangeli
The Learning
Web Inc
Graham asked if The Learning Web encountered any resistance from landlords due to the new lease
requirements instituted by the IURA. Nolan replied they are in the process of implementing the changes
through one-to-one conversations with landlords, but they have not encountered any resistance. Mack
added The Learning Web will serve as guarantor on the leases with program participants, which should make
the landlords comfortable with the changes.
Mendizabal asked if the Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program (YHDP) has any resources available to
augment The Learning Web’s own activities. Mack responded The Learning Web has participated in YHDP
and has the capacity to provide 16 housing units, so HSP could act as a feeder for the program.
8. APPLICATION #8: SJCS SOBER LIVING REINTEGRATION SERVICES — ST. JOHN’S COMMUNITY SERVICES (SJCS)
Speaker Affiliation Comments-in-Brief
Roy Murdough St. John’s
Community
Services (SJCS)
The project would provide reintegration services for 14 individuals in
Tompkins County. SJCS is applying for a license from NYS Office of
Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) to provide this level of care.
SJCS is purchasing a 10-bed home (previously owned and operated by
Lakeview Health Services) and reconfigure it into a 14-bed co-ed
facility, with renovation/upgrade of bathrooms, appliances, and
equipment.
Rich Bennett St. John’s
Community
Services (SJCS)
While operating the shelter in Tompkins County, SJCS has seen an
increase in homelessness, of which at least a third is associated with
people struggling with active substance abuse issues. SJCS has
explored the issue with Tompkins County DSS, local treatment
providers, Tompkins County drug courts, and The Tompkins County
Substance Abuse Sub-Committee. The program will provide a safe
sober environment with 24/7 staffing, including person-centered care,
cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, early
recovery skill-building, relapse prevention, and 12-step education.
IURA Minutes
March 2, 2023
Page 8 of 14
Graham asked how the project would be impacted if SJCS does not obtain the OASAS license. Murdough
replied he has been working with OASAS over the past 8 months and is confident it will be approved.
McGonigal asked what happens if a resident does not successfully remain sober. Bennett responded any
relapse does not automatically make an individual ineligible for future care. Chronic relapses would be
handled either by moving the individual into rehab or a higher level of care.
Bohn asked, since the project is designed for 14 beds, if some units would be converted to shared living.
Murdough responded all residents would have their own bedroom, along with a common living area,
kitchen, and dining room.
Graham observed it appears SJCS has already obtained the mortgage and funding from the County recovery
fund. He asked how much more funding remains to be raised. Bennett replied, as SJCS puts together its
pro forma budget, there will certainly be start-up costs, staffing expenses, and utilities costs. He expects the
operational budget to be close to $500,000/year.
7. APPLICATION #7: SECURITY DEPOSIT ASSISTANCE FOR VULNERABLE HOUSEHOLDS — CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF
TOMPKINS/TIOGA COUNTIES (CCTT)
Speaker Affiliation Comments-in-Brief
Michaela
Cortright
Catholic Charities
of
Tompkins/Tioga
Counties (CCTT)
CCTT has over 25 years of experience assisting LMI households
struggling to make ends meet. The Security Deposit Assistance
Program assists 65-100 households per year, all of whom are <60%
AMI. 30% have been homeless or housing-insecure. Landlords must
agree to sign a 12-month lease and submit to a housing inspection,
with the tenants moving in before the landlord receives payment. The
program recently transitioned to providing full security deposits. CCTT
is one of the few local organizations providing security deposit
assistance for LMI/at-risk families who are otherwise ineligible for
Tompkins County Department of Social Services (DSS) assistance. It is
one-time assistance. CCTT continues to maintain good relationships
with landlords and service providers. CCTT follows up with recipients
after 6 and 12 months. The application process requires close
coordination with DSS, Section 8, landlords, tenants, housing
inspectors, social workers, and attorneys. Once a prospective tenant
has identified a unit, they contact CCTT about 2 weeks before moving
in. The program continues to allocate 5 security deposits to homeless
families with children attending Beverly J. Martin Elementary School,
as part of the Housing for School Success Program, launched in 2016.
There is always high demand for this kind of assistance and CCTT
always expends the entire IURA grant amount. The program also
enables CCTT to help applicants obtain other forms of support from
local organizations and government agencies.
IURA Minutes
March 2, 2023
Page 9 of 14
Graham observed some funds remain from prior years. He asked how long it will take to expend them.
Cortright replied some funds remained unspent mainly because of the COVID-19-related slowdown in
housing relocations. CCTT has spent its 2019-20 funds and has been spending its 2021-22 funds, which are
about half spent. On average, there are 18 applicants per quarter. Since 2022 IURA grant funds would run
out in the third quarter of 2024, there would be a gap in funding should CCTT not be awarded 2023 funds.
Fleming asked if the program could serve more than five Housing for School Success (HSS) households. She
also asked if deposits are refunded at the end of each lease. Cortright replied all security deposits are
returned to the recipients (if no damage has been done to the housing unit); and, yes, CCTT could
potentially reserve extra funds for HSS households.
Bohn asked if new housing projects, like Founders Way, have created extra demand. Cortright responded
in the last quarter, in fact, the majority of applicants were Founders Way residents.
9. APPLICATION #9: VILLAGE AT ITHACA CAPITAL PROJECT EXPANSION: HOUSING COMPONENT — VILLAGE AT ITHACA
Speaker Affiliation Comments-in-Brief
Meryl Phipps The Village at
Ithaca
IURA funds would be used for construction of transitional and/or
affordable housing for four youth/young adults lacking housing
security. Residents would come from Village House, a crisis
transitional housing program for youth and young adults experiencing
homelessness and housing instability. It is a low-barrier housing-first
program that prioritizes same-day access to transitional housing in
crisis situations for youth between the ages of 14-24 throughout
Tompkins County. COVID-19 spurred an increase in school-based
referrals and students struggling with school, homelessness, and food
insecurity. Existing staff would continue to provide accessible wrap-
around services for the occupants.
Marcus
Godfrey
The Village at
Ithaca
Lewis noted the $176,000 fundraising goal. She asked how much has been secured and what the plan is
should the goal not be reached. Phipps replied the Village at Ithaca is fully invested in the project, even if it
takes 5 years to complete. It has also successfully expanded its foundational budget by almost 400%.
Lewis asked for clarification regarding the development staff. Phipps replied there is one part-time staff
person, but the Village at Ithaca is looking for a full-time one.
Graham asked if youth under the age of 18 need to be emancipated. Phipps responded there is no
emancipation for young people in New York State. In those cases, the Village at Ithaca obtains consent from
parent or a guardian, which is not difficult to obtain.
IURA Minutes
March 2, 2023
Page 10 of 14
Graham asked how a partial IURA funding award would impact the program. Phipps replied they plan to
continue to obtain full funding, including a capital campaign, and would re-apply next year.
― PUBLIC SERVICES APPLICATIONS ―
1. APPLICATION #16: 2-1-1 INFORMATION & REFERRAL HELPLINE WITH HOUSING NAVIGATION ― HUMAN
SERVICES COALITION OF TOMPKINS COUNTY, INC. (HSC
Speaker Affiliation Comments-in-Brief
John Mazzello Human Services
Coalition of
Tompkins County
(HSC)
IURA funds would provide 3,375+ LMI individuals with specialized
information and referral services, and support 200 individuals with
housing navigation. 2-1-1 provides comprehensive, up-to-date
information and resources to the community by phone, text message,
e-mail, chat, or in-person requests. 2-1-1 is available 24/7/365. Over
the past two years, 2-1-1 has further developed its ability to provide
housing-related services and played a key role in the IEDD project,
creating a pilot 2-1-1 Housing Specialist position. The Housing
Specialist provides a range of housing navigation services, including
supporting clients with all types of housing-related concerns, assisting
tenants with rental arrears, aiding individuals at risk of eviction or on
the docket for eviction proceedings, and coordinating with landlords
to provide resources to tenants. 2-1-1 is available to everyone, but
most service recipients are LMI. Other key groups include older
adults, individuals with health-related needs, and community
members with housing insecurity, such as risk of eviction or
homelessness.
Nicole Roulstin Human Services
Coalition of
Tompkins County
(HSC)
The majority of calls at this time of year are for the Volunteer Income
Tax Assistance (VITA) program. 2-1-1 also partners with the Friends in
Service Helping (FISH) medical transportation program. In the coming
year, 2-1-1 is entering into two new partnerships related to
transportation access. The upcoming Ithaca ETA (Electric
Transportation Access) project is a NYSERDA-funded project to
enhance access to electric vehicles and bikeshares, and create an on-
demand bus app. 2-1-1 will serve as the call center providing
information on the program, as well as assistance with booking the
on-demand trips. The second project is TMaaS (Tompkins Mobility as
a Service), where 2-1-1 will serve as the customer service center,
providing real-time multi-modal options and information to people
seeking access to alternate travel options, rather than commuting in a
single-occupant vehicle.
IURA Minutes
March 2, 2023
Page 11 of 14
Brett Irish Human Services
Coalition of
Tompkins County
(HSC)
Since 2021, he has served as a Housing Specialist providing updated
referrals to tenants and landlords, in partnership with DSS, CCTT,
Tompkins Community Action, and LawNY. It is a holistic approach to
offering resources that includes transportation, food, and mental
health needs. The Housing Specialist also coordinates with a number
of programs that assist clients, especially those facing evictions. The
Housing Specialist attends Ithaca City eviction court each week and
has become a trusted presence for judges, court personnel, and
attorneys. He has been successful in preventing 16 evictions.
McGonigal asked how much of the program Tompkins County funds. Mazzello replied, it funds general
operations with $140,000, as well as some recovery funds to support funding gaps in the Continuum of Care
(CoC) system.
Graham asked what the impact would be if the program does not receive full funding from the IURA. He
also asked if the Housing Specialist position is intended to be permanent. Mazzello replied there is some
degree of flexibility with the County funds, so some of those could be used, but not all needs would be able
to be met; and, yes, the Housing Specialist position is intended to be permanent.
2. APPLICATION #17: WORK PRESERVE JOB TRAINING: JOB READINESS ― HISTORIC ITHACA, INC.
Speaker Affiliation Comments-in-Brief
Susan Holland Historic Ithaca,
Inc.
The program serves 20 youth and young adults ($1,150/person) with
barriers to employment (e.g., formally incarcerated, unhoused
individuals, people with disabilities/mental illnesses, new entrants to
the workforce), with a great deal flexibility. The vast majority of
participants are LMI. The stability and welcoming atmosphere of
Significant Elements is a key part of its success in motivating
participants to continue showing up for work and remain engaged.
When Historic Ithaca obtained Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)
funds, it delayed its expenditure of 2021 IURA funds, which should be
spent by April 2023.
Geno Tournour Historic Ithaca,
Inc.
Historic Ithaca renovated its Significant Elements workspace and
classroom space, upgraded its curriculum, and expanded into building
trades and landscaping services, while intensifying its furniture
refurbishment operation. It has added drywall training, renovated its
bathroom, and begun teaching rudimentary plumbing skills.
IURA Minutes
March 2, 2023
Page 12 of 14
Jordan
Governale
Historic Ithaca,
Inc.
One program participant has been with the program for 6 months,
having experienced ADHD, anxiety, paranoia, and traumatic brain
injury. He had never been able to hold a job for more than 6 months
before, but he has helped the organization with all the projects
Tournour just mentioned. This participant is a bright person, but
navigating his mental health challenges has required considerable
work and extensive coaching. Since then, he has exhibited noticeably
improved demeanor, work skills, and degree of consistency. He has
been a great success and the program has had an incredible impact on
his life.
Robert Rector Historic Ithaca,
Inc.
Fleming asked what the distinction is between the two programs. Tournour responded this program provides
personalized job-readiness training/assessments, workplace evaluations, transferable work skills, soft skills,
problem-solving, mentoring, and confidence-building, while its sister program is for actual job-placement.
3. APPLICATION #18: IMMIGRANT SERVICES PROGRAM (ISP) ― CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF TOMPKINS/TIOGA COUNTIES
Speaker Affiliation Comments-in-Brief
Sue Chaffee Catholic Charities
of Tompkins/Tioga
Counties
ISP offers comprehensive services suited to the unique needs of 100
immigrants/refugees, including referrals, arranging translators, legal
advocacy, case management, and mentoring and guidance for program
participants through a network of volunteers and other local agencies.
All CDBG funds are used for staff salaries and benefits. ISP also offers
legal services to assist people to stabilize their immigration status and
obtain citizenship. Many undocumented clients apply for DACA or
green card status, which opens up their ability to obtain employment,
health insurance, housing, and other critical needs. ISP also helps
connect newcomers to the community who are seeking asylum with
free immigration consultations with immigration attorneys.
Paige Rich Catholic Charities
of Tompkins/Tioga
Counties
She provides job development/case management services and
organizes community education workshops. Case management helps
build a scaffold of support for clients to work towards self-sufficiency,
access community resources, and obtain translation services. Case
management is rarely a single standard set of services. ISP not only
produces a positive impact on the immigrant community itself, but also
benefits the greater community. ISP job-development services enable
clients with limited English proficiency to enter Ithaca’s workforce,
instead of being unemployed or working in the informal sector.
IURA Minutes
March 2, 2023
Page 13 of 14
Proulx noted the program is asking for $10,000 more than its usual $30,000 request, but it is unclear what
the extra funds are being used for. Chaffee responded in past years ISP had two full-time positions, but this
past year it added another part-time position for job development, so CCTT is seeking to fund all four
positions.
Graham observed there is a small amount of funding remaining from 2021 and 2022. He wondered when
those funds would be expended. Mendizabal responded IURA staff will follow up on that question.
4. APPLICATION #19: A PLACE TO STAY (APTS): FOLLOW-UP SUPPORT FOR WOMEN GAINING STABILITY ―
CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF TOMPKINS/TIOGA COUNTIES
Speaker Affiliation Comments-in-Brief
Michaela
Cortright
Catholic Charities
of
Tompkins/Tioga
Counties
APTS is a unique transitional supportive housing program located in a
four-bedroom housing unit, specifically designed to support women at
or below 50% of AMI in recovery as they exit homelessness. The
short-term housing provides residents with a stable environment and
a safety net, while they work towards building self-sufficiency and
transition into permanent housing. The program offers flexibility with
discharge planning and can provide extensions up to 12 months, if
necessary. Determining the length of stay is highly dependent on
individual cases and progress in securing housing. Evenings provide
the ideal time for case-management, rapport-building, and teaching a
variety of skills (e.g., social skills, accessing community resources,
financial education and budgeting, job searching). APTS has helped 54
women (59 stays), with an average of 10 women a year. 75% have
moved into housing using Section 8 vouchers. The requested funds
will support this model, recognizing that about 35% of those served
have more intensive needs even after leaving. The project also
involves collaboration with several other non-profits and community
volunteers who assist with helping clients meet educational, financial,
wellness, or job-related goals. The program is also planning to expand
through the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative (ESSHI).
Mendizabal asked if APTS would continue using the house if it expands into ESSHI. Cortright replied CCTT
plans to continue using the APTS transitional housing site, with supportive services in permanent units.
Bohn asked what has been CCTT’s strategy for successfully achieving stable housing for its clients. Cortright
responded it is simply a matter of obtaining referrals from in-patient services and actively reaching out to
the community. As soon as clients are admitted, they complete the Section 8 application process, are
placed on waitlists, and enroll in other programs until they are ready to move.
IURA Minutes
March 2, 2023
Page 14 of 14
Lewis asked how CCTT would proceed if IURA funding is not received. Cortright replied it could try to
increase donations specific to the program, as it has done over the past two years.
5. APPLICATION #20: WOMEN'S EMPOWERMENT SERVICES & TRAINING WEST — OAR OF TOMPKINS COUNTY
Speaker Affiliation Comments-in-Brief
David M.
Sanders, Jr.
Opportunities,
Alternatives, &
Resources (OAR)
of Tompkins
County
“WEST” stands for Women’s Empowerment Services and Training.
IURA funds would go towards training, staff stipends, bus passes,
emergency hotel rooms, self-help training, food, supplies, and clothing
to assist homeless women, systems-involved women, and women
struggling with substance use and sex trafficking. The goals of the
program are to increase sex-trafficking awareness, decrease the
number of women at risk of exploitation, and decrease the number of
exploited women. In 2022, OAR worked with 300 women. By
examining its client survey, which found that 53% of its clients are
homeless, this translates to approximately 159 women. (A national
study found 92% of homeless mothers have experienced severe
physical and/or sexual violence in their lives.) In mid-October, OAR
began seeing an increase in local sex-trafficking cases, many of whom
were victims of homelessness and substance use disorder. There
were 515 visits in 2022, an increase of 210% from 2020. 53% of clients
were homeless; 35% had zero income; and the average annual income
was $11,500. Between OAR’s two housing programs, it expects to
house and support more than 25-30 women per year.
On a motion by Lewis, seconded by Fleming, and unanimously approved, Chair Proulx adjourned the Public
Hearing.
V. Review of Meeting Minutes: February 23, 2023
Graham moved, seconded by Lewis to approve the meeting minutes, with no modifications.
Carried Unanimously: 4-0
VI. Other/Old Business
None.
VII. Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned by consensus at 11:35 A.M.
— END —
Minutes prepared by C. Pyott, edited by N. Bohn.