# Community Development Advisory Board Meeting Narrative *October 9, 2025 | City Council Boardroom, City of Bellingham* ## Meeting Overview The Community Development Advisory Board (CDAB) convened for their monthly meeting on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at 6:00 PM in the City Council Boardroom. Chair Shannon Laws presided over a moderately attended meeting with five board members present: Laws, Lola Thompson, Matt Unger, Matthew Main, Jasmine Fast, and Katherine Freimund. Andrew Calkins, Ben Spicer, and Ryan Wood were absent. City staff present included Samya Lutz from Planning & Community Development and Kathleen Morton, who serves as staff liaison to the board. The evening's agenda reflected the board's ongoing focus on affordable housing and homelessness prevention programs. Two significant presentations dominated the meeting: an overview of YWCA's housing programs and a detailed review of HOME-ARP funded homeless prevention initiatives. The meeting also included routine business around public comment periods for federal reporting requirements. While the transcript quality presents challenges in capturing exact dialogue, the substance of the meeting clearly centered on the practical mechanics of how federal housing dollars flow through local organizations to serve Bellingham's most vulnerable residents. The tone was workmanlike, with board members asking detailed questions about program effectiveness, funding sustainability, and coordination between service providers. ## YWCA Housing Programs Presentation Alle Schene, Executive Director of the YWCA, and Kanoe, the organization's Communications Manager, presented an overview of their housing services that receive partial funding from the City of Bellingham. The presentation covered both emergency and permanent housing programs operated by the organization. Schene provided background on YWCA's emergency shelter programs, explaining how they serve individuals and families experiencing homelessness. The organization operates emergency-stay programs designed to provide immediate relief while connecting residents to longer-term housing solutions and supportive services. The YWCA model emphasizes not just providing shelter, but wrapping residents in comprehensive support services that address the root causes of housing instability. The presentation included details about their permanent housing properties, though the fragmented transcript makes specific details difficult to extract. What emerged clearly was the organization's commitment to serving vulnerable populations, particularly women and families, through a continuum of housing services ranging from emergency shelter to permanent supportive housing. One notable aspect of the presentation was Schene's announcement of a new scholarship program planned for launch in early 2026. This initiative would provide educational scholarships specifically for young women in local high schools, representing an expansion of YWCA's mission beyond housing services into educational opportunity. The scholarship program reflects the organization's holistic approach to addressing the interconnected challenges facing their clients. Board members engaged with questions about program capacity, funding sources, and how the YWCA coordinates with other service providers in Whatcom County. The discussion, while not fully captured in the transcript, appeared to focus on the practical challenges of operating housing programs in Bellingham's tight rental market and the importance of flexible funding that can address both immediate housing needs and longer-term stability. ## HOME-ARP Funded Programs Performance Review The meeting's most substantive agenda item was a comprehensive review of homeless prevention programs funded through HOME-ARP (HOME American Rescue Plan) dollars. City staff provided detailed information about program performance, costs, and outcomes that gave board members insight into how federal funding translates into direct assistance for households at risk of homelessness. Staff presented data showing the scope and target populations of current homeless prevention programs. The programs focus on providing flexible financial assistance to households experiencing housing crises - covering expenses like rent arrearages, utility payments, moving costs, and deposits that often determine whether a family can maintain or secure stable housing. The cost-effectiveness data proved particularly informative. Staff shared information about the average cost per intervention, providing board members with concrete numbers about how much it typically costs to prevent a household from becoming homeless. This type of data is crucial for boards tasked with making funding recommendations, as it allows them to understand the relative efficiency of different program models. One case study highlighted during the presentation involved a single mother of two children who became separated from her partner and faced financial difficulties that threatened her housing stability. The prevention program provided assistance with rent and utilities during a critical period, allowing the family to maintain stable housing while the mother addressed underlying financial challenges. The intervention prevented the family from entering the homeless system, which would have been both traumatic for the children and more expensive for the community. Board member Matt Unger raised questions about how funding breaks down between different program elements and whether the allocation reflects actual need or is driven by other factors. The discussion touched on the balance between providing immediate crisis assistance and investing in longer-term supportive services that might prevent future housing crises. The conversation revealed ongoing tensions in homeless prevention work. Board members grappled with questions about program scope: should limited dollars focus on serving the highest number of households possible, or invest more deeply in fewer families to ensure longer-term stability? The discussion highlighted the perpetual challenge facing communities with high housing costs and limited resources - how to maximize impact when need far exceeds available funding. Staff sought input from the board about structuring the upcoming Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for homeless prevention programs. Unlike competitive grant processes that might bring in new service providers, this NOFA was designed to continue funding for existing programs with proven track records. Board members discussed the advantages of program continuity versus the potential benefits of opening competition to new providers or innovative approaches. The HOME-ARP review also touched on administrative aspects that rarely receive public attention but significantly impact program effectiveness. Staff discussed indirect cost rates, billing procedures, and reporting requirements that affect how efficiently organizations can deliver services. These behind-the-scenes operational details matter enormously to service providers working with tight budgets and complex federal compliance requirements. ## Coordination and Future Challenges Throughout the meeting, an underlying theme emerged around coordination between service providers and funding sources. Bellingham, like many communities, has multiple organizations providing homeless prevention and housing services, funded through various federal, state, and local sources. Board members expressed interest in understanding how these different funding streams and programs work together - or fail to work together - to create a coherent safety net. The discussion revealed some of the practical challenges facing service providers. Organizations must navigate different eligibility requirements, reporting standards, and program rules depending on their funding source. This complexity can create barriers for clients who need assistance and administrative burdens for agencies trying to serve them effectively. Several board members asked about turnover rates among service providers and the challenges of maintaining experienced staff in a sector known for demanding work and modest compensation. While specific data wasn't readily available, the discussion acknowledged the sector's ongoing workforce challenges and how they impact program quality and consistency. The meeting also touched on longer-term sustainability questions. HOME-ARP funding, while substantial, is time-limited federal dollars provided in response to the pandemic. Board members and staff discussed what happens when these enhanced funding streams end and communities must maintain services with more constrained resources. This forward-looking discussion reflects the board's understanding that current programs must demonstrate clear value to secure continued local investment. ## CAPER Public Comment and Federal Reporting City staff reported that no public comments were received during the comment period for the Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER), the city's annual report to HUD on housing and community development activities. While the lack of public comment might suggest limited community engagement with federal housing programs, it could also reflect satisfaction with current services or the technical nature of federal reporting requirements that can be difficult for general citizens to navigate. The CAPER represents a crucial accountability mechanism, documenting how the city has used federal Community Development Block Grant and HOME funds to address housing and community development needs. The public comment period provides an opportunity for community members to weigh in on program effectiveness and priorities, though participation in these processes is typically limited to directly affected individuals and advocacy organizations. ## Staff Updates and Looking Ahead City staff provided updates on several significant housing developments in Bellingham. The Bellis Project, a major affordable housing initiative, received significant attention during staff updates. Staff announced that Phase 2 of the project is now fully funded and construction will begin next year, representing a significant addition to the community's affordable housing stock. The update on the Bellis Project reflects broader momentum in Bellingham's affordable housing development. Staff mentioned that multiple projects, including initiatives by Mercy Housing and Bellingham Housing Institute, are moving through various stages of development and financing. These projects represent the kind of longer-term housing production that complements the prevention and emergency services discussed earlier in the meeting. Staff also provided updates on the city's budget process, noting that Planning and Community Development budget discussions with City Council would take place in late October and November. This timing puts the CDAB in a crucial advisory role, as their recommendations about program effectiveness and community priorities could influence funding decisions for the coming fiscal year. The budget discussion carried an undertone of concern about potential cuts to services contracts. Staff indicated they would be working with CDAB over the coming months on potential reductions, suggesting that the board may face difficult decisions about program priorities if funding constraints require reducing services. ## Future Agenda Items and Board Priorities Board members requested future presentations from Whatcom County Health and Community Services to discuss collaboration opportunities, funding coordination, and shared challenges. This request reflects the board's recognition that housing and homelessness issues require coordinated responses across jurisdictional boundaries. The interest in county collaboration makes strategic sense given the regional nature of housing markets and the fact that housing instability often crosses municipal boundaries. Understanding how city and county resources can be leveraged together could improve program effectiveness and reduce service gaps. Board members also expressed ongoing interest in hearing more client stories and outcomes from funded programs. This request reflects a desire to understand program impact beyond statistical measures - to hear directly about how housing assistance changes lives and strengthens community stability. ## Closing and What's Ahead The meeting adjourned with the next CDAB meeting scheduled for November 13, 2025. The relatively brief meeting covered significant ground in reviewing current program performance and setting the stage for upcoming funding decisions. The board's November meeting will likely include follow-up discussions about budget priorities and could feature the requested presentation from county representatives. The October meeting demonstrated the Community Development Advisory Board's role as a bridge between community needs and city funding decisions. Through detailed program reviews and strategic discussions about service coordination, the board provides crucial oversight of how federal housing dollars translate into local impact. As Bellingham continues grappling with housing affordability and homelessness challenges, the board's work becomes increasingly important in ensuring limited resources achieve maximum community benefit. The evening's discussions reflected both the promise and challenges of local housing policy. Programs like those operated by the YWCA and funded through HOME-ARP demonstrate clear success in preventing homelessness and providing stability for vulnerable households. Yet the scale of need, constraints of available funding, and complexity of coordination between multiple providers and funding sources underscore the ongoing challenges facing communities trying to address housing crises with limited resources. As the meeting concluded, board members and staff faced the perpetual challenge of housing policy: balancing immediate crisis response with longer-term systems change, maximizing program efficiency while maintaining service quality, and building sustainable local capacity to address housing needs that extend far beyond any single funding source or program model.

### Meeting Overview The Community Development Advisory Board met on October 9, 2025, to review housing programs, evaluate federal funding performance, and discuss budget planning. The meeting featured a presentation from YWCA on their housing services and a work session on HOME-ARP funded homeless prevention programs. ### Key Terms and Concepts **HOME-ARP:** Federal funding from the American Rescue Plan Act specifically for homeless assistance and rental housing programs administered through HUD. **CAPER:** Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report - an annual report to HUD documenting how federal community development funds were used and what outcomes were achieved. **NOFA:** Notice of Funding Availability - the formal application process used by the city to award contracts to nonprofit organizations providing housing and social services. **Homeless Prevention:** Programs that provide financial assistance and services to households at risk of losing their housing, helping them remain stably housed. **Emergency Stay Programs:** Short-term housing assistance for individuals and families in crisis situations who need immediate shelter. **Permanent Housing:** Long-term affordable housing solutions, as opposed to temporary or emergency shelter. **Flex Fund Expenses:** Flexible funding that can be used for various housing-related costs like rental assistance, deposits, utilities, or other stabilization services. ### Key People at This Meeting | Name | Role / Affiliation | |---|---| | Shannon Laws | CDAB Chair | | Alle Schene | YWCA Executive Director | | Kanoe | YWCA Communications Manager | | Samya Lutz | City Planning and Community Development Department | | Kathleen Morton | City Planning and Community Development Department | ### Background Context The Community Development Advisory Board serves as a citizen review body for the city's housing and community development programs, which are largely funded by federal HUD grants. The board is currently navigating significant budget pressures as federal funding levels remain uncertain and local housing needs continue to grow. This meeting focused on evaluating how well current programs are performing before developing new funding application processes. The YWCA presentation highlighted the organization's role as a key partner in the city's housing strategy, operating both emergency and permanent housing programs. Meanwhile, the HOME-ARP performance review represents the city's effort to ensure federal dollars are being used effectively for homeless prevention while preparing for the next round of competitive funding awards. ### What Happened — The Short Version The YWCA presented an overview of their housing programs, including emergency shelter, permanent housing properties, and a new scholarship program launching in 2026. City staff then led a work session reviewing the performance of HOME-ARP funded homeless prevention programs, sharing data on costs per intervention and types of assistance provided. Staff sought board input on structuring the next funding application process, noting it will be limited to current program providers. The CAPER public comment period closed with no comments received. Staff provided updates on the Bellis Project Phase 2 funding and upcoming budget sessions with City Council. ### What to Watch Next - Planning and Community Development budget sessions with City Council scheduled for late October/early November - CDAB will work with staff over the next few months on potential budget cuts - Next board meeting scheduled for November 13, 2025, will include representatives from Whatcom County Health and Community Services ---

**Q:** What organization presented on their housing programs at this meeting? **A:** YWCA, with Executive Director Alle Schene and Communications Manager Kanoe presenting. **Q:** What does HOME-ARP stand for? **A:** Federal funding from the American Rescue Plan Act for homeless assistance and rental housing programs. **Q:** Who chairs the Community Development Advisory Board? **A:** Shannon Laws serves as CDAB Chair. **Q:** What is a CAPER in community development terms? **A:** Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report - an annual report to HUD documenting how federal funds were used. **Q:** How many public comments were received during the CAPER public comment period? **A:** Zero public comments were received. **Q:** What new program is YWCA planning to launch in early 2026? **A:** A scholarship program for young women in local high schools. **Q:** When is the next Community Development Advisory Board meeting scheduled? **A:** Thursday, November 13, 2025. **Q:** What does NOFA stand for in the context of city funding? **A:** Notice of Funding Availability - the formal application process for awarding contracts to nonprofit organizations. **Q:** What is the focus of homeless prevention programs? **A:** Providing financial assistance and services to households at risk of losing housing to help them remain stably housed. **Q:** Which project did staff announce as fully funded for Phase 2? **A:** The Bellis Project, which will start construction next year. **Q:** What type of expenses can flex funds cover? **A:** Various housing-related costs like rental assistance, deposits, utilities, or other stabilization services. **Q:** When are the Planning and Community Development budget sessions with City Council scheduled? **A:** Late October and into November. **Q:** What organization does the board want to hear from at future meetings? **A:** Whatcom County Health and Community Services to discuss collaboration, processes, funds and challenges. **Q:** What limitation will apply to the upcoming Homeless Prevention NOFA? **A:** It will only be available to current programs already receiving this funding. **Q:** What types of housing programs does YWCA operate? **A:** Both emergency-stay programs and permanent housing properties. ---