During a recent government meeting, city officials discussed the allocation of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds aimed at assisting households affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The meeting highlighted a significant reduction in the recommended funding for the Durham Housing Authority (DHA) from an initial estimate of $305,000 to $280,000. This adjustment was attributed to the exclusion of administrative overhead costs, as the funds would solely cover past due balances related to COVID-19.

Deputy City Manager Bertha Wimbush clarified that the funds would be directed to 172 households currently on payment plans, with a total outstanding balance of approximately $690,740.23. However, concerns were raised regarding the potential for these families to face eviction shortly after receiving assistance, as there are no restrictions in place to prevent this outcome. Council members expressed apprehension that the financial aid might not be sufficient to prevent future evictions, especially for families already struggling to meet their obligations.

DHA's Chief Operating Officer, Ashanti Brown, provided insights into the agency's efforts to support families during the pandemic, including the implementation of a \"fresh start program\" that aimed to assist families in navigating their financial difficulties without resorting to legal action. Brown noted that DHA has not pursued eviction actions since the onset of the pandemic, emphasizing their commitment to keeping families housed.

The council members also discussed the importance of clear communication with residents about the assistance being provided and the implications of entering into repayment agreements. They sought assurances that families willing to participate in these agreements would not face immediate eviction, even if they missed payments.

As the meeting concluded, the council agreed to work on language that would clarify the conditions under which eviction proceedings would be paused for families engaging with DHA. The discussions underscored the ongoing challenges faced by many households in the community and the need for continued support and effective communication to ensure that financial assistance translates into long-term housing stability.