On May 3, the Urbana Home Consortium, which includes the City of Champaign, the City of Urbana and Champaign County, received notification of a special allocation of funding through HUD’s HOME Investment Partnerships Program-American Rescue Plan (HOME ARP). This one-time funding of $2.9 million will create a significant opportunity to meet the housing and service needs of Champaign County’s most vulnerable populations. HOME-ARP funds can be used for four eligible activities including the production or preservation of affordable housing; tenant-based rental assistance; supportive services, including homeless prevention services and housing counseling; and the purchase or development of non-congregate shelter for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Later this year, HUD will issue an implementing notice providing guidance on HOME-ARP and funding will be available in the fall/winter.