Subject:
Title
Approval Re: Agreement between Brevard County Board of County Commissioners and Housing for Homeless, Inc. (District 2)
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Fiscal Impact:
Fiscal Year 2025/2026: There will be no fiscal impact to the General Fund. Funds are budgeted in the HOME Grant Cost Center 1472-303052 (up to $20,000).
Dept/Office:
Housing and Human Services
Requested Action:
Recommendation
It is requested that the Brevard County Board of County Commissioners authorize:
1. The County Manager to execute an agreement between the Brevard County Board of County Commissioners and Housing for Homeless, Inc., upon approval by the County Attorney and Risk Management.
2. The Housing and Human Services Department Director to execute any future amendment(s) or modification(s) upon approval by the County Attorney and Risk Management; and
3. The County Manager to execute all necessary budget change amendments (BCRs).
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Summary Explanation and Background:
Housing for Homeless (HfH) has 35 years of experience in housing Brevard’s homeless and low-income population and has been a certified Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO) since 2003. In order to receive certification as a CHDO, the Brevard County Housing and Human Services Department must qualify the agency utilizing specific criteria per the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) guidelines. Some of the requirements include: (1) organization under State law; (2) having as its purpose (in its Charter, Articles of Incorporation, By-Laws or Resolution) the provision of decent housing that is affordable to low-income households; (3) have a board of directors that is composed of one third low-income representation and no more than one third public representation; (4) have a minimum of one year of experience in serving the community where the project will take place; and, (5) must demonstrate the capacity of their key staff to carry out the proposed project.
Currently, HfH has 31 owned and 20 leased properties housing 150 residents, one third of which are veterans; 20 of the 31 properties are over 40 years old, with the two oldest properties being 71 years old.
In April of 2026, the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee (AHAC) voted 5-1 to approve funding for a new septic tank system for the following property:
6775 Grissom Parkway, Cocoa FL, 32927: A three (3) bedroom, single family home serving a low-income (<80% AMI) household.
The septic system has reached a state of critical failure, following a pattern of escalating issues that began in 2022. Despite consistent maintenance, the system has required continuous pumping to remain functional, reaching a breaking point within the past two months that necessitated two emergency pump-outs in quick succession. These interventions are no longer viable, as the drain field or tank can no longer process waste, posing a significant habitability and public health risk to the residents. Replacing the system is the only way to secure the long-term integrity of this asset and prevent a total collapse that would force the emergency relocation of the family.
Clerk to the Board Instructions:
Please return Board memo to Housing and Human Services Department. The contract is pending approval by the County Attorney and Risk Management.