TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager to submit a grant application to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the 2008 Continuum of Care for Homeless Assistance Program; and execute all necessary documents, subgrants and any amendments changing the amount of the award or extending the grant term upon receipt of HUD funding. The grant award amount will be between $4 million and $7 million, for a period of one to five years. Funding will be made available through HUD and an appropriation will be requested in the Health Fund (SR 130) and in the Department of Health and Human Services (HE) through the Fiscal Year 09 budget process. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
In 1994, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) established the Continuum of Care (CoC) program, which rewards communities that work together to coordinate housing and supportive service programs for homeless persons. The driving force behind this effort is to encourage the development of a seamless strategy to aid individuals in the transition from homelessness to permanent housing. The CoC's primary objective is to assist homeless individuals and families to leave the streets, become stable, and achieve self-sufficiency to the maximum extent possible. The CoC system consists of five components: 1) outreach and assessment, 2) emergency shelter, 3) supportive services, 4) transitional housing, and 5) permanent housing with and without supportive services. As part of the CoC, the community must demonstrate how all available funds and programs are used to augment CoC funds. Available funds include, but are not limited to: Community Development Block Grants (CDBG), HOME funds, Section 8 federal funds, Public Housing funds, and other State, City, County, private, and foundation funds.
CoC funds have a recommended formula allocation for each jurisdiction, which is established by HUD and tied to poverty and population data. This formula is low and is not the only basis for funding requested in the application. The application to HUD is a competitive application. Upon review by HUD, the quality of the application is taken into consideration. Since 1996, the City has received an allocation over the formula amount as the Activities eligible for CoC funding are three permanent housing options (Shelter Plus Care, Permanent Housing for Persons with Disabilities, and Single Room Occupancy projects), Transitional Housing, Safe Havens, Rapid Re-Housing for Families and Supportive Services Only Projects (See Attachments 1 & 2).
On May 8, 2007, the City Council approved the Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) to be the lead applicant for the 2007 CoC for Homeless Assistance Program. The Health Department was subsequently granted $5.4 million to fund 30 renewal programs. Attachment 2 is a listing of agencies that will potentially be funded in the 2008 process as part of the City's funding allocation.
Funding from HUD is available for the 2008 Continuum of Care for Homeless Assistance Program to provide the above mentioned community services for the homeless.
City Council approval is requested for the City to apply for between $4 and $7 million per year through the 2008 Continuum of Care for Homeless Assistance Program.
These funds will renew existing programs and fund new Long Beach homeless assistance programs.
The Board of Health and Human Services. (BOH), in conjunction with the City's Homeless Services Advisory Committee (HSAC), will oversee the allocation process.
The funding priorities are based on the following HUD guidelines: 1) fund permanent housing exclusively serving chronically homeless single men and women; and 2) fund permanent housing for persons (individuals and families) with disabilities. HUD has moved away from funding new Supportive Services Only projects.
The BOH and HSAC are requesting that the Health Department be the lead grantee.
Sub-grantees will be chosen through a Request for Proposal (RFP) process conducted by the Health Department as part of the application process. As a result of this authorization, the Health Department will be responsible for compiling the application, including the proposed sub-grantees, for submission to HUD. Upon award, the Health Department will monitor the performance of all program sub-grantees to ensure compliance with grant requirements. The City's Department of Community Development, Housing Authority, will administer any Shelter Plus Care rental subsidies received.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Linda Trang on July 17, 2008 and by Budget Management Officer Victoria Bell on July 23, 2008.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on August 19, 2008 to allow the Health Department to begin the process of responding to the Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for the grant.
FISCAL IMPACT
If awarded, the grant is estimated to be between $4 and $7 million per year, for a period of 1 to 5 years. Funding will be made available through HUD and an appropriation will be requested in the Health Fund (SR 130) and in the Department of Health and Human Services (HE) through the Fiscal Year 09 budget process. There is no impact to the General Fund.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
JUD SCHOENDORF, M.D., CHAIR
BOARD OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
VANESSA ROMAIN, CHAIR
HOMELESS SERVICES ADVISORY COMMITTEE
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RONALD R. ARIAS |
APPROVED: |
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DIRECTOR |
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HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES |
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PATRICK H. WEST |
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CITY MANAGER |