TITLE
Recommendation to adopt recommendations of the Homeless Services Advisory Committee for allocation of Mayor's Fund for the Homeless funds in the total amount of $50,000 to agencies in the amounts as outlined; authorize City Manager to execute all necessary documents with these community agencies for the provision of services for the homeless; and increase appropriations in the General Fund (GP) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HE) by $50,000. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
On September 14, 1990, the City Council approved an ordinance establishing the Mayor's Fund for the Homeless (Mayor's Fund). Since January of 1992, a solicitation envelope for the Mayor's Fund has been included in the City's utility bill each year. The Mayor's fund receives an average of $25,000 in contributions annually. The current balance of the Mayor's Fund, as of March 9, 2011 was $125,113.
On March 9, 2011, the Homeless Services Advisory Committee (HSAC) held a meeting to discuss a special allocation of the Mayor's Fund. Agency representatives were in attendance to present information related to the requests. HSAC recommends that a portion of the Mayor's Fund in the amount of $50,000 be allocated as follows to six (6) community agencies for the provision of homeless services, with the balance to remain in the Mayor's Fund to accrue interest.
RECOMMENDED ALLOCATIONS:
People Assisting The Homeless (PATH): Up to $20,000
PATH's Transitional Living Center is a shelter for sixteen homeless families at the Villages at Cabrillo. The Salvation Army, operating the program since 1996, elected to return the contract to the City of Long Beach, effective April 30, 2011. In order to successfully transition this program to another provider within the Long Beach Continuum of Care, assistance with the cash match requirement is necessary. The total cash match obligation on this contract is $50,000; however, the new provider, PATH, will be provided the financial assistance for up to $20,000 cash match portion due to the short transition timeline of contract transfer.
Catholic Charities of Los Angeles, Inc.: $10,000
Catholic Charities' Homeward Bound Program will provide relocation assistance with Greyhound Bus transportation for homeless people seeking to be reconnected to their hometown social support networks.
Mental Health America (MHA), Homeless Connections Initiative: $5,000
MHA will conduct street outreach and engagement, access supportive services and remove barriers to permanent housing in an effort to reduce downtown chronic street homelessness. From July 2009 to date, the program has surveyed 345 homeless people and has reduced street homelessness by 82 persons.
Long Beach Rescue Mission: Up to $5,000
The Rescue Mission has operated the Winter Shelter Program within Long Beach for the past five years. This year, the County of Los Angeles funded the program for 150 beds; however, the shelter has been receiving more than 150 individuals for 40 out of 90 nights since the program began. The additional beds have been provided at the organization's expense and, therefore, a request was made for a Mayor's Fund contribution to offset the expenses for providing this increased service through March 15, 2011 when the program officially ended.
Food Finders: $5,000
Funding will provide support to the organization's Food Rescue Program, whereby viable food resources will be collected rather than discarded and will be distributed to homeless service organizations citywide.
St. Luke's Episcopal Church: $5,000
Funding will provide operational funds for the St. Luke's shower, Manna meals and food pantry programs. The Saturday shower program serves as an alternate site to the Multi-Service Center on weekends. Manna Meals and the food pantry programs provide an appropriate feeding site for the homeless in the downtown area.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Linda Trang on March 22, 2011 and by Budget Management Officer Victoria Bell on March 24, 2011.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action on this item is requested on April 19, 2011, as the Homeless Services Advisory Committee is requesting authorization to enter into contracts with these agencies effective immediately.
FISCAL IMPACT
Funds are allocated from donations to the Mayor's Fund Expendable Trust. An increase in appropriations in the amount of $50,000 is requested in the General Fund (GP) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HE) and is included in the recommendation. Appropriations are fully offset by revenue from the Expendable Trust. There is no impact on the General Fund, and no net impact to jobs.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
VANESSA ROMAIN
CHAIR
HOMELESS SERVICES ADVISORY COMMITTEE
RONALD R. ARIAS
DIRECTOR
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
APPROVED:
PATRICK H. WEST
CITY MANAGER