TITLE
Recommendation to adopt resolution redeclaring a shelter crisis; suspending applicable provisions of local law, including those contained in the City's zoning ordinances and regulations; and, authorizing the operation of a winter shelter, for the period of December 1, 2018 through March 31, 2019, inclusive; and
Authorize City Manager, or designee, to execute a Lease, including any necessary documents and amendments, with the United States Veterans Initiative (Lessee), for approximately 7,318 rentable square feet of space at 5571 Orange Avenue for use as a winter shelter. (District 8)
DISCUSSION
What is the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA)
LAHSA is a joint powers agency between the City of Los Angeles and Los Angeles County
established to oversee homeless services county-wide. With the creation of LAHSA, the
Winter Shelter Program has become a coordinated effort to increase the number of
temporary emergency shelter beds available in Los Angeles County during the period of
time in which the region usually experiences its most inclement weather: December 1stMarch
31st, inclusive. As such, the County places winter shelters in each of the five
Supervisorial Districts. For Los Angeles County Supervisorial District 4, the location
identified is at 5571 Orange Avenue (Site).
The County of Los Angeles and the City of Los Angeles provide funds to LAHSA to
operate the Winter Shelter Program. As the administrative authority, LAHSA is
responsible for selecting the winter shelter providers through a competitive application
process, contracting with providers and overseeing the winter shelter operations. Subject
to City Council approval, the Site shall be operated by LAHSA's selected provider for the
2018-2019 program year, the United States Veterans Initiative.
The winter shelter provider is required to furnish the following services: intake, nightly
shelter for individuals, vouchers, showers, and two daily meals. Overnight staffing shall
further provide security and case management services that link participants to additional
programs aimed at establishing improved health and economic sufficiency.
What is the Goal of the Winter Shelter Program and Who Does it Serve?
The Winter Shelter Program, managed by LAHSA, provides a significant benefit for the
City of Long Beach (City). Historically, the majority of individuals and families entering
the program originate from within Long Beach, referred by the City-operated Multi-Service
Center (MSC) and the Police Department. The Winter Shelter Program provides
increased engagement opportunities with individuals experiencing homelessness to
encourage enrollment into case management services, employment and housing
programs through the MSC, and further maximizes the effectiveness of those services to
reduce visible homelessness in the City.
The role of the Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is to
coordinate with LAHSA for the location of a shelter site and access points while being a
liaison between the City and LAHSA. The City may expand the hours of operation of the
MSC to accommodate the volume of clients accessing services, including transportation
from the MSC to and from the Site.
On September 11, 2018, the City Council adopted Resolution RES-18-0135 declaring a
shelter crisis, pursuant to California Government Code Sections 8698.1 and 8698.2,
which allows local jurisdictions to declare a shelter crisis. In making such a declaration,
State law enables local jurisdictions to suspend local laws and regulations "to the extent
that strict compliance would in any way prevent, hinder, or delay the mitigation of the
effects of the shelter crisis" for any City-owned, leased or maintained property. The Site
requires this local declaration to ensure the winter shelter opens in a timely manner.
As customary, in an effort to facilitate the use of 5571 Orange Avenue for the winter
shelter as a City-leased property, a Lease between the property owner, the City of Long
Beach and the United States Veterans Initiative has been negotiated by the Department
of Economic and Property Development. The proposed Lease will contain the following
major terms and provisions:
• Lessor: City of Long Beach, a municipal corporation .
• Lessee: The United States Veterans Initiative.
• Leased Approximately 7,318 rentable square feet of industrial space at 5571
Premises: Orange Avenue.
• Use: The Leased Premises shall be used as a temporary winter shelter.
• Term: The Lease shall commence December 1, 2018 and shall terminate on
March 31, 2019, inclusive.
• Rent: The City will not charge rent.
• Utilities and The Lessee shall be responsible for reimbursement to Lessor for
Incidentals: approximately $13,750 for utilities and incidental costs for the Leased
Premises.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Linda T. Vu and by Budget Manager
Grace Yoon on November 9, 2018.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on November 20, 2018, to adopt the Resolution
redeclaring a shelter crisis and to execute the Lease to ensure the winter shelter is
operational by December 1, 2018.
FISCAL IMPACT
The Lessor will not charge the Lessee any rent for the use of this space; however, the
Lessee shall be responsible for reimbursement to Lessor of approximately $13,750 for
utilities and incidental costs for the Leased Premises. These reimbursements will be
deposited in the General Fund (GF) in the Economic Development Department (ED), to
offset the utilities and incidental costs for the Leased Premises. There is no local job
impact associated with this recommendation.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
BODY
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Respectfully Submitted,
KELLY COLOPY
DIRECTOR
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
JOHN KEISLER
DIRECTOR OF ECONOMIC AND DEVELOPMENT
APPROVED:
PATRICK H. WEST
CITY MANAGER