TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager, or designee, to execute an agreement, and any subsequent amendments, with the Los Angeles Emergency Food and Shelter Program, to accept and expend grant funding in the amount of $9,873, for the period of January 1, 2018 through December 31, 2018. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
The Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program was created in 1983 to supplement the work of local social service organizations within the United States, both private and governmental, to help people in need of emergency assistance. This collaborative effort between the private and public sectors has disbursed over $4.4 billion in federal funds over its 35-year history. The Emergency Food and Shelter Program has community Boards that allocate federal funds to supplement the work of local agencies providing food, shelter, rental assistance, and utility assistance.
The Los Angeles Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) Local Board has provided grant funding to the City of Long Beach Health and Human Services Department (Health Department) since 2004. The Health Department utilizes these funds to expand upon existing services in the Long Beach Continuum of Care (LBCoC). The EFSP enhances the availability of motel vouchers, both of which are a critical resource given the scarcity of emergency shelter beds in the region. The Health Department is receiving funding for emergency motel vouchers in the amount of $8,293, which will provide approximately 114 bed-nights. The Health Department is also receiving $1,580 to provide food assistance, via food gift cards, to provide nutritional support to households being stabilized in motels. The total awarded amount of EFSP funds for Phase 35 is $9,873. The EFSP Phase 35 application process was released in April 2018 with the operating period of January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2018.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Linda T. Vu on July 17, 2018 and by Revenue Management Officer Geraldine Alejo on July 19, 2018.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on August 14, 2018, to allow for reimbursement of activities funded by this program.
FISCAL IMPACT
Funding will supplement programs currently offered at the Multi-Service Center, in the amount of $9,873, for the period of January 1, 2018 through December 31, 2018. Reimbursement funding will be made available through the EFSP and is budgeted in the Health Fund (SR 130) in the Health and Human Services Department (HE). The grant has no local match requirement. There is no local job impact is associated with this recommendation.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
KELLY COLOPY
DIRECTOR OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
APPROVED:
PATRICK H. WEST
CITY MANAGER