TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager, or designee, to execute all necessary documents, subcontracts, and any subsequent amendments changing the amount of the award or extending the grant term, with the Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency Homeless Coordinating and Financing Council (HCFC) for the Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention Round 2 Program, Continuum of Care allocation, in the amount of $3,254,164 for the estimated period of July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2026, with the option to renew for one additional five-year period, at the discretion of the City Manager; and
Increase appropriations in the Health Fund Group in the Health and Human Services Department by $3,254,164. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention Round 2 (HHAP-2) funding is authorized by Assembly Bill 83, which was signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom on June 29, 2020. HHAP-2 is a $300 million block grant program designed to assist people experiencing homelessness to move into safe, stable housing, with a focus on rehousing individuals currently living in Project Roomkey (PRK) sites. This funding is intended to build on regional coordination developed through previous rounds of HCFC funding including the Homeless Emergency Aid Program, HHAP Round 1, and COVID-19 response, to reduce and end homelessness.
The City of Long Beach (City) is eligible to receive $1,055,696 through the Homeless Services Division’s Continuum of Care (CoC) and $2,198,468 through the Large Cities (LC) allocation, obtainable to cities and counties that have populations of 300,000 or more as of January 1, 2020. Total available funding for the City is $3,254,164.
On January 19, 2021, the City Council approved the recommendation to redirect the LC allocation, in the amount of $2,198,468, to the CoC allocation. Subsequently, the documentation to redirect the LC allocation to the CoC was submitted by the City and approved by HCFC. Consequently, the City will receive both awards under the CoC allocation, in the total amount of $3,254,164. Redirecting funding from the LC allocation to the CoC will facilitate administrative efficiencies by consolidating funding allocations into a single entity. The reallocation does not change the intended use of funds to address homelessness, and there will be no impact to future or current programming supported by the grant. The HCFC requires that a minimum of 8 percent of the funds be designated for homeless youth. To meet this specification, the City will designate funds to operate its Youth Shelter. The remainder of the allocation will be prioritized to fund a portion of the operational costs for Project Homekey, as well as to support the development and operation of the City’s new Navigation Center. Additionally, funding will support the hiring of three Case Managers to be stationed at City libraries to provide people experiencing homelessness with resources and linkages to services. The City will also allocate funds for proactive street outreach, strategic homelessness planning, and administrative costs.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Taylor M. Anderson on June 9, 2021 and by Budget Analysis Officer Gregory Sorensen on June 22, 2021.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on July 13, 2021, to commence the program as soon as possible and spend down the funds before the deadline set forth by the funder.
FISCAL IMPACT
The City’s total funding allocation from the HHAP-2 program will not exceed $3,254,164, for the estimated period of July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2026. An appropriation increase is requested in the amount of $3,254,164 in the Health Fund in the Health and Human Services Department, offset by grant revenues. Funding will support programs with clear pathways to connect people to resources, including permanent housing options, as well as administrative costs. The grant has no match or in-kind service requirement. This recommendation has no staffing impact beyond the normal budgeted scope of duties and is consistent with existing City Council priorities. Grant revenues will offset the cost of three full-time employees in the Homeless Services Bureau essential to meet the scope of required services outline by the grant. At the end of the grant period, the positions will be eliminated if the grant is not renewed or if additional funding is unavailable.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
KELLY COLOPY
DIRECTOR OF HEALTH
AND HUMAN SERVICES
APPROVED:
THOMAS B. MODICA
CITY MANAGER