TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager, or designee, to execute an agreement, and any necessary documents and subsequent amendments, including amending the amount of the award, with the County of Los Angeles, to receive and expend $1,531,465, offset by grant revenues from the California Department of Social Services, to address the need to house people experiencing homelessness and to prevent the spread of COVID-19, through June 30, 2023, with the option to renew for one additional one-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 $1,531,465, offset by grant revenues. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
On September 15, 2021, the Los Angeles County Board (County) approved the Chief Executive Officer to allocate portions of the 2021-2022 California Department of Social Services (CDSS) one-time funding to the City of Long Beach (City) to address the need to house people experiencing homelessness (PEH) and to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Since April 2020, the City has been operating a Project Roomkey (PRK) site through master leasing of a 44-room hotel. Throughout the pandemic, the City continues to ensure that non-congregate shelter is an available and accessible option to the most vulnerable persons in need. This CDSS funding opportunity will allow the City to continue to provide PRK for PEH through January 2022, permitting people in need to remain in non-congregate housing while working toward permanent housing. Further, this grant will be utilized for additional motel vouchers, intensive case management services, and rapid re-housing resources.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Taylor M. Anderson on October 13, 2021 and by Budget Analysis Officer Greg Sorensen on October 19, 2021.
EQUITY STATEMENT
The City has incorporated the Equity Toolkit and strategies outlined in the Everyone Home Long Beach plan into this recommendation as requested by City Council. This recommendation will assist people experiencing homelessness in Long Beach by providing critical resources to keep them safe and sheltered, particularly for those affected by the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on November 9, 2021, to continue providing critical services and expend funds before the deadline set forth by the funder.
FISCAL IMPACT
The City’s total funding allocation from the CDSS program will not exceed $1,531,465, for the estimated period of one year. An appropriation increase is requested in the amount of $1,531,465 in the Health Fund in the Health and Human Services Department, offset by grant revenues. Funding will support the PRK program, ensuring that the most vulnerable persons can remain in non-congregate housing while working toward permanent housing, and providing other critical resources for PEH. 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.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
BODY
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Respectfully Submitted,
KELLY COLOPY
DIRECTOR OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
APPROVED:
THOMAS B. MODICA
CITY MANAGER