TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager, or designee, to execute all necessary documents, subcontracts, and any subsequent amendments, including amending the terms, or changing the amount of the award, with the Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency (BCSH), Homeless Coordinating and Financing Council (HCFC), for the COVID-19 Emergency Homelessness Funding, Large Cities allocation, to accept and expend grant funding in the amount of $764,902, for the estimated period of April 15, 2020 through June 30, 2020, with the option to extend the agreement for an additional six months, at the discretion of the City Manager;
Authorize City Manager, or designee, to execute all necessary documents, subcontracts, and any subsequent amendments, including amending the terms, or changing the amount of the award, with the Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency (BCSH), Homeless Coordinating and Financing Council (HCFC), for the COVID-19 Emergency Homelessness Funding, Continuum of Care allocation, to accept and expend grant funding in the amount of $369,106, for the estimated period of April 15, 2020 through June 30, 2020, with the option to extend the agreement for an additional six (6) months, at the discretion of the City Manager; and
Increase appropriations in the Health Fund Group in the Health and Human Services Department by $1,134,008, offset by grant revenues. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
On March 10, 2020, the City Council adopted a Resolution to ratify the City Manager’s Proclamation of Local Emergency and ratify the Long Beach Health Officer’s Declaration of Local Health Emergency to strengthen the City’s preparedness and ability to respond to COVID-19.
The City Council’s ratification (1) further ensures legal immunities for emergency actions taken by the City; (2) facilitates requests by the City and other local governments for State and Federal assistance under the State and Federal Disaster Assistance Programs; and (3) allows the City Manager, or authorized official, to take preventive measures necessary to protect and preserve health and safety.
COVID-19 Emergency Homelessness Funding is authorized by SB 89, which was signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom on March 17, 2020. This funding is a portion of a $100 million block grant program designed to provide direct assistance to cities, counties and Continuums of Care (CoC) in one-time funds to provide immediate emergency assistance to protect the health and safety of homeless populations and reduce the spread of the COVID-19 outbreak.
The City of Long Beach is eligible to receive $369,106 through the Health Department’s Homeless Services Division’s CoC and $764,902 through the Large Cities allocation, available to cities and counties that have populations over 300,000. Total available funding for the City is $1,134,008.
The HCFC requires that the City use funding to invest in COVID-19 prevention and containment efforts for temporary shelters, including, but not limited to, medically-indicated services and supplies (such as testing and handwashing stations), and enhancements to existing shelter facilities, with the intent to allow for proper social distancing and isolation to reduce the spread of COVID-19 among people experiencing homelessness.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Taylor M. Anderson on March 27, 2020 and by Budget Analysis Officer Julissa José-Murray on March 30, 2020.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on April 14, 2020, to respond to COVID-19, begin the program as soon as possible, and spend down the funds before the deadline set forth by the funder.
FISCAL IMPACT
The City is eligible to receive a total funding allocation of $1,134,008 from the HCFC for COVID-19 Emergency Homelessness Funding. Of this amount, $369,106 is awarded through CoC and $764,902 through the Large Cities allocation for the estimated period of April 15, 2020 through June 30, 2020. The HCFC requires that the City use the funds to invest in COVID-19 prevention and containment efforts for temporary shelters and enhancements to existing shelter facilities, and to allow for proper social distancing and isolation to reduce the spread of COVID-19 among people experiencing homelessness. An increase in appropriations in the amount of $1,134,008 in the Health Fund Group in the Health and Human Services Department is requested, offset by grant revenues. There is no City match of funds required and no impact to the General Fund. 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.
Respectfully Submitted,
KELLY COLOPY
DIRECTOR OF HEALTH
AND HUMAN SERVICES
APPROVED:
THOMAS B. MODICA
ACTING CITY MANAGER