TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager to execute all necessary agreements and any subsequent amendments that change the terms or increase grant amounts with the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority for Emergency Shelter Services and Hotel/Motel Vouchers for an amount not to exceed $180,000 for a period of one year, and with the Los Angeles Emergency Food and Shelter Program for an amount not to exceed $6,365 for a period of one year; and
Increase appropriations in the Health Fund (SR 130) in the Department of Health and Human Services (HE) by $186,365. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) has partnered with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) to provide emergency shelter services and hoteVmotel vouchers under the Single Allocation Program. DPSS has $750,000 for eligible homeless families on Temporary Aid to Needy Families (TANF). The Board of Supervisors approves funding allocations for the Single Allocation Program, which is administered by LAHSA.
Through this program, CalWORKs families are eligible to receive emergency shelter services and hotel/motel vouchers when: I ) an adult on the CalWORKs case is receiving or has exhausted the time limit for CalWORKs cash assistance, and 2) that adult is either employed or enrolled in the CalWORKs Greater Avenues for Independence (GAIN) Program.
LAHSA has awarded a grant of $1 80,000 to the City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) for a period of one year. These funds are critical to stabilize the housing crisis for homeless families in Long Beach. The Multi-Service Center (MSC) will issue these funds to homeless families to assist in temporary housing placement until permanent housing is found. The MSC provides services to an average of 15 homeless families per day and will utilize this resource to enhance progress with goals towards self-sufficiency.
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 $2 billion in federal funds during its 24-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 and utility assistance.
The Los Angeles Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) Local Board has awarded the City of Long Beach DHHS a Phase 24 grant of $6,365 in motel and food vouchers. These motel and food vouchers will augment resources for homeless persons sewed at the Long Beach MSC and assist in housing families until emergency, transitional or permanent shelter beds are available. This is the City of Long Beach's first year in receiving EFSP funds.
This matter was reviewed by Senior Deputy City Attorney Donna Gwin and Budget Management Officer David Wodynski on February 8, 2006.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on February 21, 2006 to allow reimbursement for activities funded by this project, which commenced on January 1, 2006.
FISCAL IMPACT
Funding is equal to $186,365 for a period of one year. These funds do not require a match of City resources and would supplement programs currently offered at the Multi-Service Center. Funding will be made available through the LAHSA and the Emergency Food and Shelter Program and will be included in the Health Fund (SR 130) in the Department of Health and Human Services (HE). Current appropriations do not exist to expend these grant funds; therefore, an appropriation increase is included in the recommendation.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
RONALD R. ARIAS, DIRECTOR |
APPROVED: |
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES |
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GERALD R. MILLER |
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CITY MANGER |