TITLE
Recommendation to adopt the recommendation of the Homeless Services Advisory Committee to allocate $3,988 of the of Mayor’s Fund for the Homeless to the Downtown Long Beach Alliance (DLBA); authorize City Manager, or designee, to execute all necessary documents with DLBA for the provision of services for the homeless; and
Increase appropriations in the General Fund (GF) in the Health and Human Services Department (HE) by $3,988. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
On September 14, 1990, the City Council approved an ordinance establishing the Mayor’s Fund for the Homeless (Mayor’s Fund). Since January 1992, a solicitation envelope for the Mayor’s Fund has been included in the City’s utility bill each year and the Mayor’s Fund receives an average of $25,000 in contributions annually. The current available balance of the Mayor’s Fund is $128,036.
On March 1, 2017, the Homeless Services Advisory Committee (HSAC) held a meeting to discuss a special allocation of the Mayor’s Fund. HSAC recommended that a portion of the Mayor’s Fund, in the amount of $3,988, be allocated to DLBA to provide a Downtown Ambassador (Ambassador) at the Winter Shelter pick-up location. The Ambassador worked closely with the Winter Shelter provider, First to Serve Outreach Ministries, to ensure fair and organized access to the bus, provide litter maintenance, and minimize impact to surrounding businesses and residences. The Ambassador has a knowledge of the population utilizing the shelter and assists with resource information (meal sheets, pocket guide, etc.), as well as referring interested individuals to the DLBA Homeless Outreach Specialist for connection to MHA/The Village, the Multi-Service Center and other providers in Downtown. The operational period for the funds is from February 1, 2017 through March 31, 2017.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Linda T. Vu on March 7, 2017 and by Revenue Management Officer Geraldine Alejo on March 9, 2017.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action on this item is requested on April 4, 2017, so the Department of Health and Human Services, Homeless Services Division, can provide payment to the DLBA in a timely manner.
FISCAL IMPACT
Funds are allocated from donations to the Mayor’s Fund Expendable Trust (EX 440). An increase in appropriations in the amount of $3,988 is requested in the General Fund (GF) in the Health and Human Services Department (HE) and is included in the recommendation. Appropriations are fully offset by revenue from the Expendable Trust. There is no local job impact associated with this recommendation.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
DALE NEAL
CHAIR
HOMELESS SERVICES ADVISORY COMMITTEE
KELLY COLOPY
DIRECTOR OF
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
APPROVED:
PATRICK H. WEST
CITY MANAGER