TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager, or designee, to submit a renewal grant application, through the Long Beach Health and Human Services Department, to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), for the 2019 Continuum of Care for Homeless Assistance Program; and
Authorize City Manager, or designee, to execute an agreement, and all necessary documents, subgrants and any amendments changing the amount of the award or extending the grant term, with HUD to accept and expend grant funding in an estimated amount between $8,000,000 and $10,000,000, for the period of July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2021. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
The City of Long Beach (City) has applied for Continuum of Care (CoC) funding since 1995 to fund programs and services to quickly stabilize individuals and families experiencing homelessness. The CoC grant funds the following components: (1.) permanent housing, (2.) supportive services, (3.) transitional housing, and (4.) the Homeless Management Information System.
The CoC strategy must align with the City’s Consolidated Plan and Housing Element components in relation to housing and services for special needs populations. Examples of leveraged community resources include, but are not limited to, Community Development Block Grants (CDBG), the Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8), Veterans funding, and other State, City, County, private, and foundation funds. The local CoC system, combined with all its nonprofit partner agencies, currently provides approximately $2 million in matching funds to promote a seamless service delivery model that has been recognized both regionally and nationally.
On June 12, 2018, the City Council approved the Health and Human Services Department (Health Department) to be the lead recipient agency for the 2018 CoC award. The Health Department was awarded funding for 19 renewal projects, one new project, one planning grant, and one Unified Funded Agency (UFA) grant for a total of $8.47 million. The UFA status allows CoCs flexibility to better meet local community needs.
The City’s Homeless Services Advisory Committee (HSAC) oversees the grant renewal/allocation process, in collaboration with the CoC General Membership and Board, comprised of diverse community stakeholders. Attached is a listing of agencies that were awarded in the 2018 grant application process and are eligible to apply for annual renewal in the 2019 process as part of the City’s funding application. Additional agencies may apply in 2019 if they meet the eligibility thresholds outlined in the Request for Proposals (RFP) process, anticipated for late summer/early fall of this year.
The Health Department is the lead recipient agency for 2018 and is recommending that the sub-recipient agencies awarded through the 2018 funding process remain eligible for the 2019 application submission to HUD. Upon award notification from HUD, the Health Department will monitor the performance of all program sub-recipients to ensure compliance with Federal and local grant requirements, and that performance standards and local objectives are met. The City’s Housing Authority will administer the CoC Program Rental Assistance projects.
For the 2019 Continuum of Care Homeless Assistance Program, the Health Department anticipates receiving between $8 million to $10 million from HUD. A City-match is required and is at $387,000 based upon the prior year award. The City will meet this match obligation through the operation of the Multi-Service Center.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Taylor M. Anderson on May 29, 2019 and by Revenue Management Officer Geraldine Alejo on May 31, 2019.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on June 18, 2019 to allow the Health Department to begin the process of responding to the Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for the 2019 CoC Competitive Process.
FISCAL IMPACT
The City anticipates receiving between $8 million and $10 million from HUD for the 2019 CoC for Homeless Assistance Program. Appropriation in the amount of $9.6 million is currently budgeted in the Health Fund Group in the Health and Human Services Department. If the grant is awarded and exceeds current appropriation, the Health Department will return to City Council with a request for appropriation, offset by grant revenues. A City match of approximately $387,000 will be required, which the City will meet through the operation of the Multi-Service Center. Multi-Service Center operations are budgeted in the General Fund Group in the Health and Human Services Department. Currently, 19 City employees facilitate the operations of the Multi-Service Center and 11 City employees provide grant management and oversight services. Sub-recipient contracts with 11 nonprofit agencies support other jobs in Long Beach. 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
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
APPROVED:
PATRICK H. WEST
CITY MANAGER