TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager, or designee, to execute an agreement, and all necessary documents and any subsequent amendments including amending the terms or changing the grant amount, with the County of Los Angeles, to accept and expend grant funding in an amount not to exceed $250,000, for Veteran Outreach Services, for the period of August 2, 2019 to August 1, 2020, with the option to extend the agreement for three additional one-year periods, at the discretion of the City Manager. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
Since 2008, the County of Los Angeles has provided the Health and Human Services Department (Health Department) with funding to administer the Homeless Veterans Initiative (Initiative), now known as Veteran Outreach Services. These funds provide for specialized outreach to chronically homeless veterans currently experiencing homelessness in Long Beach. The Initiative expands specialized outreach and assists veterans experiencing homelessness with achieving housing stability. This program provides outreach workers, a case manager, and a homeless impacts coordinator to ensure strong support for veteran clients. Program participants are provided with access to housing and services that include assessments and linkages to stabilization services such as healthcare services, housing placement, and housing retention. Eligibility for program participation is subject to verification of veteran status. The Health Department operates the program through the its Multi-Service Center (MSC).
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Taylor M. Anderson on August 28, 2019 and by Revenue Management Officer Geraldine Alejo on September 11, 2019.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on October 1, 2019, to continue to provide these services without interruption. The Health Department has been providing services as prescribed in the agreement since August 2, 2019, and will be able to recover costs once the contract is approved.
FISCAL IMPACT
The City will receive funding in an amount not to exceed $250,000 for the period of August 2, 2019 to August 1, 2020. Sufficient funds are currently budgeted in the Health Fund Group in the Health and Human Services Department, offset by grant revenue. No match or in-kind service mandate is required. This recommendation has no staffing impact beyond the normal budgeted scope of duties and is consistent with existing City Council priorities. There is no local job impact associated with this recommendation.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
KELLY COLOPY
DIRECTOR
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
APPROVED:
PATRICK H. WEST
CITY MANAGER