TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager, or designee, to execute an agreement, and all necessary documents, subcontracts, and any amendments changing the amount of the award or extending the grant term, with the Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency Homeless Coordinating and Financing Council, for the Homeless Emergency Aid Program, Large Cities allocation, to receive and expend grant funding in the amount of $2,869,833, for the estimated period of November 1, 2018 through October 31, 2021;
Authorize City Manager, or designee, to execute an agreement, and all necessary documents, subcontracts, and any amendments changing the amount of the award or extending the grant term, with the Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency Homeless Coordinating and Financing Council for the Homeless Emergency Aid Program, Continuum of Care allocation, to receive and expend grant funding in the amount of $9,387,420, for the estimated period of November 1, 2018 through October 31, 2021; and
Increase appropriations in the Health Fund (SR 130) in the Health and Human Services Department (HE) by $12,257,253. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
On September 11, 2018, the City Council adopted a Resolution declaring a shelter crisis pursuant to SB 850 (Chapter 48, Statutes of 2018 and Government Code § 8698.2) and suspending applicable provisions of local law, including those contained in the City of Long Beach's (City) zoning ordinances and regulations, allowing the City to apply for Homeless Emergency Aid Program (HEAP) funds. HEAP funding is authorized by SB 850, which was signed into law by Governor Brown in June 2018. HEAP is a $500 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 individuals experiencing homelessness.
The City is eligible to receive $9,387,420 through the Homeless Services Division's CoC and $2,869,833 through the Large Cities allocation, obtainable to cities and counties that have populations over 330,000. Total available funding for the City is $12,257,253.
The HCFC requires that a minimum of 5 percent of funds be designated for homeless youth. To determine how the remainder of the funding should be used, the City has participated in several collaborative processes. Based on community and stakeholder feedback, it was determined that the CoC funding allocation will be designated for a year-round shelter, administrative costs, prevention, and van transportation services. Large Cities funding is designated for the purchase of a storage facility, prevention, job programming, safe parking, and administrative costs. This information was communicated to the City Council via a memorandum dated October 3, 2018 (Attachment A).
To secure funding as soon as possible, the City participated in the early application process during Round 1. It is anticipated that the City will receive the distribution of funds within 60 days.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Linda T. Vu on October 23, 2018 and by Revenue Management Officer Geraldine Alejo on October 25, 2018.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on November 13,2018, to commence the program as soon as possible and spend down the funds before the deadline set forth by the funder.
FISCAL IMPACT
The City's total funding allocation from the Homeless Emergency Aid Program (HEAP) is $12,257,253, for the estimated period of November 1, 2018 through October 31, 2021. An appropriations increase is requested in the amount of $12,257,253 in the Health Fund (SR 130) in the Health and Human Services Department (HE), offset by grant revenues. Funding will support program and administrative costs. The grant has no match or in-kind requirement. There is no local job impact associated with this recommendation.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
KELLY COLOPY
DIRECTOR OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
APPROVED:
PATRICK H. WEST
CITY MANAGER