TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager, or designee, to execute all necessary documents and any subsequent amendments, with the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority, to accept and expend Measure H funding in an approximate amount up to $2,863,945, for the period of October 1, 2017 through June 30, 2018, to implement Homeless Initiative strategies adopted by the County Board of Supervisors to combat homelessness in Los Angeles County; and
Increase appropriations in the Health Fund (SR 130) in the Health and Human Services Department (HE) by $2,863,945, offset by Measure H revenue. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
In May 2017, the Measure H Revenue Committee for Los Angeles County completed its recommendations for the distribution of Measure H funds for FY 2017-2018. The funds were aligned under 19 strategies to address homelessness; 6 of the 19 strategies are to be managed by the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA), the Continuum of Care (CoC) for Los Angeles County, and the City of Los Angeles combined. The Revenue Committee’s recommendations were presented and approved by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors on June 13, 2017. During this process, the three CoCs (Long Beach, Pasadena and Glendale) that are independent of LAHSA, negotiated for a direct carve-out of resources specific to activities provided by these CoCs. Services that will be carved out specifically for Long Beach include homeless prevention for single adults, rapid rehousing, housing location and navigation through the coordinated entry system, outreach services, and enhancing the emergency shelter system. These initiatives are necessary to enhance the support services within the local system of care.
The Long Beach CoC (Homeless Services Division) will receive approximately $1,874,318 as a direct allocation for the strategies. This amount will be granted for the first year of funding, based on a nine-month contract term because Measure H tax collection begins October 1, 2017, the second quarter of the County’s fiscal year. Subsequent funding years will be based on 12-month contracting terms. A portion of these funds will be used to subcontract to local non-profit organizations, the rest will be administered by the Homeless Services Division. In addition, when it is time to build a year-round shelter, $322,000 in one-time capital funding and $667,627 in on-going funds to provide services will become available.This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Linda T. Vu on August 21, 2017 and by Revenue Management Officer Geraldine Alejo on August 28, 2017.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on September 12, 2017, to commence the program on October 1, 2017.
FISCAL IMPACT
The City’s total allocation of Measure H funding is estimated up to $2,863,945 for the period of October 1, 2017 through June 30, 2018. An appropriation increase in the amount of $2,863,945 is requested in the Health Fund (SR 130) in the Health and Human Services Department (HE) for FY 18 program costs, offset by reimbursement revenue. Subsequent year appropriations will be requested through the annual budget process. The Homeless Services Division plans to hire eight new full-time employees. Three Case Managers, two Outreach Workers, one Public Health Professional, and two Community Program Specialists will provide outreach services, case management, clinical and administrative support. No match or in-kind service mandate is required.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
KELLY COLOPY
DIRECTOR
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
APPROVED:
PATRICK H. WEST
CITY MANAGER