TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager, or designee, to execute an agreement, and any necessary documents including any subsequent amendments, including any amendment to the award amount, with the County of Los Angeles to accept and expend grant funding up to $250,000, for Veteran Outreach Services, for a one-year period beginning March 1, 2022, with the option to extend for three additional one-year periods, at the discretion of the City Manager; and
Increase appropriations in the Health Fund Group in the Health and Human Services Department by $25,000, offset by grant revenues. (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. At its highest point, the City of Long Beach (City) had 1,110 veterans experiencing homelessness during the 2013 point in time count. Funding from the Initiative has reduced the number of veterans experiencing homelessness by 84 percent (935) over the last seven years.
The Homeless Veterans Initiative provides for specialized outreach to veterans experiencing chronic homelessness in Long Beach and assists with achieving housing stability. This program provides an outreach worker, a case manager, and a homeless impact coordinator to deliver dedicated support for veteran clients enrolled in the program. Program participants are provided with access to housing and resources 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 Health Department’s Multi Service Center (MSC).
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Taylor M. Anderson on February 15, 2022 and by Budget Analysis Officer Greg Sorensen on February 28, 2022.
EQUITY STATEMENT
The City has incorporated the Equity Toolkit and strategies outlined in the Everyone Home Long Beach plan into this recommendation as requested by City Council. This recommendation will assist people experiencing homelessness in Long Beach by providing critical resources and services to continue efforts to end and prevent homelessness in the Long Beach community.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on March 15, 2022, to continue providing program services without interruption.
FISCAL IMPACT
The City will receive funding in an amount not to exceed $250,000. The Health Fund Group currently has budgeted $225,000. An appropriation increase of $25,000 is requested in the Health Fund Group in the Health and Human Services Department, offset by grant revenues. 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 OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
APPROVED:
THOMAS B. MODICA
CITY MANAGER