TITLE
Recommendation to authorize the addition of Lutheran Social Services of Southern California to the list of agencies eligible to apply for annual renewal in the 2021 Continuum of Care for the Homeless Assistance Program funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development; and
Authorize City Manager, or designee, to execute all documents necessary to enter into the agreement, including any subsequent amendments, with Lutheran Social Services of Southern California to provide permanent supportive housing services for the City of Long Beach Continuum of Care for Homeless Assistance Program, in an annual amount not to exceed $450,000 for a one-year period. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
The City of Long Beach (City) has applied for Continuum of Care (CoC) grant 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. In addition, the CoC grant funds administrative costs related to systemwide planning, Unified Funding Agency, and Multi-Service Center activities.
On April 6, 2021, the City Council authorized the Health and Human Services Department (Health Department) to submit a renewal grant application to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), for the 2021 CoC for Homeless Assistance Program. The City Council also authorized the Health Department to execute an agreement with HUD to accept and expend grant funding in an estimated amount between $10,000,000 and $12,000,000, for the period of July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023.
The April 6, 2021, Council Letter included Attachment A, which listed the agencies eligible to apply for annual renewal in the 2021 CoC Program process as part of the Health Department’s funding application. 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. Additional agencies could apply, if they met the eligibility thresholds outlined in the Health Department’s Request for Proposals (RFP) process. As such, Lutheran Social Services of Southern California (LSSSC) applied for renewal funding for the CoC Program which begins on July 1, 2022. Therefore, the City Council’s approval is requested to add LSSSC to the list of agencies eligible to apply for annual renewal in the 2021 CoC Program. The amended list of agencies is attached.
City Council approval is also requested to execute an agreement with LSSSC to provide permanent supportive housing services for the City’s Continuum of Care for Homeless Assistance Program, in an annual amount not to exceed $450,000.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Taylor M. Anderson on March 14, 2022, Purchasing Agent Michelle Wilson on March 17, 2022, and by Budget Analysis Officer Greg Sorensen on March 21, 2022.
EQUITY STATEMENT
The City has incorporated the Equity Toolkit into this recommendation as requested by City Council on April 21, 2020. This recommendation will provide assistance to people experiencing homelessness in the City by providing services and resources to reduce and end homelessness in Long Beach.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on April 5, 2022, to add LSSC the list of agencies eligible to apply for annual renewal in the 2021 Continuum of Care for the Homeless Assistance Program and to ensure the contract with LSSSC is in place expeditiously.
FISCAL IMPACT
The total contract agreement with LSSSC will not exceed $450,000 for a one-year period, offset by grant revenue. The contract will be funded by the 2021 CoC Homeless Assistance Program grant award from HUD in the amount up to $12 million. 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 the City Council with a request for appropriation, offset by grant revenues. Sub-recipient contracts with 11 nonprofit agencies support 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:
THOMAS B. MODICA
CITY MANAGER