TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager, or designee, to execute all necessary agreements, all sub-grant agreements and any subsequent amendments for the Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) Program allocation of $441,138 to fund three projects for the period of October 1, 2013 through September 30, 2014, with an option to extend the ESG Program for an additional operational period ending on September 30, 2015. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
The Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) is a formula-based grant allocation from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), accepted by the City as part of the City Consolidated Plan, which is managed by the Development Services Department, Neighborhood Services Bureau. The Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) Homeless Services Division manages this component of the Consolidated Plan, in addition to the HOME move-in deposit assistance program, as leveraged resources to the Continuum of Care system.
As the lead entity for the local Continuum of Care for homeless services, the Health Department released a Request for Proposals on June 24, 2013 to allocate $264,000 in funding for the Emergency Shelter component, and $144,053 for the Rapid Rehousing component. An Ad Hoc Proposal Review Committee comprised of three Homeless Services Advisory Committee members conducted the proposal review process.
Total funding for the nonprofit agencies recommended for ESG program monies amounts to $408,053 (Attachment A). Funding is allocated for one year, October 1, 2013 through September 30, 2014, with an option to extend the ESG Program for an additional operational period ending on September 30, 2015. Regulations that govern ESG have always required a dollar-for-dollar match for service activities, which is provided by the funded agencies. However, effective this year, federal regulations now require a match of administrative funds as well. The administrative funds for Health Department staff to manage the ESG program, which must be matched by the City, are $33,085. The City match requirement will be met using existing General Fund dollars currently allocated for the Homeless Services Division to manage this program.This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Linda Vu on August 14, 2013 and by Budget Management Officer Victoria Bell on August 23, 2013.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on September 10, 2013 in order to begin contracting for the FY 13 ESG, which begins on October 1, 2013.
FISCAL IMPACT
The Emergency Solutions Grant funding is included in the FY 14 Proposed Budget in the Community Development Grants Fund (SR 150) in the Development Services Department (DV). The City match requirement of $33,085 for administrative funds is provided through the existing General Fund budget for the Homeless Services Division. There is no local job impact associated with the recommended action.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
SUSAN PRICE,
ACTING DIRECTOR,
HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
APPROVED:
PATRICK H. WEST
CITY MANAGER