TITLE
Recommendation to adopt the recommendation of the Homeless Services Advisory Committee to allocate funding in the amount of $15,000 from the Mayor’s Fund for the Homeless to Urban Community Outreach;
Authorize City Manager, or designee, to execute all necessary documents with Urban Community Outreach, for the provision of services for people experiencing homelessness; and
Increase appropriations in the General Fund (GF) in the Health and Human Services Department (HE) by $15,000. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
On September 14, 1990, the City Council approved an Ordinance establishing the Mayor’s Fund for the Homeless (Mayor’s Fund). Since January of 1992, a solicitation envelope for the Mayor’s Fund has been included in the City’s utility bill each year and the Mayor’s Fund receives an average of $25,000 in contributions annually. The available balance of the Mayor’s Fund as of December 12, 2017 was $129,208.
On November 1, 2017, the Homeless Services Advisory Committee (HSAC) held a meeting to discuss a special allocation of the Mayor’s Fund (Exhibit A - HSAC meeting minutes). HSAC recommends that a portion of the Mayor’s Fund, in the amount of $15,000 be allocated to Urban Community Outreach for the provision of homeless services, with the balance to remain in the Mayor’s Fund to accrue interest. Urban Community Outreach will provide relocation assistance for homeless individuals or families seeking to be reconnected with their home town social support networks as well as provide short-term motel voucher assistance in the absence of shelter availability. The total fund allocation will be used exclusively for transportation costs related to relocation assistance and motel voucher expenditures.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Linda T. Vu on December 18, 2017 and by Revenue Management Officer Geraldine Alejo on December 27, 2017.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on January 16, 2018, so the Department of Health and Human Services, Homeless Services Division may provide payment to Urban Community Outreach in a timely manner.
FISCAL IMPACT
Funds are allocated from donations to the Mayor’s Fund Expendable Trust (EX 440). An increase in appropriations in the amount of $15,000 in the General Fund (GF) in the Health and Human Services Department (HE) is requested. Appropriations are fully offset by revenue from the Expendable Trust. There is no local job impact associated with this recommendation.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
DALE NEAL
CHAIR
HOMELESS SERVICES ADVISORY COMMITTEE
KELLY COLOPY
DIRECTOR OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
APPROVED:
PATRICK H. WEST
CITY MANAGER