TITLE
Recommendation to adopt resolution authorizing the Assistant Executive Director and the Deputy Executive Director to execute all required documents necessary to accept funding in the amount of $866,250 from the County of Los Angeles, and implement the Homeless Incentive Program, for which the Housing Authority of the County of Los Angeles is the administrator, for FY 2017 to 2018. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
On February 7, 2017, City Council voted unanimously to support Los Angeles County Measure H, the Los Angeles County Plan to Prevent and Combat Homelessness, on the March 7, 2017 ballot. Measure H subsequently passed, which established a new quarter cent sales tax in Los Angeles County for ten years to fund homeless services and prevention programs. Revenues generated by Measure H will be expended by the County Supervisors prior to June 30th of each year. The annual expenditure plan includes projects to prevent homelessness, subsidize housing, provide case management services, increase income, create a coordinated system, preserve and promote affordable housing for the homeless, and provide services to address the causes and effects of homelessness.
Measure H revenues will be awarded to public agencies to address the aforementioned homeless issues. The Housing Authority of the City of Long Beach (HACLB) is a recipient of Measure H funding and has begun taking the necessary steps, in partnership with the Housing Authority of the County of Los Angeles (HACoLA) (the administrator), to implement and administer the Homeless Incentive Program (HIP) in Long Beach. Components of the program are as follows:
• Holding Fee: Incentivizes landlords to rent housing units to homeless individuals and families by offering one month’s free rent to hold available units while applicants are referred.
• Payment of Rental Application Fees: Provide payment of all applicable application fees, up to $50.00* per adult per application. (This amount is subject to change based on California’s maximum application screening fee.)
• Move-In Assistance: Provides move-in assistance such as a security deposit and utility assistance for homeless individuals and families.
• Damage Claims: Provides additional assistance to landlords for unit repair costs beyond the security deposit.
The term of this contract shall commence upon HAC approval and shall remain in full force unless terminated by either party for the convenience of that party.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Linda T. Vu on December 18, 2017 and by Revenue Management Officer Geraldine Alejo on December 28, 2017.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
Housing Authority Commission action is requested on January 16, 2018, so that all required documents can be executed to accept HIP funding beginning FY 2017 until termination of the contract.
FISCAL IMPACT
Execution of required documents with the HACoLA will provide Measure H funding for HIP for FY 2017 to 2018 in the amount of $787,500 in incentive funding and $78,750 in administrative funding. There is no match requirement associated with this agreement. Funding for subsequent fiscal years are not yet calculated. Funds are not yet appropriated in the Housing Authority Fund (SR 151) in the Health and Human Services Department (HE). If needed, the Health and Human Services Department will return to the City Council to request an increase in appropriation, offset by Measure H revenue.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
KELLY COLOPY
ASSISTANT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
APPROVED:
PATRICK H. WEST
CITY MANAGER