TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager, or designee, to execute an agreement, and all necessary documents including subcontracts, any subsequent amendments including any change to the amount of the grant, with the County of Los Angeles, to accept and expend grant funding in the amount not to exceed $225,000, for Veteran Outreach Services, for a one-year period estimated to begin in December 2020, with the option to extend the agreement for three additional one-year periods at the discretion of the City Manager. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
Since 2008, the County of Los Angeles has provided the City of Long Beach Health and Human Services Department (Health Department) with funding to administer the Veteran Outreach Services, known as the Homeless Veterans Initiative. The funding from the Homeless Veterans Initiative supports the coordination and work that has reduced the number of veterans experiencing homelessness from 618 people in 2009 to 175 in 2020, a decrease of 72 percent. These funds provide 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 impacts coordinator to ensure strong support for veteran clients. Program participants are provided with access to housing and services 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 November 6, 2020 and by Revenue Management Officer Geraldine Alejo on November 13, 2020.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on December 8, 2020, to continue to provide these services without interruption.
FISCAL IMPACT
The City will receive funding in the amount of $225,000 for a one-year period estimated to begin in December 2020. Sufficient funds are currently budgeted in the Health Fund Group in the Health and Human Services Department, offset by grant revenue. The grant has no match or in-kind service mandate. 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
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
APPROVED:
THOMAS B. MODICA
CITY MANAGER