TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager, or designee, to execute all necessary agreements, and any subsequent amendments, with Volunteers of America Los Angeles, to accept and expend Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention Round 1 funding, in an amount not to exceed $600,000, to provide job readiness and employment opportunities for people at-risk of and currently experiencing homelessness, for the period of August 1, 2021 through July 31, 2022, with the option to renew for an additional one-year period, at the discretion of the City Manager. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
City Council approval is requested to enter into a subcontract agreement with Volunteers of America Los Angeles (VOALA) to provide job readiness and employment opportunities for people at-risk of and currently experiencing homelessness through the Long Beach Homeless Employment Program.
On July 31, 2019, Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB 101 into law, authorizing the Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention Round 1 (HHAP R-1) program. HHAP R-1 is a block grant program that is designed to provide jurisdictions with one-time grant funds to support regional coordination and expand or develop local capacity to address their immediate homelessness challenges. On March 30, 2020, the City of Long Beach (City) received an allocation of HHAP R-1 Large City funds in the amount of $4,650,605 from the Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency Homeless Coordinating and Financing Council (HCFC). The Health Department will be using this allocation to support strategic planning and infrastructure development of the Coordinated Entry System and Homeless Management Information System, rental assistance and rapid rehousing services, outreach and coordination, as well as prevention and diversion services, including workforce development services.
On April 16, 2021, the Health and Human Services Department released Request for Proposals (RFP) No. HSD-2021-002 to select an agency to provide job readiness and employment opportunities for people at-risk of and currently experiencing homelessness to provide them with base earnings and equip them with the skills needed to secure competitive employment through the Long Beach Homeless Employment Program. The key services that will be provided through the program include assessments, life skills trainings, vocational training referrals, and networking with employers to identify jobs and make placements. Program participants will also receive post placement follow-up services for one year.
The RFP was advertised through the Homeless Services Division website, and an email outreach to the Long Beach Continuum of Care (CoC) general membership was also sent. A total of three proposals were submitted by the May 28, 2021 deadline. The proposal review process was conducted by an Ad Hoc Proposal Committee comprised of representatives from the Homeless Services Advisory Committee. The Committee found VOALA as the most qualified agency to provide job readiness and employment connection services. Total funding for this agency recommended for HHAP R-1 monies is approximately $600,000.
This matter was reviewed by Purchasing Agent Michelle Wilson on July 7, 2021, Deputy City Attorney Taylor M. Anderson on July 8, 2021, and by Budget Analysis Officer Greg Sorensen on July 12, 2021.
EQUITY STATEMENT
The City has incorporated the Equity Toolkit and strategies outlined in the Everyone Home Long Beach plan into this recommendation, as requested by the City Council, by providing employment services to this vulnerable population. This recommendation will assist people experiencing homelessness in Long Beach by providing job readiness and employment connection services.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on August 3, 2021, to commence the program as soon as possible.
FISCAL IMPACT
The total contract amount for Volunteers of America Los Angeles will not exceed $600,000, for the one-year period of August 1, 2021 through July 31, 2022. The contract will be funded by HHAP R-1 funding. HHAP R-1 funds to support the agreement are currently appropriated in the Health Fund Group in the Health and Human Services Department. No match or in-kind service mandate is required. This recommendation has no staffing impact beyond the normal budgeted scope of duties and is consistent with existing City Council priorities. The contract with VOALA will provide continued support to our local economy by employing one full-time employee.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
KELLY COLOPY
DIRECTOR
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
APPROVED:
THOMAS B. MODICA
CITY MANAGER