REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
January 14, 2016
FROM: JENNIFER K. CLARK, Director
Development and Resource Management Department
THRU: JOSE TRUJILLO, Housing Division Manager
Development and Resource Management Department
BY: THANH NGUYEN, Project Manager
Housing and Community Development Division, D.A.R.M.
SUBJECT
Title
16-010 Actions pertaining to approval of funds for the Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) Program for street outreach, homeless prevention, emergency shelter, rapid rehousing, and administrative costs for the following:
1. The Marjaree Mason Center in the amount of $194,750;
2. The Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission in the amount of $82,000;
3. The Fresno Housing Authority in the amount of $26,100 for HMIS;
4. The Poverello House in the amount of $15,000;
5. The City of Fresno for administrative costs in the amount of $35,000; and
6. WestCare California Inc., in the amount of $207,000.
Body
RECOMMENDATIONS
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Award for Program Year 2015 Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) Program funding to the Marjaree Mason Center in the amount of $194,750; Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission (EOC) in the amount of $82,000; Fresno Housing Authority in the amount of $26,100 for HMIS; Poverello House in the amount of $15,000; City of Fresno administrative costs in the amount of $35,000; and to WestCare, California in the amount of $207,000.
2. Approve authorization for the City Manager to execute sub-recipients’ agreements, and all necessary documents, subject to City Attorney approval as to form.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
On October 15, 2015 the City of Fresno announced a Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) Program funding to solicit the City for proposals to provide street outreach & emergency shelter, homelessness prevention assistance to households who would otherwise become homeless, assistance to rapidly rehouse persons who are homeless, and related grant administration by sub-recipients (up to 2.5% of award). The total funding announced was $559,850.
On December 9, 2015, the Housing and Community Development Commission (HCDC) approved the Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) Program funding for street outreach, homeless prevention, emergency shelter, rapid rehousing, and administration costs.
BACKGROUND
On October 15, 2015 the City of Fresno announced a Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) Program for the period January 1, 2016 through December 31, 2016; the purpose of the NOFA was to solicit proposals to provide street outreach & emergency shelter, homelessness prevention assistance to households who would otherwise become homeless, assistance to rapidly rehouse persons who are homeless, and related grant administration by sub-recipients (up to 2.5% of award). The total funding announced was $559,850.
Responses to the NOFA were due Friday, November 6, 2015. To be eligible, respondent agencies must be members of the Fresno Madera Continuum of Care (FMCoC) and participants of the Coordinated Access System, per guidelines from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). On November 6, 2015 the City received proposals from the Marjaree Mason Center, the Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission, the Poverello House, and WestCare, California. On November 12, 2015 a preliminary review of proposal applications was conducted by City staff, the HUD Technical Assistance (TA) provider, the Fresno Housing Authority, and County of Fresno Social Services.
The review committee recommended the following allocations based upon the available funding, the priorities of the FMCOC, prior track record of agencies, and demonstrated need:
1. Marjaree Mason Center (MMC) for $194,750 to provide both emergency shelter and rapid re-housing/stabilization services. MMC is a domestic violence service and shelter provider. Through the ESG funding agreement, the MMC Fresno Safe House will serve 500 unduplicated homeless women and children within the 12-month agreement period. The services provided will include emergency housing and supportive services, including food, clothing, case management, counseling, legal assistance, parenting, life skills, support groups, and linkages to housing and job training agencies and programs. Additionally, MMC will provide rapid rehousing, housing relocation and stabilization services that will support 20 homeless domestic violence victims and families.
2. Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission (EOC) for $82,000 to provide emergency shelter, rapid rehousing/stabilization, and street outreach. EOC is a nonprofit Community Action agency providing a variety of social services to the Fresno community. Through the ESG funding agreement, the EOC will provide services to 53 runaway and homeless youth, ages 12-18, with emergency shelter services, assist 55 unsheltered homeless individuals through outreach with immediate support and intervention, assist nine households in rapid rehousing services, and six households for the homeless prevention services, during the 12-month agreement period. The target population to be served includes individuals and families experiencing homelessness, those who are at risk of becoming homeless, unaccompanied youth under the age of 18, and youth aging out of foster care. Funding will be used to support outreach efforts, case management, rental assistance, wrap-around case management, and housing stabilization services.
3. WestCare California, Inc. (as the lead agency) for $207,000 to provide homeless prevention and rapid rehousing/stabilization services. WestCare is a nonprofit organization that has provided housing services for the City’s homeless population for over 40 years. For the ESG funding agreement, WestCare is the lead agency in a consortium of nonprofit partners including Turning Point of Central California and the Poverello House. Through the funding agreement, the consortium will provide 30 individuals with emergency shelter services at Bridgepoint, 38 individuals with rental assistance, and 57 individuals with case management services, along with outreach activities twice per week.
4. The Poverello House (POV) for $15,000 to provide street outreach and emergency shelter.
The POV is a nonprofit organization that has provided services to needy families and the homeless population since 1973. Through the ESG funding agreement, the POV will provide services including hotel/motel vouchers for homeless families, homeless veterans, and homeless youth aging out of the foster care system. The referrals to the voucher program come through Map Point at the POV or any other Multi-Access Program locations. The program will service 60 homeless families with the hotel/motel vouchers, along with case management.
5. The Fresno Housing Authority (FHA) for $26,100 to provide the required Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) data collection and reporting. FHA is the local HMIS provider for all of the federal homeless assistance programs. The HMIS is a local information system used to collect level data and data on the provision of housing, and services to homeless individuals and families and persons at risk of homelessness. The FHA system complies with HUD’s data collection, management, and reporting standards.
ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS
In accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines, Section 15378, these items do not qualify as a project and are therefore exempt from CEQA requirements. In addition, the proposed services are not subject to an environmental review under the provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act, as they are specifically for supportive services that include, but are not limited to: housing; permanent housing placement; short-term payments for rent; utility costs; and assistance in gaining access to local, state, and federal government housing benefits and services.
LOCAL PREFERENCE
Local preference is not applicable based on conditions of federal funding.
FISCAL IMPACT
The funds were allocated in the 2015 Annual Action Plan for the referenced activities. An Appropriations Ordinance is necessary to carry the funds over into the current fiscal year.
Attachments:
Exhibit A - Marjaree Mason Center ESG PY15 Contract Agreement
Exhibit B - Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission (EOC) ESG PY15 Contract Agreement
Exhibit C - WestCare, California ESG PY15 Contract Agreement
Exhibit D - Poverello House ESG PY15 Contract Agreement