REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: JENNIFER CLARK, Director
Planning and Development Department
PHIL SKEI, Assistant Director
Planning and Development Department
BY: JILLIAN GAYTAN, Sr Management Analyst
Homeless Services Division
SUBJECT
Title
Approve agreement with Mental Health Systems to operate the Fresno HOME as a low-barrier emergency homeless shelter for a total amount of $1,449,183.89.
Body
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the City Council approve the Homeless Housing, Assistance, and Prevention (HHAP) agreement with Mental Health Systems (MHS) to operate Fresno HOME as an emergency shelter and authorize the City Manager to sign all implementing agreements.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The City of Fresno (City) is seeking to award funding for emergency shelter operations and service coordination as part of the HHAP program requirements. Staff issued a Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) on May 9, 2023 and received two responses, both were determined to be qualified and responsive to the NOFA. Based on the evaluation completed by a selection panel, staff recommends awarding Mental Health Systems a one-year agreement totaling $1,449,183.89 for shelter operations and coordination of services at Fresno HOME.
BACKGROUND
On June 24, 2021, City Council approved an Emergency Solutions-Coronavirus (ESG-CV) agreement with MHS to operate Fresno HOME as a low-barrier emergency homeless shelter through September 30, 2022 in an amount of $1,620,339.50. The Fresno HOME (formerly The Hacienda) provides 50 additional emergency shelter beds and supportive services. Mental Health System, Inc. provides Triage Center Emergency Shelter services, including 24-hour emergency shelter that offers low-barrier access to dormitory or private accommodations with on-site, housing-focused services including diversion pre-screening, case management, housing search and placement, connection to community resources, and stabilization of health issues. The Triage Center provides a safe, supportive environment where residents are provided with wraparound services to obtain permanent housing by rebuilding their support network and addressing the issues that led to homelessness.
On September 29, 2022, City Council approved an agreement with MHS to continue to operate the Fresno HOME as a low-barrier emergency homeless shelter in the total amount of $981,908.68 using Homeless Housing Assistance and Prevention (HHAP).
On May 9, 2023, staff issued a NOFA soliciting proposals to provide triage center and/or emergency shelter operations at non-City-owned facilities. The request was to fund small facilities with no more than 25 rooms for a one (1) year Contract with one (1) possible one (1) year extension. MHS responded by the deadline, and staff determined the proposal to be complete and responsive. If approved, MHS would utilize HHAP funds to continue to provide small-facility, non-congregate emergency shelter beds to house homeless individuals within the City of Fresno.
The proposed HHAP agreement with Mental Health Services would result in continued homeless shelter operations at the Fresno HOME, providing 50 emergency shelter beds through June 30, 2024.
ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS
This item is not a project as defined by the California Environmental Quality Act.
LOCAL PREFERENCE
Local preference is not applicable because of the use of state funds.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact to the City’s general fund because this agreement will be funded through the City’s Homeless Housing, Assistance, and Prevention HHAP allocations from the State of California.
Attachment:
-Agreement with Mental Health Systems