REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
April 21, 2016
FROM: JENNIFER K. CLARK, Director
Development and Resource Management Department
BY: JOSE TRUJILLO, Manager
Housing and Community Development Division
Development and Resource Management Department
SUBJECT
Title
Approve a service contract agreement for Homeless Outreach and Assessment in the amount of $420,000 with WestCare California, Inc.
Body
RECOMMENDATIONS
Staff Recommends the City Council:
1) Approve the Agreement with WestCare California, Inc. and three subcontracted community partners (Turning Point of Central California, Poverello House, and Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission) to award funding in the amount of $420,000; and
2) Authorize the City Manager to execute the Agreement
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
On February 5, 2016, the City of Fresno (“City”) announced the availability of funding to assist in ending veteran and chronic homelessness. The Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) was published for funding to assist in Homeless Outreach and Assessment of Homeless needs. The NOFA was published as a one-time funding opportunity in the amount of $420,000 for twelve (12) to twenty-four (24) months of service. The City requested proposals for street outreach, assessment and case management provided to unsheltered individuals and families who are on the street. WestCare California, Inc. (“WestCare”) submitted a responsive application. No other applications were received.
BACKGROUND
On December 17, 2015, the City identified $420,000 in available funds to support case workers and/or outreach specialists to work alongside the Fresno Police Department’s Homeless Task Force and in coordination with agencies involved with the MAP Point at the Poverello House.
The proposal process began on February 5, 2016 and ended on Monday, February 22, 2016. The City requested only interested, qualified agencies submit proposals. The City preferred the submission of one coordinated proposal from relevant stakeholders.
Candidates were required to demonstrate an ability to provide outreach and case management expertise as follows:
1. In coordination with the Homeless Task Force, both generally and specifically during the morning hours in the area surrounding Santa Clara and F streets;
2. In response to requests for street outreach and assessments generated from the City of Fresno and the MAP Point at the Poverello House;
3. Throughout the City of Fresno; and
4. Availability during evening and weekend hours
While outreach and assessment is the main focus of these funds, a successful applicant should also be able to demonstrate the ability to provide additional assistance and case management to individuals in need, including but not limited to, document preparation, transportation, and housing searches.
On February 22, 2016 the City received one collaborative application from WestCare in conjunction with Turning Point of Central California, Poverello House, and the Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission. In collaboration with the Fresno Madera Continuum of Care, WestCare is requesting the funding in order to provide outreach, identification, assessment, and case management services to homeless veterans and other chronically homeless persons and their families who are unsheltered.
WestCare’s application was responsive to the selection criteria and requirements outlined in the NOFA. The project partners have demonstrated their ability to perform, are active members of the Fresno Madera Continuum of Care, and have many years of experience in working with and housing homeless individuals and their families and collaborating with each other in this effort. Their partnership has the support of other service agencies and reaches far into the homeless community. Additionally, WestCare uses the “coordinated entry system,” a countywide system shared throughout service agencies in Fresno County.
This project proposes to work alongside the Fresno Police Department’s Homeless Task Force and respond to requests for street outreach and assessments generated within the City and coordinate with MAP Point at Poverello House and other housing and support services to identify housing needs and achieve housing stability.
The project term is twelve (12) months and the goal is to conduct outreach and assessment to 1,300 veterans and chronically homeless persons who are unsheltered. Services will include appropriate case management, transportation, availability during weekend and evening hours, timely outreach to individuals in need, and ability to provide a visible presence throughout the City when doing this outreach and assessment work.
It is important to note that participation by homeless individuals and families is voluntary. It is often the case that those in need require more than one visit by an expert before eventually accepting assistance of any kind.
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
WestCare California, Inc. was the sole applicant and is located within the City of Fresno.
FISCAL IMPACT
Funds were identified during the Budget Update and approved by the City Council on December 17, 2015. Therefore, no additional budget action is required with this item.
Attachments:
Attachment A - WestCare Budgetary Proposal
Attachment B - WestCare Contract Agreement
Attachment C - NOFA Published on February 5, 2016
Attachment D - WestCare California, Inc. Response to NOFA