REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: JENNIFER CLARK, Director
Planning and Development Department
PHIL SKEI, Assistant Director
Planning and Development Department
BY: JILLIAN GAYTAN, Senior Management Analyst
Homeless Services Division
SUBJECT
Title
Approve a Service Agreement with Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission (FEOC) to operate eight (8) Youth Bridge Housing beds located at 1046 T Street, Fresno CA 93721 (District 3), through June 30, 2026, in the total amount of $395,332.00 funded with Homeless Housing, Assistance, and Prevention (HHAP) Youth Set-Aside funds.
Body
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the City Council approve the Homeless Housing Assistance and Prevention (HHAP) Youth Set-Aside agreement with Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission (FEOC) to provide homeless youth bridge housing services in the amount of $395,332.00 for twenty (20) months and authorize the City Manager, or designee, to sign all implementing agreements.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The City of Fresno (City) is seeking to award funding for homeless youth services as part of the HHAP program requirements. Staff issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) on June 5, 2024, and received five proposals for seven homeless youth services activities. Five proposals were determined to be qualified and responsive to the RFQ. Based on the evaluation completed by a selection committee, staff recommends awarding FEOC $395,332.00 for eight (8) bridge housing beds at 1046 T Street, Fresno 93721, under a twenty (20) month agreement.
BACKGROUND
In September 2021, the City was awarded HHAP funding in the amount of $2,911,171 from the California Homeless Coordinating and Financing Council to address homelessness. On January 18, 2023, The City received a total of $7,524,257.15 in a third round of HHAP allocations, and on July 31, 2023 received an initial disbursement of $5,632,712.55 in a fourth round of HHAP allocations. Health and Safety Code section 50218.6(e) requires that a program recipient use at least 10 percent of its allocation for services for homeless youth populations, which are defined as unaccompanied youth who are between 12 and 24 years old and experiencing homelessness. Funds spent under this provision must still also comply with the eligible use requirements of Health and Safety Code section 50220.7(e).
Staff issued a RFQ on June 5, 2024, requesting proposals for services to provide homeless youth services as authorized under Health and Safety Code (HSC) § 50220.7(e) through the Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention (HHAP) program. The City received five proposals for seven homeless youth services activates by the July 26, 2024, deadline.
On August 1, 2024, an evaluation committee that was comprised of representatives from the Planning and Development Department’s Homeless Services Division, Housing Production Division and Housing Finance Division, as well as Poverello House began evaluating the proposals. The committee reviewed the proposals based on the ability to meet the stated service requirements, conformance with the terms and conditions of the RFQ, past performance and experience, and other related information provided. The committed completed the evaluation of all agreements on August 20, 2024. The committee determined FEOC’s proposal to be qualified and most responsive to provide homeless youth bridge housing services as outlined in the RFQ for a total amount of $395,332.00. Based on this evaluation staff recommends awarding FEOC to operate a homeless youth bridge housing program at 1046 T Street, Fresno 93721.
Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission: Homeless Youth Bridge Housing
FEOC’s Sanctuary and Support Services will operate eight (8) bridge beds in three (3) units for youth ages 18 - 24 experiencing homelessness. Each apartment has a working kitchen with appliances, bathroom, heating, and air conditioning. Apartments will be furnished with beds and couches, as well as décor. Once youth enter the program, the goal will be to exit them into their own housing situation within six (6) months.
Homeless youth will be referred to the program through the Coordinated Entry System, which evaluates the youth’s need for housing. During intake, housing staff will review services, program rules and expectations. The clients will meet their assigned case manager who will assist with any additional service needs (i.e. housing searches, counseling, education, mental health linkages). Youth not currently employed or receiving any income will be encouraged to look for employment and referred to employment and training services, located on site during various times of the day. Youth already employed will be encouraged to save a portion of their income for future housing needs when they exit the project.
The goal at exit is for youth to become self-sufficient and enter safe, stable, permanent housing. After exit, case management staff will provide aftercare support for 30 days and will follow up in the event the youth need assistance with issues that arise. Referrals and linkages can still be provided to the youth at this time.
The recommended agreement with FEOC totals $395,332.00 for homeless youth bridge housing.
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
The agreement will be funded through the City’s HHAP allocations.
Attachment:
Service Agreement with FEOC for Youth Bridge Housing