Subject:
Community Development Block Grant Specific Performance and Land Use Restriction Agreement with Homeless Emergency Project for homeless emergency shelter facility improvements.
Recommended Action:
Approval and execution by the County Administrator of the Specific Performance and Land Use Restriction Agreement (Agreement) with Homeless Emergency Project, Inc. d/b/a Homeless Empowerment Program (HEP), for Community Development Block Grant funded facility improvements.
• Pinellas County received $2,519,210.00 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to improve neighborhoods, provide decent housing, and create new economic opportunities, with a special focus on serving low- and moderate-income persons.
• This Agreement provides funding for costs associated with facility improvements at HEP’s emergency shelter, serving approximately 800 homeless individuals.
• CDBG funding will be used for interior and exterior improvements to complete a multi-year facility improvement project including the replacement of windows, interior and exterior doors, lighting, flooring, plumbing, smoke detectors, and a/c vents; construction of new and remodel of existing bathrooms; exterior painting, stucco and masonry, and replacement of drainage gutters and awnings.
• The Agreement is effective for one (1) year, from October 1, 2020 to September 30, 2021 and is not to exceed $106,408.00 in CDBG funds.
• The use of the property is restricted to serving the specified population type until October 1, 2029.
Strategic Plan:
Ensure Public Health, Safety, and Welfare
2.1 Provide planning, coordination, prevention, and protective services to ensure a safe and secure community
Foster Continual Economic Growth and Vitality
4.2 Invest in communities that need the most
Deliver First Class Services to the Public and Our Customers
5.1 Maximize partner relationships and public outreach
Summary:
One of the projects to be carried out under the County’s Annual Action Plan for Fiscal Year 2020/2021 (FY21) is the funding of HEP for facility improvements. This Agreement will provide funding for interior and exterior improvements to complete a multi-year facility improvement project at HEP’s emergency shelter located at 1200 North Betty Lane, Clearwater, Florida 33755.
The Agreement is effective for one (1) year, from October 1, 2020 to September 30, 2021. Use of the property is restricted to serving the homeless until October 1, 2029.
Background/Explanation:
In accordance with the adopted Consolidated Plan and Annual Action Plan, it is necessary to enter into a Specific Performance and Land Use Restriction Agreement with qualified agencies to allow for certain activities stated in the Annual Action Plan to be contractually delegated and specify the obligation of the agencies receiving funds in meeting Federal, State and County requirements.
Pinellas County received $2,519,210.00 in CDBG funding for FY20. Funding is to be used to improve neighborhoods, provide decent housing, and create new economic opportunities, with a special focus on serving low- and moderate-income persons.
The CDBG Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) and application cycle was advertised in the Tampa Bay Times, The Weekly Challenger, La Gaceta and Tre Magazine, posted on the Community Development website, and emailed to nonprofit agencies and local municipalities.
The competitive application process began on January 13, 2020, with applications being due February 14, 2020. Applications were reviewed for funding eligibility and scored by Community Development Division staff. Funding recommendations are based on staff ranking of eligible activities and eligible expenses.
Fiscal Impact:
The total amount of funding for this agreement is not to exceed $106,408.00 during the term of the Agreement. Funding for this Agreement is included in the County’s FY21 Tentative Budget for CDBG funds.
Delegated Authority:
Authority for the County Administrator to sign this Agreement is granted under Code Section 2-62 (a) (1).
Staff Member Responsible:
Brian Lowack, Interim Director, Housing and Community Development
Partners:
Homeless Emergency Project, Inc. d/b/a Homeless Empowerment Program
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Attachments:
Specific Performance and Land Use Restriction Agreement
Project Location Map
2020-2021 CDBG and ESG Funding Recommendations
Resolution 20-69