Subject:
Community Development Block Grant Specific Performance Agreement with Florida Dream Center Inc. for operating expenses of the Adopt-a-Block program.
Recommended Action:
Approval and execution by the County Administrator of the Specific Performance Agreement (Agreement) with Florida Dream Center Inc. for operating expenses of the Adopt-a-Block program.
• 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 CDBG funding for costs associated with operating expenses including a portion of program delivery salaries and fringe benefits for the Adopt-a-Block program, a social services program, benefitting homeless and low- and moderate-income persons.
• The Adopt-a-Block program provides services to address immediate household needs, including but not limited to, food, clothing and hygiene items; conducting assessments to determine complex needs such as ID assistance, SNAP, education, reduced childcare, mental health, substance abuse, Medicaid benefits, Medicare benefits, Veteran Affairs benefits, job counseling/training, and medical/dental benefits; and transportation to appointments, third party resources, healthcare or legal services.
• The Agreement is effective for one (1) year, from October 1, 2020 to September 30, 2021 and is not to exceed $50,102.00 in CDBG funds.
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 Florida Dream Center for operating expenses. This Agreement will provide funding for program delivery salaries and fringe benefits for the Adopt-a-Block program, a social services program.
The Agreement is effective for one (1) year, from October 1, 2020 to September 30, 2021.
Background/Explanation:
In accordance with the adopted Consolidated Plan and Annual Action Plan, it is necessary to enter into a Specific Performance 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 FY21. 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 $50,102.00 during the term of the Agreement. Funding for this Agreement is included in the County’s FY21 Adopted 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:
Florida Dream Center Inc.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Attachments:
Specific Performance Agreement
Project Location Map
2020-2021 CDBG and ESG Funding Recommendations
Resolution 20-69