Subject:
Emergency Solutions Grant Specific Performance Agreement with Homeless Emergency Project, Inc. d/b/a Homeless Empowerment Program for administration of the Homelessness Prevention component of the County’s Community Homeless Assistance Program.
label
Recommended Action:
Approval and execution by the County Administrator of the Specific Performance Agreement with Homeless Emergency Project, Inc. d/b/a Homeless Empowerment Program (HEP) for administration of the Homeless Prevention component of the County’s Community Homeless Assistance Program (CHAP).
• HEP and Catholic Charities, Diocese of St. Petersburg, Inc. (CC) were both selected to receive Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) funds for the administration of CHAP.
• HEP and CC will administer the CHAP Program providing rental payments, move-in costs and deposits, and utility payments to prevent homelessness of at -risk families and individuals.
• Both HEP and CC will have access to the total pool of ESG funds on a first come, first serve basis.
• This SPA with HEP is for one (1) year, from October 1, 2020 through September 30, 2021 and is not to exceed $68,587.00 in ESG 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
2.2 Be a facilitator, convener, and purchaser of services for those in need
2.4 Support programs that seek to prevent and remedy the causes of homelessness and move individuals and families from homelessness to permanent housing
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 2019/2020 (FY20) is the funding of the Homeless and Homelessness Prevention Services Program (Program) through the Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG). HEP and CC were both selected to receive ESG funds through a competitive application process. This is the ninth (9th) round of ESG funding which HEP and CC are administering.
Background/Explanation:
In accordance with the adopted Consolidated Plan and Annual Action Plan, it is necessary to enter into Specific Performance Agreements 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 $206,284.00 in ESG funding for FY20. Funding is to be used to assist individuals and families quickly regain stability in permanent housing after experiencing a housing crisis or homelessness.
The 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 18, 2019, with applications being due February 15, 2019. 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 $68,587.00 during the term of the Agreement. Funding for this Agreement is included in the County’s FY21 Adopted Budget for Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) 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
Catholic Charities, Diocese of St. Petersburg, Inc.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Attachments:
Specific Performance Agreement
Property Location Map
2019-2020 Funding Recommendations
Resolution 19-48