Subject:
Title
First Amendment to the Emergency Solutions Grant - Coronavirus Response Program Specific Performance Agreement with Homeless Emergency Project for administration of homelessness prevention assistance through the County’s Community Housing Assistance Program.label
Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval and execution by the County Administrator of the First Amendment to the Specific Performance Agreement with Homeless Emergency Project, Inc., d/b/a Homeless Empowerment Program (HEP) for administration of homelessness prevention assistance through the County’s Community Housing Assistance Program (CHAP Program).
• On November 18, 2020, the County made $68,587.00 of funding available to HEP to provide homelessness prevention assistance to eligible program participants.
• This Amendment increases the maximum household income from 30.0% of Median Family Income (MFI) to 50.0% of MFI for households at-risk of homelessness due to the Coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19).
• The income limit for households at-risk of homelessness not due to COVID-19 remains at 30.0% of MFI.
• This Amendment removes the requirement that rents be below Fair Market Rents (FMR).
• On March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), Public Law 116-136, was signed providing supplemental funds to respond to the growing effects of COVID-19.
• CARES Act ESG funding can serve households up to 50.0% of MFI that are at-risk of homelessness due to COVID-19 and waives the requirement that rents be below FMR.
• The CARES Act also allows for prior year ESG allocations to be used to serve eligible households affected by COVID-19.
• HEP administers the CHAP Program providing rental payments, move-in costs and deposits, and utility payments to prevent homelessness of at-risk families and individuals.
• The funding amount and term of the agreement remain unchanged.
Body
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:
The First Amendment to the Specific Performance Agreement increases the maximum household income from 30.0% of MFI to 50.0% of MFI for households at-risk of homelessness due to COVID-19. The 30.0% of MFI maximum household income limit for households at-risk of homelessness for reasons other than COVID-19 remains unchanged. The amendment also removes the requirement that rents be below FMR.
The funding amount and term of the agreement remain unchanged.
Background/Explanation:
On March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), Public Law 116-136, was signed providing supplemental funds to respond to the growing effects of COVID-19.
CARES Act ESG funding can serve households at-risk of homelessness due to COVID-19 up to 50.0% of MFI and waives the requirement that rents be below FMR. The CARES Act also allows for prior year ESG allocations to be used to serve eligible households affected by COVID-19.
On July 23, 2019, the Board adopted Resolution 19-48 approving the 2019-2020 Annual Action Plan. On July 20, 2020, the Board adopted Resolution 20-68 approving a Substantial Amendment to the FY 2019-2020 Annual Action Plan.
On November 18, 2020, the County made $68,587.00 in a pool of funding available to HEP to provide homelessness prevention assistance to eligible program participants. HEP administers the CHAP Program providing rental payments, move-in costs and deposits, and utility payments to prevent homelessness of at -risk families and individuals.
Fiscal Impact:
N/A
Delegated Authority:
Authority for the County Administrator to sign this Agreement is granted under Code Section 2-62 (a) (1) and Resolution 19-48 and 20-68.
Staff Member Responsible:
Carol Stricklin, 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:
First Amendment to Specific Performance Agreement
Specific Performance Agreement, November 20, 2020
Funding Recommendations
Resolution 19-48
Resolution 20-68