Subject:
Community Development Block Grant - Coronavirus Response Specific Performance Agreement with Gulfcoast Legal Services for housing stability services to respond to the Coronavirus pandemic.
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Recommended Action:
Approval and execution by the County Administrator of the Specific Performance Agreement (Agreement) with Gulfcoast Legal Services, Inc., for housing stability services to respond to the Coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19).
• The County received a total of $3,883,784.00 in two (2) separate allocations of Community Development Block Grant - Coronavirus Response (CDBG-CV) funds for activities that mitigate the impacts of COVID-19 on low- and moderate-income residents.
• This Agreement provides funding for costs associated with legal services for low- and moderate-income households affected by COVID-19 to ensure housing stability.
• Gulfcoast Legal Services’ CDBG-CV funding will be used for legal services, mediation services, and housing counseling services to address COVID-19 related issues of eviction or other potential loss of tenancy for approximately 80 low- and moderate-income households.
• The Agreement is effective from April 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021 and is not to exceed $78,354.00 during the term of the Agreement.
• 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:
CDBG-CV funding for the Public Services Program was approved in both the First Substantial Amendment, approved July 21, 2020, and the Second Substantial Amendment, approved April 27, 2021, to the County’s Annual Action Plan for Fiscal Year 2020 (FY20). The Gulfcoast Legal Services Operations project to respond to COVID-19 is an eligible activity under the Public Services Program. This Agreement will provide funding for legal services, mediation services, and housing counseling services for the benefit of approximately 80 low- and moderate-income households.
The Agreement is effective for nine (9) months, from April 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021.
Background/Explanation
In accordance with the adopted Consolidated Plan and Annual Action Plan, it is necessary to enter into 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.
On March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), Public Law 116-136, was signed providing funds to respond to the growing effects of COVID-19. The County received $1,481,969.00 in CDBG-CV funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to be used to prevent, prepare for, and respond to COVID-19. The Board adopted Resolution 20-68, approving the First Substantial Amendment to the Annual Action Plan for FY20, which included funding for the CDBG-CV Public Services and CDBG-CV Public Facilities Programs.
On September 11, 2020, HUD notified the County of a second allocation of CDBG-CV funds in the amount of $2,401,815.00, for a total of $3,883,784.00 in CDBG-CV funding. The Board adopted Resolution 21-24 on April 27, 2021, approving the Second Substantial Amendment to the Annual Action Plan for FY20, which included increased funding for the CDBG-CV Public Services and CDBG-CV Public Facilities Programs.
The CDBG-CV Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) and application cycle for both allocations was posted on the Community Development website and emailed to nonprofit agencies and local municipalities.
The competitive application process for the first allocation began on May 11, 2020, with applications being due May 22, 2020. The competitive application process for the second allocation began on February 12, 2021, with applications being due February 26, 2021. 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 $78,354.00 during the term of the Agreement. Funding for this Agreement is included in the County’s FY21 Adopted Budget. The first $500,000.00 of projects identified for CDBG-CV funds are included in the FY21 Estimate. Projects identified above the $500,000.00 will need to be added to the FY21 Estimate. The funding for CDBG-CV is included in the FY22 Request budget.
Delegated Authority:
Authority for the County Administrator to sign this Agreement is granted under Code Section 2-62 (a) (1) and Resolution 20-68 and 21-24.
Staff Member Responsible:
Carol Stricklin, Director, Housing and Community Development
Partners:
Gulfcoast Legal Services, Inc.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Attachments:
Specific Performance Agreement
CDBG-CV and ESG-CV Funding Recommendations
Resolution 20-68
Resolution 21- 24