Subject:
Emergency Solutions Grant Program - Coronavirus Response 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 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 Homeless Emergency Project, Inc. d/b/a Homeless Empowerment Program (HEP) for administration of the Homelessness Prevention component of the County’s Community Homeless Assistance Program (CHAP) to respond to the Coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19).
• This Agreement provides funding for administration of the Homeless Prevention component of the County’s CHAP Program to prevent homelessness of at-risk families and individuals as a result of COVID-19.
• HEP’s Emergency Solutions Grant - Coronavirus Response Round 2 (ESG-CV2) funding will be used to provide rental payments, move-in costs and deposits, and utility payments to prevent homelessness of at-risk families and individuals, benefitting approximately 25 at-risk families and individuals.
• The Agreement is effective from June 1, 2022, to February 28, 2023, and is not to exceed $225,000.00 during the term of the Agreement.
• The County received $3,997,774.00 in ESG-CV2 funds for activities that mitigate the impacts of COVID-19 on individuals and families who are homeless, receiving homeless assistance, or are at risk of becoming homeless.
• 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
Summary:
One of the projects to be carried out under the Substantial Amendment to the County’s Annual Action Plan for Fiscal Year 2020 (FY20) is the funding of HEP to respond to COVID-19. This Agreement will provide funding for administration of CHAP to provide rental payments, move-in costs and deposits, and utility payments to prevent homelessness of approximately 25 at-risk families and individuals affected by COVID-19.
The Agreement is effective for nine (9) months, from June 1, 2022, to February 28, 2023.
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. A Land Use Restriction Agreement is not applicable to this Agreement.
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 $3,997,774.00 in ESG-CV2 funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to be used to prevent, prepare for, and respond to COVID-19.
The ESG-CV2 Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) and application cycle was posted on the Community Development website, emailed to nonprofit agencies and local municipalities, and a press release was issued by the Marketing and Communications Department. The press release was also posted on the County’s COVID-19 website.
A competitive application process began on May 11, 2020, with applications being due May 22, 2020, for CARES Act eligible funding requests. 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.
This Agreement is the second ESG-CV2 funded agreement with HEP for administering CHAP. Agreement ESGCV2HEP was executed by the County on July 2, 2021, providing up to $250,000.00 to be used to provide rental payments, move-in costs and deposits, and utility payments to prevent homelessness of at-risk families and individuals.
Fiscal Impact:
The total amount of funding for this agreement is not to exceed $225,000.00 during the term of the Agreement. Funding for this Agreement is included in the County’s FY22 Adopted Budget and the FY23 Proposed Budget for ESG-CV2 funds.
Delegated Authority:
Authority for the County Administrator to sign this Agreement is granted under Code Section 2-62 (a) (1) and Resolution 20-45.
Staff Member Responsible:
Carol Stricklin, Director, Housing and Community Development
Partners:
Homeless Emergency Project, Inc. d/b/a Homeless Empowerment Program Homeless Emergency Project, Inc. d/b/a Homeless Empowerment Program
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Attachments:
Emergency Solutions Grant Program - Coronavirus Response Specific Performance Agreement
CDBG-CV and ESG-CV Funding Recommendations
Resolution 19-48
Resolution 20-45