TITLE:
title
EXECUTION OF A SUBRECIPIENT AGREEMENT WITH THE COUNTY OF ORANGE TO ACCEPT GRANT FUNDS FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE BRIDGE SHELTER
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DEPARTMENT: CITY MANAGER’S OFFICE
PRESENTED BY: NATE ROBBINS, NEIGHBORHOOD IMPROVEMENT MANAGER
CONTACT INFORMATION: NATE ROBBINS, NEIGHBORHOOD IMPROVEMENT MANAGER, (714) 754-5274
RECOMMENDATION:
recommendation
1. Authorize the City Manager and City Clerk to execute the Subrecipient Agreement between the City of Costa Mesa and the County of Orange to receive grant funds in the amount of $100,000 to support shelter and support services for people experiencing homelessness.
2. Upon approval, authorize revenue and expense allocations in the amount of $100,000 respectively, in County of Orange grant funds to support shelter and support services for people experiencing homelessness.
3. Authorize the City Manager and City Clerk to execute a Professional Services Agreement with Trellis International in a not to exceed amount of $70,000.
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BACKGROUND:
On March 11, 2021, the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) was passed by Congress and signed into law. Enacted as a component of ARPA, the State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) Program made available $350 billion in emergency funding to state, local, territorial, and Tribal governments for revenue replacement, among other things, to provide government services. As part of this allocation process, the County of Orange (County) was awarded a total of $616.8 million in SLFRF funds.
On May 24, 2022, the Orange County Board of Supervisors authorized the allocation of $5 million in SLFRF funds to be used to provide grant moneys to organizations within the Fifth District to support temporary shelter and support services for people experiencing homelessness.
On August 1, 2022, the City of Costa Mesa (City) submitted a letter to Orange County Board of Supervisors, Supervisor Bartlett and the County of Orange requesting $100,000 in SLFRF funds to purchase furniture, fixtures, and equipment for the Bridge Shelter, and augmentation of supportive services for Shelter guests participating in the Innovative Street Outreach and Life Skills Training Program.
ANALYSIS:
Following notification from the County regarding the availability of funding for emergency shelters located in the Fifth District, the City collaborated with the Bridge Shelter operator, Mercy House; the commercial kitchen operator, Bracken’s Kitchen; and a supportive services provider, Trellis, to develop a plan for said funds. Below is a summary of items and activities included in the City’s request for funding and approved by the County.
Shelter Facility and Operational Enhancements ($30,000):
Facility and operational enhancements include:
• Shelter supplies for storage management
• Computer lab equipment and copier providing staff the ability to scan documents into HMIS for housing placement services and coordination
• Recreational games and outdoor activities, including supplies needed to implement a community garden
• Tablets to improve the level of client data collected and reported into HMIS
• Kitchen supplies, equipment, and appliances needed by Bracken’s Kitchen to more efficiently operate the Bridge Shelter Commercial Kitchen
Shelter Services Augmentations in Employment/Housing ($70,000):
On December 18, 2020, the City released RFP-21-05 for Homeless Prevention and Street Outreach Services, and Food Assistance Programs. On March 16, 2021, City Council approved a professional services agreement with Trellis ($90,382) for Innovative Street Outreach and Life Skills Training. This program, also known as the Back to Work Program, is a transitional employment program serving both sheltered and unsheltered homeless people. Individuals enrolled in the Back to Work Program are part of the Community Impact Team (CIT), which undertakes various community-based projects throughout Costa Mesa. The Back to Work Program is in need of additional funding for projects that include ongoing programmatic supplies (e.g. handy tools, trash bags, etc.), the provision of participant incentives proven to bolster self-esteem and hope for the future, as well as staff costs to administer the program. Staff is recommending that City Council authorize the City Manager and City Clerk to execute a professional services agreement with Trellis using the County of Orange grant funds to continue the administration of the Back to Work Program.
ALTERNATIVES:
Should the City Council choose not to authorize the execution of the Subrecipient Agreement with the County, the $100,000 in SLFRF funds will be reallocated to another shelter located in the Fifth District.
FISCAL REVIEW:
Approval of this item will authorize revenue and expense allocations in the amount of $100,000 respectively, for County of Orange grant funds to benefit the Bridge Shelter.
LEGAL REVIEW:
The City Attorney’s Office has reviewed this report and approved as to form.
CITY COUNCIL GOALS AND PRIORITIES:
This item supports the following City Council Goal:
• Strengthen the Public's Safety and Improve the Quality of Life
CONCLUSION:
Staff recommends the City Council:
1. Authorize the City Manager and City Clerk to execute the Subrecipient Agreement between the City of Costa Mesa and the County of Orange to receive grant funds in the amount of $100,000 to support temporary shelter and support services for people experiencing homelessness.
2. Upon approval, authorize revenue and expense allocations in the amount of $100,000 respectively, in County of Orange grant funds to support temporary shelter and support services for people experiencing homelessness.
3. Authorize the City Manager and City Clerk to execute a Professional Services Agreement with Trellis International in a not to exceed amount of $70,000.