ACTION REQUESTED:
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Communication from the City Manager and Community Development Director with a Request to APPROVE the Recommendation from the HOME FOR ALL CONTINUUM OF CARE for the Funding Allocation of the Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) COVID FUNDING to Specified Agencies, in the Amount of $481,789.00.
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BACKGROUND: Beginning in 2016 the Heart of Illinois Homeless Continuum of Care Governing Board collaborated with the City of Peoria to review allocations and make funding recommendations for the Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) (Council item # 15-317). This change was due to changes in HUD regulations that required collaboration in making funding decisions.
The City received $535,321 in ESG-COVID funds. These funds must be utilized for programs to benefit individuals experiencing homelessness in the City of Peoria. The City reserves $53,532 (10%) in administrative fees to cover staff time to administer and oversee the grants. The remaining $481,789 for allocation to agencies for eligible homeless service programs.
The Home For All Continuum of Care released a letter of intent to currently funded homeless providers regarding the additional COVID funding to prevent, prepare for, or respond to COVID-19 for individuals experiencing homelessness.
A subcommittee of the Governing Board met to discuss overall priorities for this funding prior to discussing allocation to agencies. The subcommittee decided to prioritize a large percentage of funding to rapid rehousing to reduce the number of individuals experiencing homelessness. This will help to minimize the opportunity of exposure to COVID-19 compared to living in a congregate shelter or living on the street.
The subcommittee choose to fund smaller percentages for homeless prevention to assist individuals at the lowest income bracket from becoming homeless due to COVID-19 and to continue to support shelter operations which have seen an increase in costs in order to maintain health screenings and ...
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