ACTION REQUESTED:
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Communication from the City Manager and Community Development Director with a Request to CONCUR with the RECOMMENDATION from the HEART OF ILLINOIS HOMELESS CONTINUUM OF CARE (CONTINUUM), Regarding the 2016-2017 EMERGENCY SOLUTIONS GRANT (ESG) Program Application Process and Funded Program Components.
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BACKGROUND: The City of Peoria is considered an entitlement jurisdiction by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). As such, funds from the Federal government, through HUD are allocated to Peoria on an annual basis by the use of a formula. The City of Peoria receives three (3) formula grants - Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnership Program and the Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG). The allocation of these grants from HUD to the City is not on a competitive application process. However, the procedures in which funds are released from the City to the community are typically done through a competitive application process.
On September 24, 2013, City Council approved the recommendation from the Human Resources Commission (HRC) to transfer the review and ranking of future ESG grant application and funding allocations to the Heart of Illinois Homeless Continuum of Care (Continuum) (Council item # 13-394).
ESG regulations require the City to collaborate with the Continuum to conduct needs assessment, develop policies and procedures for service delivery and discuss funding allocation in order to provide the most comprehensive system of care for the homeless and at-risk population. Due to the required collaboration, the HRC recognized that the Continuum would be the most appropriate entity to review applications and make ESG funding recommendations to City Council.
At the September 8, 2015 Continuum’s Governing Board meeting, the following action occurred:
1) Approve the Continuum as the entity to review applications and make funding recommendations to City Council for the 2016/2017 ESG grant awards
2) Approve the program components to be funded with 2016/2017 ESG grant funds:
i. Shelter Operations
ii. Rapid Re-housing
1. Short-term and Medium-term Rental Assistance
2. Housing Relocation and Stabilization Services
iii. Homeless Management Information System (HMIS)
1. User participation Fees
For organizations recommended by the Continuum to the City Council for ESG funding, the grant agreement would be for a two year award, with an annual budget amendment to reflect the subsequent ESG grant award received by the City from HUD. The total grant agreement would begin on January 1, 2016 with an expiration date of December 31, 2017.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: $132,005 is currently available for the first year of the two year grant agreement. Per HUD regulations, no more than 60% ($79,203) can be allocated to shelter operations.
NEIGHBORHOOD CONCERNS: The Continuum is appreciative of the opportunity to collaborate with the City and work with service providers to determine how best to allocate funds for the needed homeless services.
IMPACT IF APPROVED: The City will release the 2016/2017 ESG applications for Continuum distribution. The Continuum will form an ad-hoc committee to receive applications. The Continuum Governing Board will review the applications and make funding recommendations to City Council for final approval.
IMPACT IF DENIED: The City will not be able to release the 2016/2017 ESG applications and an additions would need to be investigated regarding the application review and funding allocation recommendations.
ALTERNATIVES: None identified at this time.
EEO CERTIFICATION NUMBER: All ESG funded organizations will be required to have a valid EEO certification number at time of grant agreement execution.
WHICH OF THE GOALS IDENTIFIED IN THE COUNCIL’S 2014 - 2029 STRATEGIC PLAN DOES THIS RECOMMENDATION ADVANCE?
1. Financially Sound City Government, Effective City Organization
2. Choose an item.
3. Choose an item.
WHICH CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTOR(S) FROM THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN DOES THIS RECOMMENDATION IMPLEMENT?
1. Have an efficient government.
2. Support sustainability.
3. Choose an item.
DEPARTMENT: Community Development