DATE: October 5, 2021
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBMITTED BY: Delfino E. Neira, Director, Department of Social Services
SUBJECT: Resolution Approving an Application for Emergency Solutions Grant Funding
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
TITLE
1. Adopt Resolution approving the County of Fresno, through the Department of Social Services, to submit an application on behalf of the Fresno Madera Continuum of Care for 2021 Emergency Solutions Grant funding administered by the California Department of Housing and Community Development; and
2. Approve and authorize the Vice-Chairman to execute the Resolution as required by the California Department of Housing and Community Development.
REPORT
There is no additional Net County Cost associated with the recommended actions. Approval of the recommended actions will allow the Department of Social Services, on behalf of the Fresno Madera Continuum of Care (FMCoC), to apply for 2021 Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) funding administered by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) and the Vice-Chairman to sign the resolution so the Chairman does not self-certify. This item is countywide.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION(S):
Should your Board elect not to approve the recommended actions, the FMCoC would forfeit $314,682 in ESG funding available to assist persons experiencing homelessness in the community.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no increase in Net County Cost associated with the recommended actions. If the recommended resolution is approved, the Department will apply for ESG funding and HCD will contract with the County to make $314,682 available, with 2.7%, or $8,603, for administrative costs. Although $314,682 was allocated to the FMCoC, $629,364 is listed in the proposed resolution as recommended by HCD, should additional funds become available. Funding will be available for 24 months from the date the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) signs a funding agreement with the State of California. Sufficient appropriations and estimated revenues are included in the Department’s Org 5610 FY 2021-22 Adopted Budget and will be included in subsequent budget requests.
DISCUSSION:
The State makes ESG funds received from HUD available to Continuums of Care on an annual basis. Locally, ESG funds may be used to provide services within the FMCoC’s jurisdiction, with a focus on non-entitlement areas. These areas include those units of general local government which do not receive funds directly from HUD. Within the County, non-entitlement areas include Clovis, Coalinga, Firebaugh, Huron, Parlier, Orange Cove, and San Joaquin. Non-entitlement areas in the FMCoC’s jurisdiction also include the City and County of Madera. ESG funds may be used for five program components: Street Outreach/Emergency Shelter; Homelessness Prevention; Rapid Rehousing Assistance; Homeless Management Information System; and Administrative Activities.
Approval of the recommended actions will authorize the Department, on behalf of the FMCoC, to apply for 2021 ESG funding allocated to the FMCoC, allowing additional homeless services to be provided throughout its jurisdiction. Services provided with these funds were procured following the County’s Purchasing requirements and the resulting agreements were brought to your Board on April 28, 2020. However, due to the delay in receiving funding, adjustments to the one remaining agreement (Agreement No. 20-160), and additional agreements may be necessary. Agreements or amendments utilizing these funds will be brought before your Board for approval, as appropriate.
With your Board’s approval of the recommended actions, the Department will apply for funds and HCD will issue the Standard Agreement, which will be brought to the Board for approval. The recommended resolution indicates that your Board will maintain the power to execute the Standard Agreement and agreements with subrecipients. The recommended actions also designate the Department’s Director as an Authorized Signer for the application and other documents pertaining to the administration of ESG funding. Additionally, it will allow the Vice-Chairman to sign the resolution so that the Chairman will not self-certify. HCD allocates ESG funds to Continuums of Care on an annual basis; therefore, should the FMCoC request the Department of Social Services to serve as the Administrative Entity, an additional resolution will come to your Board for 2022 funds.
REFERENCE MATERIAL:
BAI #41, April 28, 2020
ATTACHMENTS INCLUDED AND/OR ON FILE:
On file with Clerk - Resolution
CAO ANALYST:
Sonia M. De La Rosa