DATE: January 31, 2017
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBMITTED BY: Delfino E. Neira, Department of Social Services
SUBJECT: Resolution Authorizing the County of Fresno as an approved Emergency Solutions Grant Administrative Entity
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
TITLE
Approve a resolution authorizing the County of Fresno, through the Department of Social Services to serve as the Administrative Entity for Emergency Solutions Grant Funding issued by the State of California Department of Housing and Community Development.
REPORT
Approval of the recommended action is necessary for the County’s participation as the Administrative Entity (AE) in the State’s Allocation of Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) funds. Approval would allow the Department of Social Services to administer State ESG funds to eligible service providers for ESG eligible activities including Rapid Rehousing, Homeless Prevention, Emergency Shelter, Street Outreach, the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS), and Administration. Agreements recommended for funding, will be brought to your Board at a later date. There is no increase in Net County Cost associated with the recommended action.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION(S):
Your Board may chose not to approve the resolution and the available funding of $558,746 will be reallocated by the State.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no increase in Net County Cost associated with the recommended action. If approved, the State of California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) will contract with the County to make available $558,746 in State ESG funds for use through June 30, 2018. Up to 2.7% of State ESG funds ($15,086) may be claimed for administration purposes.
DISCUSSION:
In early 2015, the State HCD began exploring a plan to allow for local control of State ESG funds for use within certain Continuum of Care jurisdictions. State ESG-funded activities may serve the entire service area of the Continuum of Care, but should focus on non-entitlement areas within the service area. Within Fresno County, non-entitlement areas include Clovis, Coalinga, Firebaugh, Huron, Parlier, Orange Cove, and San Joaquin.
Approval of the recommended action will allow the Department to administer the State ESG funds and will eventually allow additional homeless services to be provided within the Fresno Madera Continuum of Care jurisdiction. State ESG funds may be used for five program components: Street Outreach/Emergency Shelter; Homelessness Prevention; Rapid Rehousing Assistance; the Homeless Management Information System; and Administrative Activities (up to 2.7% of the allocation).
As the Administrative Entity, the Department of Social Services would be responsible for awarding funds to eligible service providers. All allowable activities under Federal ESG regulations are eligible for funding with a minimum of 40% awarded to Rapid Rehousing services. A maximum of 10% of the funds can be used for Street Outreach or Homeless Prevention activities in conjunction with other core activities including Emergency Shelter and Rapid Rehousing Assistance.
Should your Board approve the recommended action; the State HCD will issue an Agreement for the funds which will be brought to your Board at a later date for approval.
Currently, the Department of Social Services has a revenue agreement to receive Federal HCD funding. These Federal funds are being used to fund one emergency shelter, two full-time Matcher/Community Coordinator positions, and move in costs for Rapid Rehousing.
ATTACHMENTS INCLUDED AND/OR ON FILE:
On File with the Clerk - Resolution
CAO ANALYST:
Ronald Alexander