Title
Authorization to Apply for, Accept and Implement Essential Services for Survivors of Human Trafficking Grant (Ordinance S-46498)
Description
Request retroactive authorization for the City Manager, or his designee, to apply for, accept and, if awarded, enter into any agreements as necessary to implement an Essential Services for Survivors of Human Trafficking grant from the Office of Arizona Attorney General (AGO) for Phoenix Starfish Place. Further request authorization for the City Treasurer to accept and the City Controller to disburse all funds for the life of the grant. There is no impact to the General Fund. This grant does not require matching funds. The grant is for up to $75,000 in funding.
Report
Summary
The Housing Department is seeking retroactive approval to apply for up to $75,000 in funding through the AGO's Essential Services for Survivors of Human Trafficking grant for Phoenix Starfish Place. In 2017, Phoenix Housing in collaboration with other City departments and Arizona State University (ASU) created Phoenix Starfish Place, a 15-unit permanent supportive housing community dedicated to the healing and empowerment of human trafficking survivors. Phoenix Starfish Place is one of the first permanent supportive housing sites for survivors of human trafficking in the nation. ASU's Office of Sex Trafficking Intervention Research, and Community Bridges, Inc., provide trauma-informed onsite casework and supportive services through the "Sanctuary Model" which specifically tailors services for the trauma experienced by person's who have been trafficked.
Housing costs at Phoenix Starfish Place are supplemented with Section 8 rental assistance and the two caseworkers are funded by the Community Development Block Grant. ASU's initial program development, trauma therapy services, parenting and nutrition classes, and other resident assistance expenses were funded by a $50,000 grant from ASU that is currently depleted. In 2018, funds were set aside by the AGO to provide essential support services for survivors of human and sex trafficking. The AGO created this grant program to fund multiple, one-time grant awards for Arizona organizations that serve the unique needs and assist in improving the well-being of survivors affected by human trafficking. Retroactive approval is requested due to the short time frame for application; the grant was brought to the Housing Department's attention in February and was due on March 9.
If awarded, the grant is anticipated to provide funding for an ASU research coordinator, onsite medical care by a Federally Qualified Health Care provider, a combination of various therapy services for residents, and funds to replenish miscellaneous expenses including funds for bus passes, child care assistance, and tuition fees.
Financial Impact
There is no impact to the General Fund. This grant does not require matching funds.
Location
Address: Confidential
Council District: 3
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Mario Paniagua and the Housing Department.