Title
Agreement with Community Legal Services for COVID-19 Tenants Eviction Assistance Program (Ordinance S-47988)
Description
Request to authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to enter into an agreement with Community Legal Services, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $1,000,000 to provide legal assistance, advocacy and representation to Phoenix tenants facing eviction proceedings through local justice courts. Further request to authorize the City Controller to disburse all funds related to this item.
Report
Summary
In June 2020, Community Legal Services, Inc. (CLS) created the Tenants Eviction Assistance Project (TEAP), with financial support through the City of Phoenix Coronavirus Relief Fund allocation and the Economic Security Act, to address the impact of COVID-19 on housing stability. TEAP is staffed with attorneys providing legal assistance, advocacy, and representation, at no cost, to low-income Phoenix residents experiencing an eviction crisis and court action. CLS has an established relationship with the Phoenix-area justice courts and is familiar with working with low-income and vulnerable populations. On Aug. 30, 2021, the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) authorized the City to carryover funding to continue this service. This contract will allow CLS to expend the authorized DES carryover funding and continue to provide TEAP services.
Contract Term
The term of the contract will begin on or about Oct. 6, 2021, through Sept. 30, 2022.
Financial Impact
The aggregate value of the contract shall not exceed $1,000,000. Funding is provided through DES, Division of Aging and Adult Services, and Community Services Block Grant. There is no impact to the General Fund.
Concurrence/Previous Council Action
The City Council approved Ordinance S-46811 for Contract 152650 with CLS on June 24, 2020, with funding provided through the Coronavirus Aid Relief.
The City Council approved Ordnance S-47231 for a new contract, Contract 154006, with CLS on Jan. 6, 2021. This was as a result of a change to the fund source to funding available through the Economic Security Act.
The City Council approved Ordinance S-47528 for an extension to Contract 154006 with CLS on May 5, 2021. This extension expired on Sept. 30, 2021.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Gina Montes and the Human Services Department.