Title
Award of Federal Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) Funding (Ordinance S-43478)
Description
Request authorization for the City Manager, or his designee, to enter into contracts for housing-related services to eligible non-profit agencies utilizing federal Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) funds for an amount not to exceed $1,296,810 annually. Also request authorization for the City Controller to disburse all funds over the life of the contracts.
Report
Summary
On Feb. 3, 2017, the Housing Department issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) seeking proposals for HOPWA housing and supportive services programs. These programs include Housing Information Services; Housing Advocacy; Short-Term Rent, Mortgage, and Utility Assistance Program (STRMU); Permanent Housing Placement; Transitional Housing; Permanent Supportive Housing; Permanent Independent Housing; and Employment Services.
Nine proposals were received with eight proposals meeting the threshold criteria. The eight proposals were reviewed by an evaluation committee made up of City staff and community representatives. Program awards are contingent on availability of federal funds and City Council approval. The awards are for a two-year period commencing on or about July 1, 2017, with the City retaining the option to renew or extend the agreements for three additional periods of up to one year each. The contracted value may decrease or increase by up to 15 percent per year, at the sole discretion of the Housing Director, as long as the total of all budget amendments supported through the HOPWA program do not exceed the annual allocation.
The agencies recommended for funding are:
Southwest Behavioral and Health Services (SBH)
This agency has more than 30 years experience housing vulnerable populations. SBH has been providing HOPWA-funded housing and supportive services since 1995. Programs to be provided include:
*Transitional Housing with wrap-around services to support housing stability that will allow the client to prepare for independent living in HOPWA-supported or other non-HOPWA supported housing.
*Permanent Supportive Housing with significant social and case management services as well as substance abuse and mental health counseling services.
*Permanent Independent Housing where wrap-around services are available to support housing stability.
*STRMU Assistance for clients at risk of losing their housing due to unforeseen financial crises.
*Permanent Housing Placement services for clients in need of assistance with move-in costs in order to obtain permanent safe and affordable housing.
*Employment Services that provide clients with services leading to permanent employment. Job readiness skills include budgeting, technical and soft skills to promote opportunities for employment and independence. Employment services include resume writing; job search techniques; interview preparation; basic computer skills; assistance with applications; and referrals to workshops or training. These services help clients to sustain housing stability through meaningful employment.
Phoenix Shanti Group
This agency was incorporated in 1987 with the mission of providing services to people with and at risk for HIV infection. Phoenix Shanti Group has been operating HOPWA Transitional Housing for 20 years. The agency is also an Arizona State licensed outpatient behavioral health clinic. Programs to be provided include:
*Transitional Housing with wrap-around services to support housing stability that will allow the client to prepare for independent living in HOPWA-supported or other non-HOPWA supported housing.
Area Agency on Aging/Care Directions
This agency has provided services to adults diagnosed with HIV/AIDS for 24 years. These services have included wellness education; advocacy; self-empowerment; and linkages to services. This agency has provided services through the HOPWA program since 1998. Programs to be provided include:
*Housing Information Services that include maintaining a wait list of clients seeking HOPWA supportive housing, assisting applicants in locating the best suited housing for their circumstance and providing links to other affordable housing opportunities.
*Housing Advocacy Services will link clients with services and other resources that will support housing stability such as medical assistance; case managers; chemical dependency/behavioral health counselors; landlord/tenant counseling; fair housing information; job skills training and facilitation of problem solving.
Financial Impact
There is no impact to the General Fund. HOPWA is a federally funded program.
Location
HOPWA services are provided to residents in Maricopa and Pinal counties.
Concurrence/Previous Council Action
This item was considered at the Sustainability, Housing, Efficiency and Neighborhoods Subcommittee on April 18, 2017, and approved by a vote of 4-0.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Deanna Jonovich and the Housing Department.