Title
Request to Amend the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Family Self-Sufficiency Service Coordinator Grant (Ordinance S-49066)
Description
Request to authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to amend the not-to-exceed amount of Ordinance S-48611, from $325,000 to $600,000 due to increased allowable grant application annual terms and dollar amounts for the Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Service Coordinator grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Further request to authorize the City Treasurer to accept, and the City Controller to disburse, all funds for the life of the grant.
Report
Summary
On May 11, 2022, the City Council approved applying for the FSS Service Coordinator grant from HUD. The Housing Department has received funding through this grant program for the past several years and requested City Council approval to apply prior to the issuance of the Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA). Upon release of the NOFA, it was noted that the grant terms allowed up to a two-year grant award, providing funding for calendar year 2023 and 2024, and increasing the potential award amount up to $600,000. The increased funding may allow additional staff to be hired.
This ongoing program helps caseworkers develop local strategies to connect participating Public Housing and Section 8 families to public and private resources to increase their earned income and financial empowerment, reduce or eliminate the need for welfare assistance, and make progress toward economic independence and self-sufficiency. Caseworkers coordinate support services offered by non-profit, governmental, and educational community partners; provide case planning and coordination, supportive counseling and referral and advocacy; assist with access to educational resources, vocational training and employment opportunities; and assist with budgeting, homeownership preparation, and transportation. Successful participants engage in training, improve employment outcomes, save money, and buy a home. In the past year, 17 residents graduated from the FSS program.
The grant application was due on Oct. 7, 2022. If authorization is denied, the grant application will be rescinded or amended.
Financial Impact
There is no impact to the General Fund. This grant does not require matching funds.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Gina Montes and the Housing Department.