Title
Authorization to Enter into Contract with Community Legal Services to Provide Tenants Eviction Assistance Project Services (Ordinance S-49929)
Description
Request to authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to enter into contract with Community Legal Services, Inc. (CLS) in an amount not to exceed $300,000 to provide legal assistance, advocacy and representation to Phoenix tenants facing eviction proceedings through local Justice Courts. Further request authorization for the City Controller to disburse all funds related to this item. Funding is provided from the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES). There is no impact to the General Fund.
Report
Summary
To address the impacts of COVID-19 and rising evictions on housing stability, in June 2020, CLS created the Tenants Eviction Assistance Project (TEAP) with financial support through the City of Phoenix Human Services Department Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) allocation. TEAP is staffed with attorneys providing legal assistance, advocacy and representation to low-income Phoenix residents experiencing eviction and court action. CLS does not charge a fee for this service and has an established relationship with the Phoenix-area Justice Courts. CLS also has considerable familiarity in working with low income and vulnerable populations.
The City Council approved Ordinance S-47988 for a new contract, Contract 155937 with CLS on October 6, 2021. This contract expired on September 30, 2022. City staff and CLS began discussions to continue the much needed services shortly thereafter, needing to identify a continuing fund source. Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) funding has been identified to resume services for the next six months.
Contract Term
The term of the contract will begin on or about July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024.
Financial Impact
The total value of this contract shall not exceed $300,000. Funding is provided from the Arizona Department of Economic Security through its CSBG allocation to the City of Phoenix Human Services Department. There is no impact to the General Fund.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Gina Montes and the Human Services Department.