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HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 6g. Authorize Submission of an Application for FY 2023-24 SLO County Outreach Services Funding Opportunity Item 6g Department: Community Development Cost Center: 4008 For Agenda of: 4/16/2024 Placement: Consent Estimated Time: N/A FROM: Timmi Tway, Community Development Director Prepared By: Daisy Wiberg, Homelessness Response Manager SUBJECT: AUTHORIZE STAFF TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION FOR FY 2023-24 SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY OUTREACH SERVICES FUNDING OPPORTUNITY RECOMMENDATION 1. Authorize staff to submit a funding application to San Luis Obispo County’s Adult and Homeless Services Division for Outreach Services funding opportunity in an amount not to exceed $100,000; and 2. Adopt a Draft Resolution entitled, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of San Luis Obispo, California, authorizing Funding Application for San Luis Obispo County Outreach Services Funding Opportunity in a total amount not to exceed $100,000 and authorizing the City Manager to execute all related grant documents,” approving the City’s application for the San Luis Obispo County Outreach Services funding opportunity; and 3. If the funding opportunity is awarded, authorize the City Manager to execute grant related documents and authorize the Finance Director to make the necessary budget adjustments and appropriations upon the award of funding. POLICY CONTEXT The recommended actions are in alignment with the City of San Luis Obispo’s Major City Goal for Housing and Homelessness, which directs staff to collaborate with local non - profit partners, non-governmental agencies, the county, the state, and the federal government to advocate for increased funding a nd implementation of comprehensive and effective strategies to prevent and reduce homelessness. Additionally, the City’s Homelessness Response Strategic Plan1 includes key components for Regional Collaboration and Engagement and Funding Opportunities that directly support the recommended actions. The Regional Collaboration component prioritizes collaborating with the County’s Homeless Services team to establish and support regional priorities and implement strategies in alignment with shared regional goals, while the Funding Opportunities component prioritizes strategically applying for 1 City of San Luis Obispo’s Homelessness Response Strategic Plan Page 221 of 328 Item 6g funding opportunities for homelessness response in coordination with the County and non-profit partners to secure funding that may become available through Federal, State, and other sources. The recommended actions are also consistent with the City of San Luis Obispo’s Financial Management Manual, Section 740 – Grant Management Policy. The policy states that Council must approve all grant applications in excess of $5,000 a nd delegate receipt and contract execution to the City Manager. DISCUSSION Background San Luis Obispo County’s Adult and Homeless Services Division released a FY 2023-24 Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) on February 29, 2024, to fund homeless outreach services. Requested funds must be expended by June 30, 2024, and must supplement and not supplant existing funding. Despite this quick turnaround, staff has collaborated to determine how potential funds could be used in ways that are most beneficial to the community in the next several months. Awards will not exceed $100,000 per agency awarded, and the total number of awards depends on the number of proposals . Funds must be used to provide outreach to those experiencing homelessness in the community or who are at risk of homelessness in the community. Examples of funding uses include, but are not limited to: 1. Purchase of outreach materials 2. Design of outreach locations to make them more trauma informed and accessible 3. Provision of training to outreach staff or purchase of training materials 4. Provision of direct services to unsheltered individuals or individuals at risk of homelessness to encourage engagement with outreach staff 5. Outreach events 6. Supportive services to reunify unsheltered individuals with their family or secure permanent housing in the community 7. Adding capacity for outreach staff including limited term positions or paying for overtime for existing staff to extend their outreach capacity. City staff from the Community Development, Police, and Fire Departments are proposing a funding request for $100,000 to be used for the purchase of outreach materials, provision of training to outreach staff, a resource fair and outreach event, supportive services to reunify individuals with family or agencies, and adding capacity for outreach staff. Page 222 of 328 Item 6g The City’s proposal includes the following funding requests: FUNDING CATEGORY FUNDING REQUEST FUNDING AMOUNT Outreach Materials (Communications) Printing Costs for 1,250 Homeless Resources Pocket Guides for continued distribution to unhoused community members, service providers, businesses, and community members. $1,500 Training (Pilot Programs) De-Escalation Training opportunity for City staff and service providers; Development of Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) curriculum, including purchasing training materials. $8,000 Outreach Events (Regional Collaboration & Engagement) Homelessness Response Resource Fair for community members experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness, to be hosted in collaboration with Regional Partners in June 2024. Budget includes funding for refreshments, printing resource materials, and event supply costs. $5,000 Supportive Services (Pilot Programs) Family and/or agency reunification funding for the Fire Department’s Mobile Crisis Unit (MCU) to provide bus/train/plane tickets, meals, gas, and treatment programing for reunification efforts. $4,000 Outreach Staff Capacity* (Pilot Programs) Supplemental funding for a Licensed Psych Tech (LPT) to be paired with the Fire Department’s MCU team, via contract with the County’s Behavioral Health Department. Monthly cost estimate of $10,500 for three months (April-June 2024). $31,500 Outreach Staff Capacity* (Pilot Programs) Supplemental funding for a Licensed Psych Tech (LPT) to be paired with the Police Department’s CAT team, via contract with the County’s Behavioral Health Department. Monthly cost estimate of $10,500 for three months (April-June 2024). $31,500 Outreach Staff Capacity (Pilot Programs) Contract Community Resource Coordinator (CRO) to be paired with the Police Department’s CAT team, via contract service, to provide outreach services to unhoused community. Monthly cost estimate of $9,250 for two months (May & June 2024). $18,500 Total $100,000 *Alternatively, depending on availability of Licensed Psych Techs from the County Behavioral Health Department, funding may be allocated for additional outreach and supportive services facilitated through the CAT and MCU teams and partner agencies including hotel vouchers, no-cook food bags, and additional supportive services. Page 223 of 328 Item 6g Given the cross-departmental structure of the City’s Homelessness Response efforts, the City’s proposal includes funding for the Community Development, Police, and Fire Departments to supplement existing programs, projects, and efforts to prevent and address homelessness. The proposed activities outlined in the funding request table align with the following objectives included in the City’s Homelessness Response Strategic Plan: 1. Regional Collaboration & Engagement – a. Work collaboratively with the County’s Homeless Services team to establish and support regional priorities and implement strategies in alignment with shared regional goals. b. Strengthen relationships with key stakeholders to create alignment, accountability, and opportunities for resource sharing and collaboration. c. Coordinate regional encampment and street outreach and cleanup efforts with the County, service providers, and regional partners. 2. Communications – a. Increase homelessness response communications. b. Communicate consistent homelessness response messaging across region. 3. Pilot Programs – a. Continue development of City-operated pilot programs and share best practices with County for potential regional implementation if proven effective. 4. Funding Opportunities – a. Strategically apply for funding opportunities for homelessness response in coordination with the County and non-profit partners to secure funding that may become available through Federal and State, and other sources. b. Engage in efforts to leverage resources to develop a more robust regional service delivery system. Public Engagement This item is on the agenda for the April 16, 2024, City Council meeting and will follow all required postings and notifications. The public may have an opportunity t o comment on this item at or before the meeting. CONCURRENCE The Homelessness Response Steering Committee, including the Police Chief and Fire Chief, are in support of the application. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW The California Environmental Quality Act does not apply to the recommended action in this report because the action does not constitute a “Project” under CEQA Guidelines Section 15378. Page 224 of 328 Item 6g FISCAL IMPACT Budgeted: No Budget Year: 2023-24 Funding Identified: Yes Fiscal Analysis: Funding Sources Total Budget Available* Current Funding Request Remaining Balance Annual Ongoing Cost General Fund State Federal Fees Other: SLO County Adult and Homeless Services $100,000 Total $100,000 $ $ $ *Total Budget Available amount assumes award of full funding request. City matching funds are not required for this funding opportunity. ALTERNATIVES Deny the recommendation. The Council may deny staff’s recommendation to apply for the SLO County Outreach Services funding opportunity, based on findings of inconsistency with City policies and funding priorities. This alternative is not recommended as the funding will provide needed resources to support the City’s Homelessness Response programs and priorities. ATTACHMENTS A - Draft Resolution Authorizing Application for SLO County Outreach Services Funding Opportunity B - Draft Application for FY23-24 SLO County Outreach Services Funding Opportunity Page 225 of 328 Page 226 of 328 R ______ RESOLUTION NO. _______ (2024 SERIES) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO, CALIFORNIA, AUTHORIZING APPLICATION FOR OUTREACH SERVICES FUNDING THROUGH THE SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY’S ADULT AND HOMELESS SERVICES DIVISION, AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE ALL RELATED GRANT DOCUMENTS WHEREAS, San Luis Obispo County’s Adult and Homeless Services Division (“County”) issued a Notice of Funding Availability (“NOFA”), dated February 29, 2024, for Outreach Services in an award amount not to exceed $100,000; and WHEREAS, the City of San Luis Obispo (“The City”) desires to submit an application for Outreach Services funds to the County for review and consideration; and WHEREAS, the City’s Major City Goal for Housing and Homelessness and the City’s Homelessness Response Strategic Plan align with the Outreach Services funding opportunity. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of San Luis Obispo as follows: SECTION 1. The City of San Luis Obispo is hereby authorized and directed to submit an application to the County, in response to the NOFA, for Outreach Services funding for an anticipated project cost of $100,000, and a total authorized amount not to exceed $100,000. SECTION 2. If the Application is approved, the City Manager of the City of San Luis Obispo is authorized and directed to enter into, execute, and deliver all required grant documents, and all amendments thereto. SECTION 3. Authorize the Finance Director to make the necessary budget adjustments upon award of the grant. SECTION 4. The City of San Luis Obispo acknowledges and agrees that it shall be subject to the Application; the terms and conditions sp ecified in the NOFA; the Funding Restrictions; and any and all other applicable law. Page 227 of 328 Resolution No. _____ (2024 Series) Page 2 R ______ SECTION 5. Grant funds received hereunder shall not be used to supplant expenditures controlled by this body. Upon motion of Council Member ___________, seconded by Council Member ___________, and on the following roll call vote: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: The foregoing resolution was adopted this _____ day of _______________ 20 24. ___________________________ Mayor Erica A. Stewart ATTEST: ______________________ Teresa Purrington City Clerk APPROVED AS TO FORM: ______________________ J. Christine Dietrick City Attorney IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the official seal of the City of San Luis Obispo, California, on ______________________. ___________________________ Teresa Purrington City Clerk Page 228 of 328 COUNTY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES HOMELESS SERVICES DIVISION Application for FY 23/24 Outreach funding City of San Luis Obispo – FY23-24 Proposal 1. Applicant information:  City of San Luis Obispo  Daisy Wiberg, Homelessness Response Manager, 805.781.7025, dwiberg@slocity.org  919 Palm St., San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 2. Identified Need and justification:  In March 2023, the City of San Luis Obispo adopted its first Homelessness Response Strategic Plan, in alignment with the Countywide Plan to Address Homelessness. Components of the City’s Strategic Plan include regional collaboration and engagement, communications, data, pilot programs, and funding opportunities. To implement key tasks under each of those focus areas, additional resources are needed for the City’s Homelessness Response team, which includes the Police Department’s Community Action Team (CAT) and the Fire Department’s Mobile Crisis Unit (MCU). In addition to responding to emergency calls for service, the City’s CAT and MCU teams provide critical outreach to unhoused community members in the City of SLO to facilitate housing and service referrals, connect individuals to resources, and facilitate family and agency reunifications. In 2023, the CAT team engaged with 408 individuals, providing 258 mental health and substance abuse treatment referrals, 6 family and agency reunifications, and 3 permanent housing placements. The MCU team had 3,285 points of engagement in 2023, including 265 dispatched calls for mental health and/or behavioral health crisis intervention and 56 transports to services. The MCU team also facilitated 91 family and agency reunifications in 2023. 3. Project Summary:  Given the cross-departmental structure of the City’s Homelessness Response efforts, the City’s proposal includes funding for the Community Development, Police, and Fire Departments to supplement existing programs, projects, and efforts to prevent and address homelessness. Project components include funding for Homeless Resources Pocket Guides, De-Escalation and Crisis Intervention Training, a Homelessness Response Resource Fair, Family and Agency Reunification Efforts for the Mobile Crisis Unit, and supplemental funding for Licensed Psych Tech (LPT) positions with the Police and Fire Departments as well as a Community Resource Coordinator with SLOPD. The City is working with the County’s Behavioral Health Department to contract the LPT positions and if the positions are not filled before the funding deadline, requested funds may alternatively be allocated for additional outreach and supportive services facilitated through the CAT and MCU teams and partner agencies including hotel vouchers, no-cook food bags, and additional supportive services. Page 229 of 328 COUNTY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES HOMELESS SERVICES DIVISION Application for FY 23/24 Outreach funding 4. Intended Project Outcomes:  1. Community Engagement – Connecting individuals experiencing homelessness with needed resources through a Homelessness Response Resource Fair and distributing 1,250 Homeless Resources Pocket Guides to unhoused community members, service providers, faith-based organizations, businesses, and community members through the Homelessness Response Forum and Resource Fair events. // 2. Enhanced Outreach Staff Capacity – Adding LPT positions and a Community Resource Coordinator to support CAT and MCU outreach efforts and to further integrate with the County’s Behavioral Health Dept. to provide more comprehensive outreach services. // 3. Field Staff Training Opportunities – Provide enhanced de-escalation training and crisis intervention training for City outreach staff. 5. Brief history of entity and why this entity is the preferred provider for this service:  SLOPD’s CAT program has been in operation for over 10 years (created in 2013) and the Fire Department’s MCU program has been in operation since 2022. Both programs collaborate closely with regional partners including Transitions-Mental Health Association (TMHA), CAPSLO, SLO County Mental Health and Drug and Alcohol Services, and countless other agencies to provide referrals to comprehensive outreach and support services for unhoused community members. The City of SLO created its Homelessness Response Manager role in 2021 and adopted it’s first Homelessness Response Strategic Plan in 2023, in alignment with the Countywide Plan to Address Homelessness. Housing and Homelessness continues to be a Major City Goal for the City and regional collaboration is a key component in the City’s plans to prevent and address homelessness. 6. Budget: Page 230 of 328 COUNTY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES HOMELESS SERVICES DIVISION Application for FY 23/24 Outreach funding The City’s proposal includes the following funding requests: FUNDING CATEGORY FUNDING REQUEST FUNDING AMOUNT Outreach Materials (Communications) Printing Costs for 1,250 Homeless Resources Pocket Guides for continued distribution to unhoused community members, service providers, businesses, and community members. $1,500 Training (Pilot Programs) De-Escalation Training opportunity for City staff and service providers; Development of Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) curriculum, including purchasing training materials. $8,000 Outreach Events (Regional Collaboration & Engagement) Homelessness Response Resource Fair for community members experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness, to be hosted in collaboration with Regional Partners in June 2024. Budget includes funding for refreshments, printing resource materials, and event supply costs. $5,000 Supportive Services (Pilot Programs) Family and/or agency reunification funding for the Fire Department’s Mobile Crisis Unit (MCU) to provide bus/train/plane tickets, meals, gas, and treatment programing for reunification efforts. $4,000 Outreach Staff Capacity (Pilot Programs) Supplemental funding for a Licensed Psych Tech (LPT) to be paired with the Fire Department’s MCU team, via contract with the County’s Behavioral Health Department. Monthly cost estimate of $10,500 for three months (April-June 2024). $31,500 Outreach Staff Capacity (Pilot Programs) Supplemental funding for a Licensed Psych Tech (LPT) to be paired with the Police Department’s CAT team, via contract with the County’s Behavioral Health Department. Monthly cost estimate of $10,500 for three months (April-June 2024). $31,500 Outreach Staff Capacity (Pilot Programs) Contract Community Resource Coordinator (CRC) to be paired with the Police Department’s CAT team, via contract service, to provide outreach services to unhoused community. Monthly cost estimate of $9,250 for two months (May & June 2024). $18,500 Total $100,000 Page 231 of 328 Page 232 of 328