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Title:
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(1) Authorization to Submit an Application for Emergency Food and Shelter Program as Part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to Enhance Current Homeless and Homeless Prevention Programs in Conjunction with St. Joseph’s Center.
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City of Culver City, California
City Council Agenda Item Report
Meeting Date: 5/4/09 Item Number: C-2
AGENDA ITEM: (1) Authorization to Submit an Application for Emergency Food and
Shelter Program as Part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to
Enhance Current Homeless and Homeless Prevention Programs in Conjunction with
St. Joseph’s Center.
Contact Person/Dept.: Elaine Gerety
Warner; Tevis Barnes
Phone Number: (310) 253-5777; and (310)
253-6668 (respectively)
Fiscal Impact: Yes [X] No [] General Fund: Yes [] No [X]
Public Hearing: [] Action Item: [] Attachments: []
Public Notification: Master E-Mail Notification List (04/29/08).
Department Approval:
Sol Blumenfeld (04/28/09)
City Attorney Approval:
Carol Schwab (by H. Baker) (04/29/09)
Chief Financial Officer Approval:
Jeff Muir (by N. Kimball) (04/29/09)
City Manager Approval:
Jerry B. Fulwood (04/29/09)
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends the City Council (1) authorize staff to submit an application for the
Emergency Food and Shelter Program as part of the American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act of 2009 through the County of Los Angeles to enhance current
homeless and homeless prevention in conjunction with St. Joseph’s Center.
BACKGROUND:
On February 17, 2009, President Barack Obama signed into law the American
Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). This $787 Billion economic stimulus
package includes $355 Billion in funding for transportation, infrastructure,
construction, healthcare programs, education, housing assistance, and energy
efficiency projects, $144 Billion in State and Local Fiscal Relief and $288 Billion in
tax credits.
ARRA funds will be issued through grants and loans for specific funding categories
administered by existing grant agencies
DISCUSSION:
The ARRA is providing $100 million nationwide for Emergency Food and Shelter
Board Programs (“EFSP”). Los Angeles County has received approximately $3.9
million in ARRA fund to assist those programs throughout Los Angeles County that City of Culver City, California
City Council Agenda Item Report
are experiencing an increase in the number of requests for services due to the
economic crisis.
Proposed Project - Staff proposed a grant application for ARRA/ESFSP funding for
Food and Hotel Voucher programs and Rental (move-in) and Utility Assistance.
It is important to note that the funds expire on January 1, 2010 and must be fully
expended by that date. St. Joseph’s is currently estimating what the potential need
for Culver City will likely submit a funding request for the above programs. Because
of the quick turn-around time for these grant opportunities, the grant amount to be
requested was not available at the submission of this report, but will be provided to
the Council during the verbal report by Staff presented at the Council meeting
Application Process - The EFSP has set a May 5, 2009 deadline to submit project
proposals. A full hardcopy application will be submitted by the noon deadline if the
City Council approves this recommendation.
Funding will be determined based on a needs assessment, conducted by the EFSP
Local Board, that indicates where the greatest need is based on unemployment
rates and foreclosures due to job losses and economic crisis. In addition, each
applicant will be reviewed for their need reported and the demand requested in the
respective area. Based on the January 27, 2009 Los Angeles Homeless Services
Authority Homeless Count, Culver City has unsheltered homeless population of 21
adults and 117 sheltered adults (these individuals were in temporary residence at
the Cold Weather Shelter at the Armory on the night of the count).
FISCAL ANALYSIS:
There is no fiscal impact caused by submittal of the grant application. Funding is
anticipated to be made available within the first week of June and no local match is
required. If the grant is received, staff will begin to work with St. Joseph’s
immediately to administer this program enhancement. Staff will return to the City
Council to authorize acceptance of the grant and to amend the adopted budget to
incorporate the funds.
ATTACHMENTS:
None
MOTIONS:
That the City Council:
City of Culver City, California
City Council Agenda Item Report
1. Authorize the submittal of a grant application requesting American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds through the Emergency Food and Shelter National
Program to enhance current homeless and homeless prevention in conjunction with
St. Joseph’s Center
2. Authorize the City Attorney to review/prepare the necessary documents; and,
3. Authorize the City Manager to execute such documents on behalf of the City.