LEGISLATIVE ACTION ITEM
SPONSOR: D.C. Reeves, Mayor
SUBJECT:
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EMERGENCY HOUSING VOUCHER PROGRAM SERVICE AGREEMENT AMENDMENT
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RECOMMENDATION:
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That City Council approve the Emergency Housing Voucher Program Service Agreement Amendment #1 with Opening Doors Northwest Florida, Inc. for the Emergency Housing Voucher Program. Further, that City Council authorize the Mayor to take the actions necessary to execute and administer this Amendment, consistent with the terms of the Amendment and the Mayor’s Executive Powers as granted in the City Charter.
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HEARING REQUIRED: No Hearing Required
SUMMARY:
In 2021, the City of Pensacola was awarded 35 Emergency Housing Vouchers (EHV) as part of the American Rescue Plan Act; these new special purpose vouchers are targeted to households that are homeless or at risk of homelessness; fleeing or attempting to flee domestic violence; or have a high risk of housing instability. HUD required the EHV recipients to enter into a partnership with the local Continuum of Care (COC) to administer the program. Funding provided by HUD under this program provided for housing vouchers as well as case management and support services in order to help participants overcome housing barriers in order to successfully utilize their vouchers. In July 2021, City Council approved an Agreement with Opening Doors to provide case management and supportive services as permitted by HUD.
Since Fall of 2021, 37 eligible households have been served by the program. The majority of the participants have been successfully housed for over a year. Part of the program’s success lies with the ability to provide funding for deposits, housing search assistance, landlord incentives, application fees, basic household items, and other items needed by the household in order to lease up. As the program reaches its two year anniversary, funding is needed to provide similar support services for vouchers turned over to new participants or clients that are moving to different units. This contract amendment will provide existing CDBG-CV funds for security or utility deposits, arrears, application fees, or assistance with the client’s portion of the first month’s rent, if needed. No additional funding is being provided to Opening Doors for case management services. CDBG-CV funding is still available as approved by City Council for subsistence payment for income eligible households.
PRIOR ACTION:
September 24, 2020-City Council approved an amendment to the 2019-20 CDBG Annual Action Plan to receive CDBG-CV funding, to include subsistence payments for income eligible households affected by COVID-19.
July 15, 2021-City Council approval of Emergency Housing Voucher Program Service Agreement with Opening Doors Northwest Florida, Inc.
FUNDING:
Budget: $ 5,000.00
Actual: $ 5,000.00
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
No City general funds are required. Funds are available from CDBG-CV funding.
LEGAL REVIEW ONLY BY CITY ATTORNEY: Yes
9/18/2023
STAFF CONTACT:
Kerrith Fiddler, City Administrator
David Forte, Deputy City Administrator
Meredith Reeves, Interim Housing Director
ATTACHMENTS:
1) EHV Agreement Amendment 1
PRESENTATION: No end