LEGISLATIVE ACTION ITEM
SPONSOR: Grover C. Robinson, IV, Mayor
SUBJECT:
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FUNDING AMENDMENT FOR HARNESSING OPPORTUNITY AND POWER OF EDUCATION, INC. (H.O.P.E.)/HUTS 4 OUR FRIENDS, INC.
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RECOMMENDATION:
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City Council approve a change in the scope of services provided by H.O.P.E. Foundation/Huts 4 our Friends.
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HEARING REQUIRED: No Hearing Required
SUMMARY:
At the July 12, 2021 Council Agenda Conference, a discussion item was brought forward by Councilmember Hill to discuss the possibility of providing funding for the H.O.P.E. Foundation to install a fire suppression system in the leased building at 3101 North Davis Highway to allow for an occupancy permit that could ultimately house up to 200 homeless individuals.
On July 15, 2021, City Council approved Supplemental Budget Resolution 2021-51 which appropriated $100,000 to the H.O.P.E. Foundation towards their lease payments in order to assist with their program provided, however, that they obtain a five year lease with the owner of the property. The costs associated with the fire suppression improvements to the building was to come from the H.O.P.E. Foundation and the lease payments would not exceed the costs associated with the fire suppression improvements. Additionally, there was a stipulation that the funding provided would be contingent upon the organization obtaining a five-year lease on the property and remaining in that building providing the services to their homeless clients over a five-year period.
At the March 10, 2022 City Council meeting, Caleb Houston with the H.O.P.E. Foundation addressed concerns that the organization would not able to obtain the occupancy permit needed at the leased building and therefore would not be able to operate in the capacity originally described to City Council. Mr. Houston requested that City Council consider allowing the organization to utilize the $100,000 awarded to the organization for operations of two day centers, one located on North Davis Highway and the other located on 6th Avenue, in lieu of lease payment assistance. Services provide at these centers include:
• Daily lunches - volunteers and staff prepare lunches daily. The lunches are consumed in a designated eating area in the facility. In the event additional food items are requested/needed, our volunteers and staff will prepare a to-go bag with items to provide the recipient(s) with food for the evening.
• Showers -Each individual that enters the facility requesting a shower, is provided with a fresh clean towel, wash cloth along with soap and shampoo products
• Clothing- Clothing is provided to everyone that needs shirts, socks, undergarments, pants/shorts, and jackets/coats.
• Shoes- Footwear is provided for those in need of shoes, work boots, etc.
• Personal hygiene products - Care packages of hygiene products are given to individuals for continued hygiene care.
• Counseling, and support groups - On site counseling with individual and group sessions. Referrals are provided to medical and mental health treatment facilities as well as local shelters and any services that are deemed necessary for each individual needs.
• Referrals - Staff and volunteers refer individuals/families to local shelters and in some instances, reach out to local facilities to assist in arranging shelter provisions.
• Classes/courses - Offer financial literacy and life management skills.
• Job assistance - Refer individuals for job placement with excellent results. Continue to refer people to companies that have expressed their need for hiring.
The H.O.P.E. Foundation has set up a not for profit corporation, Huts 4 Our Friends, which will be used for this program. These funds will be granted on a reimbursement basis only. The organization will be required to front all program costs and be reimbursed after appropriate documentation is provided. A detailed program budget for the new scope of services are included as an attachment to this item.
PRIOR ACTION:
July 15, 2021 - City Council approved Supplemental Budget resolution 2021-51, appropriating $100,000 to the H.O.P.E. Foundation to offset lease payments for a facility located at 3101 N. Davis Highway.
FUNDING:
Budget: $ 100,000
Actual: $ 100,000
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Funding in the amount of $100,000 has already been appropriated in the City’s General Fund via supplemental budget resolution 2021-51.
LEGAL REVIEW ONLY BY CITY ATTORNEY: Yes
3/14/2022
STAFF CONTACT:
Kerrith Fiddler, City Administrator
Amy Lovoy, Finance Director
ATTACHMENTS:
1) Budget for There is Hope AKA Huts for our Friends
PRESENTATION: No end