LEGISLATIVE ACTION ITEM
SPONSOR: Grover C. Robinson, IV, Mayor
SUBJECT:
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EMERGENCY HOUSING VOUCHER PROGRAM SERVICE AGREEMENT WITH OPENING DOORS NORTHWEST FLORIDA, INC. (NWFL)
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RECOMMENDATION:
recommendation
That City Council approve the Emergency Housing Voucher Program Service Agreement with Opening Doors Northwest Florida, Inc. (NWFL) for the joint implementation of the Emergency Housing Voucher Program. Further, that City Council adopt a supplemental Budget Resolution appropriating the funding for this program. Finally, that City Council authorize the Mayor to take all actions necessary to execute all documents relating the program’s implementation and administration.
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HEARING REQUIRED: No Hearing Required
SUMMARY:
As part of the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan Act, $5 billion was appropriated for new Emergency Housing Vouchers to assist targeted individuals and families prevent, prepare, and respond to coronavirus. Based upon a formula allocation and since the city administers the Housing Choice Voucher Program throughout Escambia County through an existing Consolidated Annual Contributions Contract, the city was awarded 35 Emergency Housing Vouchers. These vouchers must be used to provide rental assistance and support services to remove barriers to housing for individuals or families who are homeless; at risk of homelessness; fleeing, or attempting flee, domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking; or were recently homeless.
The award of Emergency Housing Vouchers requires the city to enter a partnership with the local Continuum of Care to administer the Program. Opening Doors of Northwest Florida, Inc. (NWFL) serves as the lead agency for the Continuum of Care in Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties.
This agreement provides the framework for the City of Pensacola and Opening Doors of Northwest Florida Inc. (NWFL) to jointly administer the Program. The allocation of Emergency Housing Voucher Service Fee funds will allow Opening Doors Northwest Florida, Inc. (NWFL) to provide housing search assistance and support services to assist eligible individuals and families address barriers to housing and receive an Emergency Housing Voucher.
PRIOR ACTION:
None
FUNDING:
Budget: $122,500
Actual: $122,500
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The city is required to partner with the local Continuum of Care to receive Emergency Housing Vouchers. Opening Doors Northwest Florida, Inc. (NWFL) serves as the lead agency for the Continuum of Care in Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties. This agreement provides the framework for joint administration of the Emergency Housing Voucher Program. Adoption of a supplemental budget resolution will appropriate Emergency Housing Voucher Service Fee Funds and support joint implementation of the program.
LEGAL REVIEW ONLY BY CITY ATTORNEY: Yes
6/22/2021
STAFF CONTACT:
Keith Wilkins, City Administrator
Kerrith Fiddler, Deputy City Administrator - Community Development
Marcie Whitaker, Housing Director
ATTACHMENTS:
1) Agreement for Services between City of Pensacola and Opening Doors Northwest Florida, Inc. (NWFL)
2) Supplemental Budget Resolution No. 2021-39
3) Supplemental Budget Explanation No. 2021-39
PRESENTATION: No end