LEGISLATIVE ACTION ITEM
SPONSOR: City Council President Ann Hill
SUBJECT:
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RE-ENTRY ALLIANCE PENSACOLA (REAP) - REQUEST FOR ADDITIONAL FUNDING
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RECOMMENDATION:
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That City Council approve the request for additional American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding in the amount of $389,420.02 to Re-Entry Alliance Pensacola, Inc. for the continued operation of the Lodges and Emergency Shelter for Women and Women with Families.
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HEARING REQUIRED: No Hearing Required
SUMMARY:
On September 20, 2021, City Council received a presentation from the Homeless Reduction Task Force regarding a plan for the Expenditure of the City’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Fund appropriation. Included in that plan was a funding request in the amount of $921,328 for the Re-Entry Alliance of Pensacola (REAP) for the following programs:
- $362,879 - Lodges and Emergency Shelter for Women and Women with Families
- $150,370 - Funding For a 5-acre campsite with enhanced amenities.
- $408,079 - Funding for the acquisition & operation of a 24-bed Temporary Shelter located at 1551 West Blount Street
On December 1, 2021, City Council held a Special City Council Meeting to accept the Homelessness Reduction Task Force ranking recommendations and approved the distribution of ARPA funds based on the rankings. Included in that recommendation was funding in the amount of $1,746,464 for REAP for the following programs:
- $417,879 - Lodges and Emergency Shelter for Women and Women with Families
- $316,850 - Safe Outdoor Shelter at 2200 Palafox Campsite
- $178,520 - Safe Outdoor Shelter at REAP Lodge Campsite
- $273,740 - Safe Outdoor Shelter at Houston Street Campsite
- $559,475 - Navigational Holistic Center
Resulting from that meeting was an approval by City Council to provide funding in the amount of $400,000 for the REAP Navigational Holistic Center program. However, funding for the Safe Outdoor Shelters and the Lodges and Emergency Shelter for Women and Women with Families was not approved by City Council at that time. An additional $180,000 was allocated for emergency reimbursement funding for the various organizations for placement of homeless individuals in hotel rooms. Of that amount $149,000 has been earmarked for REAP funding for hotel rooms.
On February 24, 2022, City Council allocated an additional $42,000 to REAP for the Safe Outdoor Shelter at Camp One (the Pathways for Change property).
On July 18, 2022, the City received a request from REAP to provide funding for the Lodges and Emergency Shelter for Women and Women with Families in the amount of $389,402.02 after receiving $24,876.78 from Opening Doors of NWFL, Inc. Unified State Grant. A copy of their proposed budget covering 7/1/22 to 6/30/23 is attached.
PRIOR ACTION:
August 12, 2021 - City Council allocated $3,000,000 of ARPA funds to homelessness reduction.
September 20, 2021 - City Council received a presentation from the Homeless Reduction Task Force regarding a plan for the expenditure of the City Council American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Fund Appropriation.
December 1, 2021 - City Council held a Special City Council Meeting to allocate $1,596,654 to certain organizations to assist in the homelessness reduction. The remainder was held by Council for future use.
February 23, 2022 - City Council allocated an additional $42,000 to Re-Entry Alliance Pensacola, for the Safe Outdoor Shelter at Camp One (the Pathways for Change property).
FUNDING:
Budget: $936,346.00 Homelessness Initiatives Unallocated Balance
Actual: $389,420.02 Additional REAP Funding Request
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There is currently $936,346 in the Unallocated Homelessness Initiatives balance within the ARPA Fund. Should City Council approve this allocation the remaining unallocated balance will be $546,926 for other homelessness initiatives.
STAFF CONTACT:
Don Kraher, Council Executive
Melanie Kruszona, Strategic Budget Planner
Yvette McLellan, Special Assistant to the Council Executive
ATTACHMENTS:
1) REAP Lodges Budget - July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023
2) City of Pensacola Homelessness/Housing Initiatives ARPA Balance as of August 1, 2022
3) The Lodge’s Progress Summary - 09/03/21 to 07/31/22
PRESENTATION: No