DEPARTMENT: Human Services
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Melody Woosley
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: City Wide
SUBJECT:
Supportive Housing Program (SHP) Homeless Childcare Services
SUMMARY:
This ordinance authorizes submission of a Supportive Housing Program (SHP) Seamless grant application, through the South Alamo Regional Alliance for the Homeless (SARAH), to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the Supportive Housing Program (SHP) for the period of July 1, 2014 through June 30, 2015. This ordinance also authorizes acceptance of up to $412,765.00 if awarded, and approves a budget, grant match of $103,191.00, included in the FY 2014 General Fund Budget, and a personnel complement of one grant funded position.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The South Alamo Regional Alliance for the Homeless (SARAH) is an organization comprised of approximately 19 social service agencies that provide hunger and homeless services, and is designated by HUD as the local Continuum of Care (CoC). Applications for the Supportive Housing Program (SHP) and other CoC-funded programs are submitted to HUD through SARAH as part of the CoC funding process. The consolidated application is due to HUD by February 3, 2014. Upon award, HUD contracts directly with each local agency responsible for the operation of each specific project awarded under the consolidated application.
Since 2004, DHS has operated the SHP Seamless I & II grants to provide childcare to families residing in a homeless shelter or transitional housing facility in the San Antonio area. Childcare services are provided through licensed centers to eligible children. Childcare assistance provides homeless parents with resources to pursue work, job training, counseling, or medical services,. The program provides a foundation for families to become economically self-sufficient upon their transition from the shelter. In FY 2013, the Department of Human Services (DHS) worked with HUD to consolidate Seamless I & II into one combined grant totaling $412,765.00. Through Program Year 2014 SHP Seamless funds, DHS will provide childcare to an estimated 168 homeless households.
ISSUE:
Providing childcare services to homeless households is consistent with SA2020 goals related to increasing family well-being and with City Council direction to accept Federal grant funds to enhance services and the quality of life for San Antonio residents and with City's investment in homeless transformation through Haven for Hope.
Adoption of this ordinance will allow DHS to continue providing childcare services for families residing in a homeless shelter or transitional housing facility. DHS coordinates services with Haven for Hope, San Antonio Metropolitan Ministries, Salvation Army, Seton Home and Guadalupe Home, to ensure homeless individuals are engaged in work and education activities. DHS requests that City Council authorize submission of the application and approve acceptance, if awarded, of up to $412,765.00 from HUD for the SHP Seamless 2014 Program Year to continue homeless childcare services. DHS also requests approval of the associated program budget, including a grant match of $103,191.00, which is included in the FY 2014 General Fund Budget. This ordinance also approves a personnel complement of one position.
ALTERNATIVES:
If the awarded funds are not accepted, alternate funds would need to be identified if City Council wishes to continue to provide childcare services targeted to homeless families.
FISCAL IMPACT:
This ordinance authorizes submission of an application for the Supportive Housing Program (SHP) Seamless grant, and approves acceptance of up to $412,765.00 from HUD, if awarded. This ordinance also authorizes a grant match of $103,191.00 included in the FY 2014 General Fund budget. It further approves an associated program budget and personnel complement of one grant funded position.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends authorization to submit a grant application and accept funding, if awarded, for the SHP Seamless program. Staff further recommends approval of an associated program budget, including an in-kind match, and personnel complement.