DEPARTMENT: Department of Human Services
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Melody Woosley
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: City Wide
SUBJECT:
2014 Community Services Block Grant Agreement Amendment
SUMMARY:
This ordinance authorizes the acceptance of additional funding from the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) for the 2014 Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) in the amount of $269,222.00 for the period January 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014, and authorizes approval of a revised budget and personnel complement of 22 positions. It also authorizes the acceptance of one-time funds from TDHCA in the amount of $473,100.00 from TDHCA for the period April 1, 2014 through September 30, 2014.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The Department of Human Services (DHS) is the designated Community Action Agency and CSBG eligible entity for San Antonio and Bexar County. DHS has operated the Community Action Program since 1979.
On December 19, 2013, City Council authorized the acceptance $1,588,858.00 from TDHCA for the operation of programs funded through CSBG for Program Year (PY) 2014. On April 22, 2014, TDHCA notified DHS of a final 2014 CSBG grant award of $1,858,080.00, a 5% increase of $269,222.00 over the initial grant award. This funding may be used for activities eligible under the regular CSBG annual allocation and must be expended by December 31, 2014. On June 27, 2014, TDHCA notified DHS of an additional award of one-time funds in the amount of $473,100.00. Only CSBG entities in the state that fully expended 2013 PY funds within the contract period and passed a review process are being awarded these PY 2013 unspent funds.
The primary purpose of the program is to provide case management services to assist individuals and families to transition above 125% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Emergency assistance is also provided to area residents at or below 125% of the FPL. CSBG funding is provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services with oversight by the TDHCA.
Funds will be used to provide social service supports to DHS clients in the case management program and for emergency assistance and grant operations. Case management focuses on the following areas: education, employment, financial education and emergency supports. Community Services Specialists work with committed program participants to develop individual assessments and case management service plans, arrange for necessary services and follow-up, and monitor participants' progress to assist them in achieving a sustained family income above 125% of FPL. Emergency assistance includes rent, utility and prescription drug assistance for seniors 60+.
In Program Year 2013, CSBG case management and emergency assistance programs served 2,700 clients.
ISSUE:
One time funds will be used to provide additional direct assistance to clients and to purchase equipment for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program and the senior technology project. Acceptance of CSBG funds is consistent with City Council's direction to accept funding to enhance services for residents of San Antonio.
On April 22, 2014, TDHCA issued additional funds to each CSBG eligible entity that has a current PY 2014 contract. This resulted in a 5% increase in funding ($269,222.00) for the contract period January 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014. The amended 2014 CSBG contract will increase the total amount of funds awarded from TDHCA from $1,588,858.00 to $1,858,080.00. Additionally on June 27, 2014 the City received a 2nd notification from TDHCA of one-time PY 2013 funds in the amount of $473,100.00 for the period April 1, 2014 through September 30, 2014.
ALTERNATIVES:
Should the additional 2014 CSBG funding not be accepted, TDHCA would need to identify another agency to provide services and safety net assistance to the community to increase current service levels in Bexar County.
FISCAL IMPACT:
This ordinance authorizes the acceptance of additional funding from TDHCA in the amount of $269,222.00, for the 2014 Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) for a total amount of $1,858,080.00 for the period January 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014, and also authorizes the acceptance of one-time funds in the amount of $473,100.00 for the period April 1, 2014 through September 30, 2014.
There is no impact to the General Fund.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends the acceptance of additional funds and approval of the revised budget and personnel complement for the 2014 Community Services Block Grant for the period January 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014, and approval of the budget for one-time funds for the period April 1 through September 30, 2014.