DEPARTMENT: Human Services
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Melody Woosley
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: Citywide
SUBJECT:
Grant submission to the Vera Institute of Justice SAFE Cities Grant to provide legal services for immigrant families.
SUMMARY:
This ordinance authorizes the ratification of a submission of a grant application to the Vera Institute of Justice SAFE (Safety and Fairness for Everyone) Cities Network Grant to provide legal representation to low income San Antonio immigrants including education on and representation in adjustments of immigrant status as well as in removal proceedings in order to keep families together and communities safe. This action also authorizes the City Manager or her designee to execute any and all related documents.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
On March 8, 2017 at the "B" Session presentation pertaining to the City's First Quarter financial report; Councilman Rey Salda?a requested alternatives to provide education and legal representation to San Antonio immigrant families.
At the May 10th "B" Session, the City Council was presented with the 2nd Quarter Financial Report and recommendations for the FY 2017 Mid-Year Budget Adjustment. Included in this presentation was the proposed allocation of $150,000 from the general fund budget $1 million contingency to provide legal services to low-income residents. These legal services will include education seminars, counseling and legal representation on a variety of issues including veteran issues, landlord-tenant, identification recovery for homeless, immigration, and simple wills. City Council was also briefed on the option of entering into a partnership with St. Mary's University to provide these legal services or issue a request for proposal (RFP). Based on direction from the City Council, a request for proposal was released on May 26th to provide entities such as Catholic Charities, RAICES, American Gateway, St. Mary's University, Texas Rio Grande Legal Aid, and others the opportu...
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