DEPARTMENT: Human Services
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Melody Woosley
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: Citywide
SUBJECT:
2019 Community Services Block Grant
SUMMARY:
This ordinance authorizes the submission of the 2019 Community Action Plan grant application and acceptance of Community Services Block Grant funds upon award, of up to $2,051,128 from the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs for the period January 1, 2019 through December 31, 2019, and authorizes a budget and personnel complement of 25 grant funded positions.
This ordinance also authorizes the Director of the Department of Human Services to initiate, negotiate, and execute any and all necessary documents and a grant contract to effectuate the acceptance of this grant, and to execute contract amendments pertaining to this contract, to include a) carry-over funds, when ascertained and approved by the funding agency through a revised notice of award; b) line item budget revisions authorized by the funding agency; c) modifications to the performance measures authorized by the funding agency and listed in the contract so long as the terms of the amendment stay within the general parameters of the intent of the grant; d) no cost extensions; e) amendments which will provide supplemental grant funds to the grant by the funding agency in an amount up to 20% of the total amount awarded to the grant; f) reimbursement increases of administrative funds for each participant served; g) amendments funding one time equipment purchases or defined program services; and h) changes in regulations mandated by the funding agency.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The primary goal of the Community Services Block Grant is to transition individuals and families out of poverty and promote financial self-sufficiency to reduce poverty in the Bexar County area for residents at or below 125% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).
The City of San Antonio, Department of Human Services (DHS) is the designated Community Action Agency (CAA) and Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) eligible entity for San Antonio and Bexar County. DHS has operated the Community Action Program since 1979. The Community Action Advisory Board (CAAB) acts in an advisory capacity regarding implementation of Community Action Programs. The CAAB is a tri-partite board consisting of 1) representatives of the low income population by geographical area; 2) representatives of non-profit organizations in San Antonio; and 3) public officials.
CSBG funding is provided by the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) with oversight by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA). Through the DHS-Training for Job Success (TFJS) Program, education and employment support services are provided as part of intensive case management. Program participants are enrolled in high-demand occupations. Educational support services include: tuition assistance, textbooks, supplies, uniforms, equipment, rent and utility assistance as well as referrals to address barriers to student success. Employment support includes: resume writing, interviewing skills, interview preparation and assistance with job searches. In calendar year 2017, program graduates’ annual earnings increased from $15,139 to $52,818 post program. Case managers work with committed program participants to complete individual assessments, develop case management service plans, arrange for necessary services and follow-up and monitor participants’ status to help them achieve a sustained family income above 125% of the FPL. DHS anticipates transitioning at least 80 individuals (and their families) out of poverty in 2018 through Training for Job Success. In addition, CSBG funding supports programs including Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA), emergency assistance, and financial counseling, which together reach 1,800 individuals.
ISSUE:
As part of the annual planning process required by TDHCA, CSBG eligible entities must conduct a public hearing prior to submitting a proposed 2019 budget and Community Action Plan. A public hearing was held on August 23, 2018 at the CAAB meeting at the Claude Black Community Center. Also on this date, the CAAB approved the Program Year 2019 Community Action Plan that includes Individual, Family and Community National Performance Indicators, Targets and the proposed Program Year 2019 budget.
A final award amount from TDHCA will be provided upon authorization of the Fiscal Year 2019 Federal Budget. As requested by the state, DHS proposed a budget based on 2019 estimated CSBG allocations in the amount of $2,051,128. The CSBG contract with TDHCA for Program Year 2019 will be executed once the federal budget is approved or a Continuing Resolution is authorized and final award amount is received by the City of San Antonio.
ALTERNATIVES:
The City of San Antonio is the only designated CSBG eligible entity for Bexar County and no other agency may apply for these funds. If the proposed ordinance is not approved, it is estimated that 80 individuals/families will not transition out of poverty and about 450 individuals will not be provided financial counseling or emergency assistance.
FISCAL IMPACT:
This ordinance authorizes the submission of the 2019 Community Action Plan grant application and acceptance of funds, upon award, of $2,051,128 in 2019 CSBG funding from TDHCA for the period January 1, 2019 through December 31, 2019, and approves a budget and personnel complement of 25 DHS positions.
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the General Fund.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of this ordinance authorizing the submission of the 2019 Community Action Plan, Budget and Personnel Complement and acceptance of 2019 CSBG funds, upon award, of up to $2,051,128 from the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs.