DEPARTMENT: Human Services
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Melody Woosley
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: Citywide
SUBJECT:
Designation of Haven for Hope of Bexar County, Inc. as the City of San Antonio subrecipient for the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs Homeless Housing and Services Program
SUMMARY:
An ordinance approving the continuation of the City Council approved designation of Haven for Hope of Bexar County, Inc. as the eligible subrecipient on behalf of the City of San Antonio to accept grant funds from the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) Homeless Housing and Services Program (HHSP) for a two year period from September 1, 2020 through August 31, 2022.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Established in 2009, the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) Homeless Housing and Services Program (HHSP) funds services for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. HHSP funding is currently available for municipalities in Texas with a population over 285,500, which currently includes the eight largest cities in Texas: Arlington, Austin, Corpus Christi, Dallas, El Paso, Fort Worth, Houston and San Antonio.
On November 5, 2009 the City Council approved Haven for Hope of Bexar County, Inc. as the appointed eligible designee to receive funds from the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs for the Homeless Housing and Services Program. In addition, on June 21, 2018 City Council approved for this designation to continue from September 1, 2018- August 31, 2020. TDHCA rules require governing body reauthorization every two years for designation of these funds. This program funds activities such as construction, development, or procurement of housing for homeless persons; rehabilitation of structures targeted to serving homeless persons or persons at-risk of homelessness; provision of direct services and case management to homeless persons or persons at-risk of homelessness; or other homelessness-related activity as approved by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs.
Since the inception of HHSP, Haven for Hope of Bexar County, Inc. has been the subrecipient on behalf of the City. Haven for Hope has utilized HHSP funds to support case management and capital improvements for the homeless population at Haven for Hope. Projects funded with these funds have supported improvements to the Courtyard including installation of canopies, security lighting, automatic security gates, security cameras, water fountains, and installation of showers. These funds have also been utilized to install a handicap accessible ramp at the donation center, additional restrooms, water fountains, and laundry facilities at the Haven for Hope Campus.
ISSUE:
In 2018, City Council approved designating Haven for Hope of Bexar County, Inc. as the subrecipient of HHSP funds which expires on August 31, 2020. TDHCA rules require a municipality designation by resolution of an entity to receive HHSP funds up to two years. This ordinance approves the continuation of this designation for a two-year period beginning September 1, 2020 and ending August 31, 2022. The designation will authorize Haven for Hope to enter into a direct contract with TDHCA to administer funds from the Homeless Housing and Services Program.
ALTERNATIVES:
Should this item not be approved, a funding gap would result at Haven for Hope that would impact case management and capital improvements that benefit individuals experiencing homelessness.
FISCAL IMPACT:
This item has no financial impact to the City of San Antonio.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of this ordinance to designate Haven for Hope of Bexar County, Inc. as the subrecipient on behalf of the City of San Antonio to accept grant funds from the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) Homeless Housing and Services Program (HHSP).