Item 2E: Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-housing Program

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ECC UGENE ITY OUNCIL AIS GENDA TEM UMMARY Approval of Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program Meeting Date: May 11, 2009 Agenda Item Number: 2E Department: Planning & Development Staff Contact: Stephanie Jennings www.eugene-or.gov Contact Telephone Number: 682-5529 ISSUE STATEMENT The City of Eugene is eligible to receive a formula allocation of federal funds in the amount of $567,404 through the Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program. In accordance with federal guidance, the City must complete and submit a Substantial Amendment to its Consolidated Plan 2008 Action Plan. BACKGROUND The City of Eugene is eligible to receive a formula allocation of federal funds in the amount of $567,404 through the Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program (HPRP). HPRP was passed in to law in February 2009, as a part of the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA). The purpose of HPRP is to prevent very low-income households from becoming homeless and/or to help persons who are homeless to quickly secure housing. Eligible uses of funds include: ? Financial Assistance – funds may be used to provide rental assistance, utility deposits and payments, moving cost assistance, and motel and hotel vouchers. ? Housing Relocation and Stabilization Services – funds may be used for services that assist program participants with housing stability and placement including case management, outreach and engagement, housing search and placement, legal services, and credit repair. ? Data Collection and Evaluation – The City and any sub-grantees will be required to track information on program participants. ? Administration – Up to five percent of grant funds may be used to support program administration costs. The City of Eugene must submit a Substantial Amendment to its 2008 Consolidated Action Plan by May 18, 2009, in order to receive HPRP funds. Through the Substantial Amendment, the City of Eugene must provide: 1) a description of the process it will use to allocate HPRP grant funds; 2) an estimated budget summary, and 3) a description of how the City plans to collaborate with other federal programs that serve the same target populations. At this time, staff proposes to allocate HPRP funds through a competitive Request for Proposals (RFP) that will be conducted in collaboration with Lane County Human Services Commission. The RFP would be issued in June 2009, or sooner. The RFP will be developed in consultation with Lane County Human Services Commission, local service providers, and other related agencies. The City of Eugene Z:\CMO\2009 Council Agendas\M090511\S0905112E.doc