STRATEGIC PRIORITY: Public Safety
AGENDA DATE: October 25, 2023
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S): All
DEPARTMENT: Office of Emergency Management
EXECUTIVE: Jon Fortune
______________________________________________________________________
SUBJECT
Title
A resolution authorizing approval of the program statement for the City Disaster Aid Program, as shown in Exhibit A, to provide immediate financial assistance to City of Dallas residents who have been impacted by an emergency that results in their primary residence becoming uninhabitable but cannot be financially assisted by American Red Cross - Financing: No cost consideration to the City
Body
BACKGROUND
The American Red Cross (ARC) is the city’s primary partner as it relates to sheltering and other mass care services. However, there are some scenarios in which a residence is deemed uninhabitable but would not qualify for their financial assistance.
The City of Dallas Disaster Aid (CDA) program provides immediate financial assistance to City of Dallas residents who have been impacted by an emergency that results in their primary residence becoming uninhabitable but cannot be financially assisted by ARC. Typically, the Office of Emergency Management will open emergency congregate shelters for a period of 72-hours following an incident that results in the displacement of families.
The purpose of CDA is to reduce the number of families requiring emergency congregate sheltering by providing them with funds to pay for immediate temporary housing needs (e.g., hotel room stay) and essentials (e.g., clothing, toiletries). This program, supplemented by other services, empowers residents to take the actions most appropriate for their family during the short-term recovery period. This program may also utilize non-profit agencies to serve as subrecipients for program administration throughout the Dallas community to reach and serve more eligible participants.
PRIOR ACTION/REVIEW (COUNCIL, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS)
On September 28, 2022, the City Council authorized Ordinance No. 32301 amending the FY 2021-22 Operating and Capital Budgets' Appropriation Ordinance No. 32000, which established the Disaster Response Fund and authorized the appropriation of $200,000.00, by Resolution No. 22-1424.
The Public Safety Committee was briefed on the “Proposed Emergency Shelter Standard Operating Procedures” on October 11, 2022.
FISCAL INFORMATION
No cost consideration to the City.