STRATEGIC PRIORITY: Human and Social Needs
AGENDA DATE: September 9, 2020
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S): All
DEPARTMENT: Office of Community Care
EXECUTIVE: Nadia Chandler-Hardy
______________________________________________________________________
SUBJECT
title
Authorize (1) an extension to the current Office of Community Care (OCC) energy assistance program; (2) the acceptance of donations from electric and energy providers in the amount of $500,000.00, through the social services teams at the West Dallas Multipurpose Center and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center, to provide temporary financial assistance to individuals and families who are experiencing a temporary financial crisis for the period August 30, 2020 through September 30, 2021; and execution of agreements and any other necessary documents with electric and energy providers; (3) the receipt and deposit of funds in an amount not to exceed $500,000.00 in the OCC Energy Assistance Fund; and (4) an increase in appropriations in an amount not to exceed $500,000.00 in the OCC Energy Assistance Fund - Not to exceed $500,000.00 - Financing: OCC Energy Assistance Fund; Estimated Revenue: $500,000.00
body
BACKGROUND
The Office of Community Care (OCC) provides utility assistance to individuals and families who are experiencing a temporary financial crisis. The assistance provides relief to those households most vulnerable to the high cost of energy for home heating and cooling. Customers experiencing difficulty in paying utility bills have an option to reach out to our social services department for assistance.
How the Program Works
City receives donations from multiple electric and energy providers to provide utility assistance
OCC qualifies clients based on funder’s established eligibility standards
OCC makes pledge on behalf of client
City remits payment to utility company with supporting documentation that denotes payment
Payment should be remitted within 30-45 days from the pledge date
OCC sends utility assistance funder a report at a frequency identified by funder via email recording activity and balance of funds
PRIOR ACTION/REVIEW (COUNCIL, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS)
On August 14, 2019, City Council authorized acceptance of donations from electric and energy providers in the amount of $500,000.00, through the social services teams at the West Dallas Multipurpose Center and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center to provide temporary financial assistance to individuals and families who were experiencing a temporary financial crisis for the period August 30, 2019 through September 30, 2020, by Resolution No. 19-1111.
City Council was briefed by memorandum regarding this matter on August 28, 2020.
FISCAL INFORMATION
Estimated Revenue: $500,000.00
|
Fund |
FY 2020 |
FY 2021 |
Future Years |
|
OCC Energy Assistance Fund |
$500,000.00 |
$0.00 |
$0.00 |