STRATEGIC PRIORITY: Human and Social Needs
AGENDA DATE: November 11, 2020
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S): All
DEPARTMENT: Office of Homeless Solutions
EXECUTIVE: Kimberly Bizor Tolbert
______________________________________________________________________
SUBJECT
title
Authorize a one-year contract, with one twelve-month renewal option contingent upon performance and subject to appropriation, with CitySquare, to implement Track 3 of the Homeless Solutions Strategy by providing move-in and rental assistance for eligible individuals and families in need of temporary assistance and mitigation funds to landlords that reserve units for eligible individuals and families experiencing homelessness (“the Landlord Subsidized Leasing Program”) for the period October 1, 2020 through September 30, 2021 - Not to exceed $1,300,000.00 - Financing: Operating Carryover Fund
body
BACKGROUND
The local 2018 Homeless Point-In-Time Count revealed that 3,506 persons were experiencing homelessness in the City of Dallas, an almost 9% increase from the 2017 count. Similarly, 1,098 unsheltered persons experiencing homelessness were identified, a 24% increase from the 2017 results. The increase of both total and unsheltered homelessness in the City of Dallas has trended for several years. Numerous factors contribute to these devastating results including decreased shelter capacity; a lack of available and affordable housing units; and an uncoordinated and underutilized homeless response system to name a few.
On August 1, 2018, the Office of Homeless Solutions briefed City Council on its proposed Four-track Homeless Solutions Strategy to address homelessness in the City of Dallas. Track 3: Master Lease and Landlord Incentives includes security deposits, rent, utilities, and incentives to tenants as well as incentives and risk mitigation to participating landlords, which aims to expand capacity of existing providers through contracted pay-to-stay shelter beds.
On January 31, 2019, the Office of Procurement Services advertised a Request for Competitive Sealed Proposals (“RFCSP”) (#BPZ1905) to provide financial assistance for eligible homeless persons and risk mitigation funds for landlords, to address challenges faced by persons experiencing homelessness as they navigate the rental market, The RFCSP closed on March 14, 2019, with 2 proposal submissions. CitySquare submitted a proposal to provide financial assistance for eligible homeless persons and risk mitigation funds for landlords and is recommended for award to provide Landlord Subsidized Leasing Program services.
CitySquare was originally founded in 1988 by Dallas businessman Jim Sowell. At the time CitySquare was operating as a small food pantry (Central Dallas Food Pantry D/B/A Central Dallas Ministries) for the working poor in East and South Dallas communities. In 2010 Central Dallas Ministries changed its name to CitySquare, to better reflect their commitment to equality inclusiveness, and our recognition that fighting poverty involves bringing our entire community together in the heart of the city.
From a small food pantry, CitySquare has since grown into one of the largest, most effective poverty- fighting organizations in Texas. CitySquare’ s social service programs annually serve over 50,000 neighbors in North Texas as well as other Texas cities to include Austin, Houston, Abilene, and Paris and Denver, Colorado. Programs focus on four key areas: Hunger, Health, Housing, and Hope.
In partnership with Family Gateway, CitySquare will provide rental assistance and supportive services to 25 homeless individuals and 50 homeless families, while engaging and encouraging landlords to provide units through risk mitigation funds.
Approval of this item will authorize continued operation of CitySquare for one year from October 1, 2020 to September 30, 2021, with one twelve-month renewal option, to implement a Landlord Subsidized Leasing Program under Track 3 of the Homeless Solutions Strategy.
PRIOR ACTION/REVIEW (COUNCIL, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS)
The Citizen Homelessness Commission was briefed on the Track 3 of the Homeless Solution Strategy March 14, 2018.
The Human and Social Needs Committee was briefed on the Track 3 of the Homeless Solution Strategy on September 17, 2018.
On June 26, 2019, City Council authorized a fifteen- month contract, with one twelve- month renewal option, with CitySquare to implement a Landlord Subsidized Leasing Program under Track 3 of the Homeless Solutions Strategy by providing move- in and rental assistance for eligible individuals and families in need of temporary assistance and risk mitigation funds to landlords that reserve units for eligible individuals and families experiencing homelessness for the period of July 2, 2019 through September 30, 2020, by Resolution No. 19-1016.
FISCAL INFORMATION
|
Fund |
FY 2021 |
FY 2022 |
Future Years |
|
Operating Carryover Fund |
$1,300,000.00 |
$0.00 |
$0.00 |
MAP
Attached