STRATEGIC PRIORITY: Housing & Homelessness Solutions
AGENDA DATE: September 14, 2022
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S): All
DEPARTMENT: Office of Homeless Solutions
EXECUTIVE: Kimberly Bizor Tolbert
______________________________________________________________________
SUBJECT
title
Authorize an amendment to Resolution No. 22-0653, previously approved on April 27, 2022, with Bridge Steps dba The Bridge, increasing the total contract amount in the amount of $831,284.00 for the management and all operational responsibility of the City’s homeless shelter facility for the Office of Homeless Solutions - Not to exceed $831,284.00, from $4,519,000.00 to $5,350,284.00 - Financing: FY2023 TDHCA-Homeless and Housing Services Program 22-23 Fund
body
BACKGROUND
This facility management services contract will provide for the management and all operational responsibility of the City’s homeless shelter located at 1818 Corsicana Street. The contract will be managed by the Office of Homeless Solutions. The scope of work includes support services programs for clients, which utilize best practices specified by the National Alliance to End Homelessness. This contract is in support of the following key priorities: preventing homelessness, protecting persons experiencing homelessness, promoting affordable housing solutions, and partnering to maximize resources.
As the only low barrier shelter and entry point for all adult males and females experiencing homelessness in the City, this agreement is vital to keeping guests sheltered and safe while also helping them exit homelessness. The recommended proposer is equipped with the required experience and capabilities to successfully provide these services at the City’s homeless shelter. in order to The proposer, Bridge Steps dba The Bridge will assist persons experiencing homelessness with innovative solutions to overcome their housing crisis and provides substantial case management services.
Since opening in 2008, Bridge Steps dba The Bridge has been an integral part of the City’s homeless response system through the provision of day shelter, night shelter, and housing attainment services. Day services include meal service (three meals per day, 365 days per year), peer support services, showers, laundry facilities, storage of client belongings, and case management. Service offerings have evolved over the years. The most recent value-added services include kennel services for pets of overnight shelter guests and the creation of a street outreach team.
Collaboration with the Office of Homeless Solutions, the local Continuum of Care (“CoC”) via lead agency Metro Dallas Homeless Alliance (“MDHA”), other social service agencies and homeless service providers is essential to the continued success of the City’s partnership with Bridge Steps dba The Bridge. Currently, the following agencies/services are co-located at the Bridge Steps dba The Bridge campus: Parkland Hospital, MetroCare Services, and the Veteran’s Administration. The Bridge Steps dba The Bridge campus includes a library, barber shop, computer lab, and telephone service for clients guests and residents.
As a major tenant in the Central Business District, the Bridge Steps dba The Bridge staff remain actively involved in all neighborhood meetings and events. Continuation of the Good Neighbor Requirements (GNR) and performance reporting will continue in the new contract. Engagements with sheltered adverse individuals, in order to maintain a safe, clean environment for all residents is an essential element of the GNR that the Bridge Steps dba The Bridge has dedicated staff to address.
PRIOR ACTION/REVIEW (COUNCIL, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS)
On December 12, 2007, City Council authorized the City Manager to enter into a ninety-four-month contract, with two sixty-month renewal options, with Metro Dallas Homeless Alliance to provide management services for the transition of operations, programming, and management of the Homeless Assistance Center for the period December 12, 2007 through September 30, 2015, by Resolution No. 07-3739.
On September 22, 2015, City Council authorized the first five-year renewal option to the Management Services Contract, Phase II (MSC), with Bridge Steps for the continued operation, programming, and management of The Bridge for the period October 1, 2015 through September 30, 2020; funding for the first year of the five-year renewal term of the MSC with General Funds for the period October 1, 2015 through September 30, 2016; an Interlocal Agreement with Dallas County to accept $1,000,000, to assist in providing homeless assistance services at The Bridge through the City’s contractor, Bridge Steps for the period October 1, 2015 through September 30, 2016; an Interlocal Agreement with Dallas County to accept 2015-16 Emergency Solutions Grant Funds for shelter operations at The Bridge for the period October 1, 2015 through September 30, 2016; and use of 2015-16 Emergency Solutions Grant Funds for shelter operations at The Bridge from the Homeless Assistance Center - Operations line item by Resolution No. 15-1800.
On December 13, 2017, City Council authorized an amended and restated Management Services Contract, Phase II (MSC), with Bridge Steps consistent with the original intent as a low-barrier, housing-focused shelter with proven results in housing placement, reduction in average length stay and reduction in returns to homelessness and to ensure The Bridge complies with all conditions for additional funding for the period October 1, 2017 through September 30, 2020; funding for Bridge Steps for the period October 1, 2017 through September 30, 2018 from General Funds; funding for Bridge Steps for the period September 1, 2017 through August 31, 2018 from Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs Grant Funds, under the Homeless Housing and Services Program, previously approved on September 13, 2017, by Resolution No. 17-1421; and execution of the MSC by Resolution No. 17-1865.
On September 26, 2018, City Council authorized the second five-year renewal option to the amended and restated Management Services Contract, Phase II, with Bridge Steps, for continued operation of The Bridge for the period October 1, 2018 through September 30, 2023; funding for the period October 1, 2018 through September 30, 2019; new good neighbor provisions relating to community engagement and internal and external operations; and up to 50 pay-to-stay shelter beds for stays of up to 90 days per person at a rate of $12.00 per person per night for the period October 1, 2018 through September 30, 2019, by Resolution No. 18-1410.
The Citizen’s Homeless Commission was briefed by memorandum regarding this matter on April 22, 2022.
Information about this item was provided to the Housing and Homelessness Solutions Committee on April 25, 2022.
FISCAL INFORMATION
|
Fund |
FY 2022 |
FY 2023 |
Future Years |
|
Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs Grant |
$831,284.00 |
$0.00 |
$0.00 |