STRATEGIC PRIORITY: Housing & Homelessness Solutions
AGENDA DATE: January 25, 2023
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S): All
DEPARTMENT: Office of Homeless Solutions
EXECUTIVE: Kimberly Bizor Tolbert
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SUBJECT
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Authorize Supplemental Agreement No. 2 to the Contract for Management Services with Bridge Steps dba The Bridge, increasing the total contract in the amount of $181,006.00, from $5,350,284.00 to $5,531.290.00, for the management and all operational responsibility, including the assistance of homeless persons by providing rental assistance in conjunction with support services through the Rapid Rehousing program at the City’s homeless shelter facility for the Office of Homeless Solutions - Not to exceed $181,006.00 - Financing: FY 2021-22 Emergency Solutions Grant
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BACKGROUND
The facility management services contract with Bridge Steps dba The Bridge provides for the management and all operational responsibility of the City’s homeless shelter located at 1818 Corsicana Street. The contract is 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. The 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, the agreement is vital to keeping guests sheltered and safe while also helping them exit homelessness. Bridge Steps dba The Bridge assists 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 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, Housing Forward, formerly known as 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 guests and residents.
As a major tenant in the Central Business District, 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 continues in the new contract. Engagements with sheltered 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.
Bridge Steps dba The Bridge will use the additional funds in the amount of $181,006.00 to provide rental assistance in conjunction with support services for homeless persons through the Rapid Rehousing program.
PRIOR ACTION/REVIEW (COUNCIL, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS)
On April 27, 2022, City Council authorized a facility management services contract with Bridge Steps dba The Bridge, for the management and all operational responsibility of the City’s homeless shelter facility for Office of Homeless Solutions by Resolution No. 22-0653.
On September 14, 2022, City Council authorized an amendment to Resolution No. 22-0653, previously approved on April 27, 2022, with The Bridge, increasing funding from Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs for the management, operations, and services of the City’s homeless shelter facility for the Office of Homeless Solutions by Resolution No. 22-1366.
FISCAL INFORMATION
|
Fund |
FY 2023 |
FY 2024 |
Future Years |
|
FY 2021-22 Emergency Solutions Grant |
$181,006.00 |
$0.00 |
$0.00 |
Contract $4,519,000.00
Supplemental Agreement No. 1 $ 831,284.00
Supplemental Agreement No. 2 (this action) $ 181,006.00
Total $5,531.290.00