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February 13, 2024
ITEM TITLE
Agreement: Approve an Agreement for the Continuation and Expansion of the Work for Hope Program with McAlister Institute for Treatment and Education, Inc.
Report Number: 23-0325
Location: No specific geographic location
Department: Housing and Homeless Services
G.C. § 84308: Yes
Environmental Notice : The activity is not a “Project” as defined under Section 15378 of the California Environmental Quality Act State Guidelines. Therefore, pursuant to State Guidelines Section 15060(c)(3), no environmental review is required. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the activity qualifies for an Exemption pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the California Environmental Quality Act State Guidelines.
Recommended Action
Adopt a resolution waiving the competitive bidding requirements pursuant to Chula Vista Municipal Code Section 2.56.070(B)(4) and approving an agreement with McAlister Institute for the continuation and expansion of the Work for Hope program.
SUMMARY
Since 2020, the City has contracted with McAlister Institute for Treatment and Education, Inc. to provide transitional employment training for homeless individuals through the Work for Hope program . This item approves a contract with McAlister Institute for the continuation and expansion of the program.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The Director of Development Services has reviewed the proposed activity for compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and has determined that the activity is not a “Project” as defined under Section 15378 of the State CEQA Guidelines because the proposed activity consists of a governmental fiscal/administrative activity which does not result in a physical cha nge in the environment . T herefore, pursuant to Section 15060(c )(3) of the State CEQA Guidelines, the activity is not subject to CEQA.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, it has also been determined that the activity qualifies for an Exemption P a g e | 2
pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the California Environmental Quality Act State Guidelines. Thus, no environmental review is required.
BOARD/COMMISSION/COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
Not applicable.
DISCUSSION
In 2020, the City received an allocation of Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES) funds for communities to implement a variety of programs to address issues related to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The intent of the funding stream was to provide fast and direct economic assistance for workers, families, small businesses, and industries . In May of 2020, the City adopted the CARES Action Plan, a comprehensive strategic plan that identified and provided funding for the highest needs in the community including access to housing programs and projects, food banks, health services, job training/reentry programs and services to the unsheltered population.
One of the most evident effects from the pandemic was the substantial increase in the number of unsheltered resulting from a myriad of contributing factors including : loss of employment, income, family instability, increased mental health issues, substance abuse, and addiction. With the increased funding opportunity to focus on programs addressing these specific needs, the City seized the opportunity to capitalize on an existing City initiative - Operation Pride.
With limited resources, the Operation Pride initiative was initially created in 2015 to p rovide job opportunities to those previously homeless overcoming dependency issues. With the added 2020 CARES funding, the program expanded, under the program name Work for Hope, to provide enhanced services such as vocational rehabilitation training, life skills instructions, transportation, job readiness, and links to stable housing resources.
Since its initial funding, the program demonstrated that it continues to serve as a catalyst for our unsheltered who can work, providing them with immediate transitional employment and training , while providing the community with vital s ervices through the removal of over one million pounds in trash and debris throughout Chula Vista’s public spaces and beautification of a dozen community parks. The significant rise in need for these services resulted in staff’s determination that an increase in funding is necessary to continue the success of this program. In addition, opportunities for job training are being expanded beyond our public right of way and into the City’s Animal Care Facility where unsheltered are assisting with daily maintenance of the facility and upkeep of animals as they await adoption.
Due to their unique ability to provide the job training and wrap around services staff is requesting a waiver of the competitive bidding requirements under Chula Vista Municipal Code Section 2.56.070(B)(4) as a sole source provider and proposing to enter a new 15-month contract with McAlister Institute for Treatment and Education, Inc. (“McAlister”) for $150,000 using available Housing funds earmarked for homeless activities, with two one year options to extend for a year each at $130,000.
DECISION-MAKER CONFLICT
Staff has reviewed the decision contemplated by this action and has determined that it is not site-specific and consequently, the real property holdings of the City Council members do not create a disqualifying real property-related financial conflict of interest under the Political Reform Act (Cal. Gov't Code § 87100, et seq.).
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Staff is not independently aware, and has not been informed by any City Council member, of any other fact that may constitute a basis for a decision-maker conflict of interest in this matter.
CURRENT-YEAR FISCAL IMPACT
There is no current year fiscal impact to the City's General Fund as all costs associated with the program are covered by previously appropriated Housing funds. Approval of this item allows $150,000 in eligible expenditures from funds earmarked for Homeless activities.
ONGOING FISCAL IMPACT
There is no ongoing fiscal impact to the City's General Fund as all costs associated w ith the program are covered by available funds from Housing funds. The contact allows for two one-year extension for $130,000 per year. Staff will review the budget annually to determine if funding has been secured to continue the program.
ATTACHMENTS
1. McAlister Agreement No. 2023-252
Staff Contact: Angelica Davis, Homeless Solutions Manager Stacey Kurz, Director of Housing and Homeless Services Department