DATE: January 18, 2022
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: City Manager
SUBJECT: Adopt a Resolution 1) Authorizing the City Manager to Accept and Appropriate $5,236 in Private Community Donations for the Hayward Navigation Center; and 2) Amend the Professional Services Agreement with Bay Area Community Services to Increase the Hayward Navigation Center Contract Amount by $5,236 for a Not-to-Exceed Amount of $2,453,356 to Provide Additional Flexible Funds for Hayward Navigation Center Residents
RECOMMENDATION
That the Council adopts a resolution (Attachment II) authorizing the City Manager to:
Accept and appropriate $5,236 in private community donations to Hayward Navigation Center; and Amend the professional services agreement with Bay Area Community Services (BACS) to increase the contract amount by $5,236 for a not-to-exceed amount of $2,453,356 to provide additional flexible funds for Hayward Navigation Center Residents.
SUMMARY
In 2019, as part of the development of the Hayward Navigation Center, staff created a PayPal donation portal for designated use at the Hayward Navigation Center. Since launching the donation portal, the City has received $5,236 in private donations from private community members for designated use at the Hayward Navigation Center. Staff recommend allocating these funds directly to BACS to use as flexible funding for direct client support.
As part of the Hayward Navigation Center model, residents are provided with up to nine months of financial assistance upon exit from the program. The average flexible fund allocation is $2,000 and is used to support overcoming barriers for individuals experiencing homelessness to move into, and stabilize in, permanent housing. Funds go toward direct housing costs, such as security deposits, first and last month’s rent, housing furnishings and essentials.
BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION
The Hayward Navigation Center opened in November 2019 and is staffed by BACS. The Hayward Navigation Center provides immediate shelter, intensive case management, and housing navigation services to homeless adults in Hayward.
Despite significant reduced capacity due to the COVID-19 pandemic, as of November 1, 2021, BACS has successfully moved 98 formerly homeless Hayward residents into permanent housing. As part of the Hayward Navigation Center model, residents are provided with up to nine months of financial assistance upon exit from the program. The average flexible fund allocation is $2,000 and is used to support overcoming barriers for individuals experiencing homelessness to move into, and stabilize in, permanent housing. Funds go toward direct housing costs, such as security deposits, first and last month’s rent, housing furnishings and essentials.
In 2019, as part of the development of the Hayward Navigation Center, staff created a PayPal donation portal for designated use at the Navigation Center. Since launching the donation portal, the City has received $5,236 in private donations for designated use at the Hayward Navigation Center. Staff recommends allocating these funds directly to BACS for use as flexible funding for direct client support.
ECONOMIC IMPACT
This funding will allow for ongoing sustainability of the Hayward Navigation Center, which has a positive economic impact by reducing homelessness and poverty and moving individuals into permanent housing.
FISCAL IMPACT
This item has no fiscal impact.
STRATEGIC ROADMAP
This agenda item supports the Strategic Priority of Preserve, Protect & Produce Housing. Specifically, this item relates to the implementation of the following projects:
Sustain the Navigation Center to House and Support People who are Homeless 2b. Implement the Let’s House Hayward! Homelessness Reduction Strategic Plan Let’s House Hayward! Strategic Plan
2.1a. Continue oversight and management of the Navigation Center
3.1f. Provide flex funds, including one-time financial assistance for diversion and problem-solving program
PUBLIC CONTACT
There is no public contact associated with this item.
NEXT STEPS
Upon authorization from the City Council, the City Manager will amend the agreement with BACS, increasing the grant by $5,236.95 to a not-to-exceed amount of $2,453,356.
Prepared by: Jessica Lobedan, Management Analyst II
Recommended by: Jennifer Ott, Assistant City Manager
Approved by:
Kelly McAdoo, City Manager