REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL
To:Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From:Jason Simpson, City Manager
Prepared by:Adam Gufarotti, Community Support Manager
Date:September 24, 2024
Subject:Amendment No. 1 to the Agreement for Professional Services with Social Work Action Group (SWAG) for Supportive Services and Management of the Anchor
Recommendation
Approve and authorize the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 1 to the Agreement with Social Work Action Group (SWAG) for supportive services and management of the Anchor in an amount not to exceed $617,085 per fiscal year and extending the term in such final form as approved by the City Attorney.
Background
Homelessness is a top priority for the City of Lake Elsinore and since establishing the City’s first Homeless Task Force in 2017, Lake Elsinore has made significant strides in assisting our most vulnerable residents off the streets while seeking effective methods of reducing our homeless population to achieve functional zero for chronic homelessness.
A key partner in achieving this goal is the Social Work Action Group (SWAG), the City’s nonprofit partner. SWAG has played a crucial role in conducting street outreach, providing housing navigation, and offering case management services to chronically homeless individuals.
Additionally, since December 2020, SWAG has operated the Anchor, a facility that provides 14 crisis stabilization housing units with up to 20 beds for chronic homeless individuals for up to 90 days.
SWAG Anchor Amendment No. 1
Since 2019, the City has secured approximately $9 million toward its homeless efforts. City staff continues to look for more funding opportunities. This year, the City received $3 million in federal funding through the federal appropriations process and has submitted another $2.5 million in federal appropriations for fiscal year 2024/25. In addition to funding, City staff were awarded a fellowship with Stanford University to study how data can shape future homeless services and funding.
Discussion
On July 13, 2021, the City entered into an agreement with the Social Work Action Group (SWAG), allocating $445,000.00 per fiscal year for supportive services and management of the Anchor.
Over the past few years, the City has exercised its options to extend this contract, recognizing the critical impact of these services on the community.
Currently, the City seeks to amend the agreement to ensure the ongoing provision of essential outreach services and to adapt to the evolving needs within the community. This amendment will enable SWAG to continue its vital work in assisting homeless individuals, providing them with necessary resources, housing navigation, and case management services. By amending the agreement, the City aims to strengthen its commitment to reducing homelessness and supporting its most vulnerable residents.
Fiscal Impact
Funds are available in the City’s Fiscal Year 2024-25 Annual Operating Budget.
Attachments
Attachment 1 - Amendment No. 1
Exhibit A - Scope of Services
Attachment 2 – Original Agreement
City Manager’s Office