City Council Agenda Report
February 18, 2025
TO: Honorable City Council
FROM: Jesus M. Gomez, City Manager
BY: Ozzie Ramos, Deputy City Manager
Salpy Kabaklian-Slentz, Management Analyst
SUBJECT: AGREEMENT FOR HOUSING LIAISON FUNDING
Background:
The City has been committed to addressing homelessness by providing much-needed services and housing navigation opportunities for the unsheltered population, as well as individuals from throughout Los Angeles County (County) who come to Norwalk. To support this initiative, the City sought Measure H funding from the County and the Gateway Cities Council of Governments (COG) to aid in implementing the City's Homelessness Plan, which was updated in 2023. The City’s Homelessness Plan identified the need for a Housing Liaison to help place this large influx of unhoused residents into interim or permanent housing as expeditiously as possible.
To achieve this, the County agreed to provide funding for a Housing Liaison position, which will be administered by COG. The Housing Liaison will be deployed in the field with the City’s HOPE teams or, based on the City’s operational needs, help screen tenants and assist with their placement. The role’s objective will be to help transition residents into housing within one year.
It is estimated that the Housing Liaison will be able to engage up to 100 persons, with at least 25 individuals being placed in interim housing and at least 25 individuals being placed in permanent housing. They will also provide weekly reports to the City.
Fiscal Impact:
There is no fiscal impact to the City. The County will provide Measure H funding, administered by the GOG, in an amount not to exceed $178,869 for the Housing Liaison position, activities and use.
City Council February 18, 2025
Agreement for Housing Liaison Funding Page No. 2
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Citizens Advised:
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Strategic Plan 2023 Implementation:
The recommended action will further the City’s Strategic Plan Goal 2: Work in Partnership with Our Community to Achieve Safe and Livable Neighborhoods; Objective 3: Improve living conditions for residents in greatest need.
Recommended Action:
Staff recommends City Council approve the agreement with Los Angeles County and the Gateway Council of Governments to provide funding for a Housing Liaison position, activities and use in an amount not to exceed $178,869; and authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement on behalf of the City, in a form approved by the City Attorney.
Attachments:
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