CITY OF POMONA
COUNCIL REPORT
September 9, 2024
To: Honorable Chairperson and Governing Board of the City of Pomona Housing Authority From: Anita Gutierrez, Executive Director
Submitted By: Beverly Johnson, Neighborhood Services Director SUBJECT: ADOPT A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF POMONA HOUSING AUTHORITY (PHA) TO ACCEPT a grant award and receive funding from the U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT (HUD), totaliNG $188,177 RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the City Council, sitting as the Governing Board of the City of Pomona Housing Authority take the following actions:
Adopt the following resolution:
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-136 – A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF POMONA, CALIFORNIA, SITTING AS THE GOVERNING BOARD OF THE POMONA HOUSING AUTHORITY, APPROVING THE ACCEPTANCE OF A u.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT (hud) PROGRAM GRANT AWARD, TO RECEIVE FUNDING TOTALING $188,177 AMENDING THE FY 2024-25 OPERATING BUDGET BY INCREASING REVENUE ESTIMATES, and APPROPRIATING funds in the same amount Approve an extension to the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) as required for the administration of the Foster to Independence (FYI) Program, subject to City Attorney review and approval; Authorize the Executive Director of the Housing Authority or his designee to execute the contracts and other documentation requested for acceptance and implementation of the grant award, subject to approval as to form by the City Attorney.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
Approval of this item will accept the ten (10) vouchers awarded on July 26, 2024 and amends the FY 2024-25 operating budget by $188,177. The acceptance of these 10 additional vouchers will enable Pomona to provide critical housing support to Foster Youth aging out of foster care, helping to prevent homelessness and promote stability for this vulnerable population. By securing stable housing, these young individuals will have a stronger foundation to transition into adulthood, pursue education or employment opportunities, and contribute positively to the community.
SB1439/GOVERNMENT CODE §84308 APPLICABILITY:
☐ When this box is checked, it indicates the agenda item is subject to the Levine Act SB1439 requirements. Councilmembers are reminded to check their campaign contributions and determine whether they have received a campaign contribution of $250 or more that would require disclosure and/or recusal from discussing or acting on this agenda item. Campaign contributions of $250 or more made 1) by any person or entity who is identified in the agenda report as the applicant or proposer or 2) on behalf of the applicant or participant, including a parent, subsidiary or otherwise related business entity, or 3) by any person who has a financial interest in the agenda item requires a councilmember to comply with SB1439.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Adoption of Resolution No. 2024-136 (Attachment No. 1) will amend the FY 2024-25 Operating Budget by increasing revenue estimates and appropriations as follows:
PROGRAM
REVENUE ACCT #
APPROPRIATE ($)
EXPENDITURE ACCT #
APPROPRIATE ($)
FYI Program
205-1791-40850-00000
$180,677
205-1791-52579-00000
$180,677
205-1791-40853-00000
$7,500
205-1791-51012-00000
$7,500
PREVIOUS RELATED ACTION:
On January 27, 2020, the City Council, sitting as the Governing Board of the PHA, authorized staff to submit a grant application to HUD for five vouchers under the FYI Program and approved entering into an MOU with Department of Family Child Services as required by the FYI application. On August 4, 2020, the Pomona Housing Authority (PHA) was awarded five (5) FYI vouchers. The award initiated a collaborative partnership with the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) to support transitional aged youth (TAY) who are at risk of or experiencing homelessness and have been involved in the child welfare system.
DISCUSSION:
The FYI program, an initiative of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), provides housing voucher assistance and supportive services to eligible youth aged 18 to 24 who meet the following criteria:
• Exited foster care at age 16 or older, or are within 90 days of leaving foster care, as outlined in a transition plan under section 475(5)(H) of the Social Security Act; • Are homeless; or
• Are at risk of homelessness.
The success of the FYI program relies on effective coordination among community partners to identify, target, and connect eligible youth with housing and related supports, such as mental health services and healthcare. The PHA administers the program in partnership with DCFS and is responsible for referring eligible TAY for rental assistance determination to the PHA.
This initiative is part of a broader federal effort to prevent and end youth homelessness., The FYI program allows Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) to request housing choice vouchers (HCVs) for youth under 25 with a history of child welfare involvement for up to 36 months. Additionally, participants may be eligible for an extension of up to 24 months if they meet specific criteria, such as participating in the Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program or engaging in education, workforce development, or employment activities. Furthermore, the FSHO amendment provides an extension of assistance for up to 24 months beyond the 36-month time limit of assistance if FYI program participants meet one of three statutory exceptions.
Building on the success of the initial award, the PHA applied for an additional 10 FYI vouchers on March 21, 2024. On July 26, 2024, the PHA was notified of its eligibility to receive these additional vouchers, a result made possible due to the PHA’s high performer status and by achieving a 100% utilization rate of its current FYI vouchers, exceeding the required 90% threshold. The PHA now seeks approval to accept this award and continue its efforts to support TAY in the community by expanding the FYI program in partnership with DCFS.
COUNCIL PRIORITIES & GOALS: This item supports City Council Goal J – Encourage the development and maintenance of quality housing opportunities for all and Goal K: – to reduce the unsheltered homeless population by 10% annually and take actions to mitigate the impacts of homelessness on the community.
Prepared by:
__________________________________________
Veronica Perez
Family Self Sufficiency Coordinator
ATTACHMENT:
Attachment No. 1 – Resolution No. 2024-136
Authorize the Acceptance of a HUD Grant Award
Authorize the Acceptance a HUD FYI Grant Award