ACTION:
____________________________
Clerk/Secretary
Department: City Manager Item No: C3
Prepared by:
Angela Baggett, Management Analyst
Jonathan Lung, Homeless Services Program Manager Meeting Date: May 28, 2024 Approved by:
Imelda Huerta, Assistant City Manager
John Conley, City Manager Agenda Location: Consent
SUBJECT: ACCEPTING GRANT FUNDS FROM THE REGIONAL TASK FORCE ON HOMELESSNESS
AND AMENDING THE OPERATING BUDGET
RECOMMENDATION:
1.Adopt City Council Resolution No. 2024- , accepting grant funds from the Regional Task Force on Homelessness.
2.Adopt City Council Resolution No. 2024- , amending the Operating Budget for Fiscal Years 2023/24 and 2024/25.
CORRELATION TO CITY COUNCIL GOALS: Homelessness and Housing, Public Safety, and Fiscal Responsibility
PRIOR ACTION: No prior action.
STATEMENT ON THE SUBJECT: The City of Vista has been awarded $336,809.25 from the Regional Task Force on Homelessness (RTFH) for a Housing Navigation and Shared Housing Project.
The RTFH is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and is the designated lead of the San Diego City and County Continuum of Care (CoC), as designated by The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The CoC Program is designed to promote community wide commitment to the goal of ending homelessness; provide funding for efforts that quickly rehouse homeless individuals and families while minimizing the trauma and dislocation caused to homeless individuals, families, and communities by homelessness; promote access to and affect utilization of mainstream programs by homeless individuals and families; and optimize self-sufficiency among individuals and families experiencing homelessness.
In October 2023, RTFH released a Super Notice of Funding Opportunity (Exhibit 3). The City of Vista submitted an application to implement a Housing Navigation and Shared Housing Project in support of the Home Share strategy of the Strategic Plan to Address Homelessness, and a final budget for implementation was awarded in the amount of $336,809.25 (Exhibit 4). Staff recommend accepting the grant funds at this time. Final program design is still being developed by City staff with potential contractors and approval of services and positions returning to the City Council at a future meeting.
FISCAL IMPACT: Approval of the staff report will appropriate $336,809.25 into expense account no. 0010355.531500.HMSHR.
AGENDA
REPORT
CITY COUNCIL
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
SUCCESSOR AGENCY
BUENA SANITATION DISTRICT
JOINT POWERS FINANCING AUTHORITY
Approved above recommendation, adopted the following: City Council Resolution No. 2024-62, Vote:
5-0; City Council Resolution No. 2024-63, Vote: 5-0.
MEETING DATE: May 28, 2024 PAGE 2
SUBJECT: ACCEPTING GRANT FUNDS FROM THE REGIONAL TASK FORCE ON
HOMELESSNESS AND AMENDING THE OPERATING BUDGET
EXHIBITS:
1.City Council Resolution No. 2024- , accepting grant funds from the Regional Task Force on Homelessness
2.City Council Resolution No. 2024- , amending the Operating Budget for Fiscal Years 20234/24 and 2024/25.
3.RTFH Super Notice of Funding Opportunity
4. Budget and Scope of Work for Awarded Project
5.Grant Award Letter
05/28/2024 C3 2 of 22
00029213 7
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CHARTERED CITY OF
VISTA, CALIFORNIA, ACCEPTING GRANT FUNDS FROM THE REGIONAL
TASK FORCE ON HOMELESSNESS
The City Council of the City of Vista does resolve as follows:
1. Findings. The City Council hereby finds and declares the following:
A. The City of Vista wishes to continue to implement its Strategic Plan to Address Homelessness which includes the goal of expanding homelessness and housing services.
B. The City of Vista has been awarded $336,809.25 by The Regional Task Force on Homelessness for targeted outreach and a housing pathway solutions through a Shared Housing project for unsheltered residents in Vista.
2. Action.
A. The additional grant funds in the amount of $336,809.25 are accepted by the City.
B. The City Manager or his designee is authorized to sign the grant agreement and related documents to accept the award on behalf of the City.
3. Adoption. PASSED AND ADOPTED at a meeting of the City Council of the City of Vista held on May 28, 2024, by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
WALTER CHUNG, CITY ATTORNEY
By:
APPROVED
Walter C. Chung
20240520154538
JOHN B. FRANKLIN, MAYOR
ATTEST:
KATHY VALDEZ, CITY CLERK
By:
05/28/2024 C3 3 of 22
EXHIBIT 1
00029213 7
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CHARTERED CITY OF
VISTA, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING THE OPERATING BUDGET
FOR FISCAL YEARS 2023/24 AND 2024/25
The City Council of the City of Vista does resolve as follows:
1. Findings. The City Council hereby finds and declares the following:
A. On June 27, 2023 the City Council adopted Resolution 2023-117 approving the Operating Budget for Fiscal Years 2023/24 and 2024/25.
B. The City Council desires to amend the Operating and Capital Project Budgets at this time to reflect changed circumstances.
2. Action.
A. The Operating Budget for Fiscal Years 2023/24 and 2024/25 is amended as set forth in Exhibit A.
3. Adoption. PASSED AND ADOPTED at a meeting of the City Council of the City of Vista held on May 28, 2024, by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
WALTER CHUNG, CITY ATTORNEY
By:
APPROVED
Walter C. Chung
20230814103001
JOHN B. FRANKLIN, MAYOR
ATTEST:
KATHY VALDEZ, CITY CLERK
By:
05/28/2024 C3 4 of 22
EXHIBIT 2
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-
CITY COUNCIL FOR THE CHARTERED CITY OF VISTA
PAGE 1 EXHIBIT A
1. Account Number Account Description Increase Decrease 0010355.531500.HMSHR SPECIAL DEPARTMENT EXPENSE 336,809.25$ 0010025.424200.HMSHR LOCAL GRANT REVENUE 336,809.25$
Appropriations are hereby made (and estimated revenues are hereby adjusted) to fund (the subject project). 05/28/2024 C3 5 of 22
1 CoC Super Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)
Date Issued: October 2, 2023
Date Closes: October 31, 2023
SUMMARY
The Regional Task Force on Homelessness (RTFH) is a 501(c)3 non-profit and is the designated lead of the San Diego City and County Continuum of Care (CoC), as designated by The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The CoC Program is designed to promote community wide commitment to the goal of ending homelessness; provide funding for efforts that quickly rehouse homeless individuals and families while minimizing the trauma and dislocation caused to homeless individuals, families and communities by homelessness; promote access to and affect utilization of mainstream programs by homeless individuals and families; and optimize self-sufficiency among individuals and families experiencing homelessness. As the CoC lead agency, RTFH facilitates a community vision and goals for ending homelessness, coordinates with local jurisdictions, promotes and funds best practices and innovative strategies, supports and trains community agencies, plans for and monitors the area’s homeless response system, and advocates for effective policies at federal, state, and local levels.
In September 2022, RTFH published the Regional Community Action Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness in San Diego (“Regional Plan”). The Regional Plan sets forth a shared vision and foundation for ending homelessness throughout the San Diego region over the next five years and outlines system changes needed to achieve better outcomes for people and end homelessness across the San Diego region. The Regional Plan identifies people goals, system goals and system strategies which are used to guide priorities, funding, and action.
BACKGROUND
RTFH is the administrative entity of the State of California funds and the direct recipient of other local, state, and philanthropic funding that has been identified to address homelessness in the San Diego Region. RTFH is releasing a Super Notice of Funding Opportunity (“Super NOFO”) that includes multiple sources of funding. A Super NOFO is a simplified process that streamlines guidelines, applications, and multiple sources of funding into a single application. The process is intended to support and accelerate strategic goals and ultimately help community partners be more effective by bringing consistency to our funding and application process. This approach is designed to:
•Increase the ability of applicants to consider and apply for funding, specifically grass roots organizations.
•Reduce administrative burdens that applicants would otherwise encounter. •Increase community awareness of funding available for jurisdictions and identify programs for which they are eligible for.
•Encourage collaborative applications.
The Super NOFO activities and priorities are grounded in the Regional Plan. RTFH is seeking applications from agencies interested in providing critical programs that align with the Regional Plan; focus on access and movement toward housing for people experiencing homelessness; housing 05/28/2024 C3 6 of 22
EXHIBIT 3
2 retention to reduce returns to homelessness; values the voices of people with lived and living homelessness experience; and address equity and inclusion. Funding included in the Super NOFO will be administered in accordance with all applicable funding source requirements.
The Super NOFO is open to any legally constituted entities that meet the minimum eligibility requirements. RTFH encourages providers, grass roots organizations, smaller cities, and other stakeholders to apply. Individuals cannot apply for this funding.
CURRENT FUNDING
RTFH has identified multiple sources of funding to be included in the Super NOFO. RTFH reserves the right to earmark funding and exclude it from the Super NOFO for specific projects that support the Regional Plan; reserves the right to add additional funding to expand or extend agreements; and reserves the right to negotiate a scope of work and outcomes that aligns with the funding source(s) and the Regional Plan.
HOMELESS HOUSING, ASSISTANCE AND PREVENTION PROGRAM (HHAP) The State of California established a third and fourth round of one-time funding under HHAP, a $1 Billion block grant program designed to support regional coordination and expand or develop local capacity to address immediate homelessness challenges throughout the State. Spending must be informed by a best-practices framework focused on moving individuals and families experiencing homelessness into permanent housing and ensuring those individuals and families maintain their permanent housing. Additional information can be found Chapter 111, Statutes of 2021, (AB140) Cal.
Health and Safety Code Sections 50216-50223.
HHAP funding recipients: The City of San Diego; the County of San Diego; the CoC; and federally recognized tribes. HHAP funding does not identify direct allocations to smaller cities. HHAP funding identifies eligible uses and thresholds, including administrative costs, systems improvement and youth set-aside. HHAP Round 3 must be fully expended by June 30, 2026 and Round 4 funding must be fully expended by June 30, 2027.
BEZOS DAY 1 FAMILY FUNDS
RTFH was awarded $5 million to address family homelessness in the San Diego region. This funding can be spent over a five-year period (no later than September 30, 2027), with $4,500,000 available to be re-granted. The funds are to assist families currently experiencing homelessness-unsheltered or sheltered- to help families regain housing. Funds cannot be used to prevent homelessness but can be used to provide rent and support services for homeless families being assisted into permanent housing. This means additional rent and supportive services can be provided to families who are currently connected to a provider and matched to a Rapid Rehousing resource.
RTFH’s Bezos Day 1 application, identified the ability to leverage the Bezos Day 1 funding with other local, State, and Federal funding to expand, enhance, and strengthen the following: Diversion; housing; general services; achieve racial equity; and strengthen the integration of people with lived experience in the provision of support and service connection for families. RTFH also identified
05/28/2024 C3 7 of 22
3 populations of focus to include marginalized families who are unsheltered or staying in shelters (including domestic violence shelters) including but not limited to:
• Families with high barriers to housing (i.e. income, legal, undocumented, etc.). • Non-traditional families, such as grandparents, extended/kinship family units. • Families who have been in shelter for long periods of time
PHILANTHROPIC
RTFH partners with the philanthropic community to secure additional funding to support efforts to implement the Regional Plan. RTFH intentionally leverages philanthropic funding with other resources to maximize effectiveness of available funding. RTFH reserves the right to include, add, or reallocate philanthropic investments to meet the needs of the community as supported by the Regional Plan.
OTHER STATE/FEDERAL/LOCAL
At times, RTFH secures direct allocations of funding to support and implement strategies that align with the Regional Plan. RTFH reserves the right to include, add, or reallocate other investments to meet the needs of the community as supported by the Regional Plan.
**HHAP Round 4: 50% of the allocation has been distributed as of the release of this Super NOFO.
State Funding Allocations City County CoC
HHAP Round 1 (ends June 30, 2025) $22.4M $9.9M $10.7M
HHAP Round 2 (ends June 30, 2026) $10.6M $4.5M $5.1M
HHAP Round 3 (ends June 30, 2026) $27.4M $12.7M $13.7M
HHAP Round 4 (ends June 30, 2027) $22.5 $10.5 $11.2M
HHAP Round 5 (ends June 30, 2027) TBA TBA TBA
Funding Categories HHAP Round 3 HHAP Round 4 50% Distribution Total Award $13,709,694.36 $11,201,870.32 $5,600,935.16 Administrative Costs (7% maximum) $959,678.61 $784,130.92 $392,065.46 Systems improvement- (20%) $2,741,938.87 $2,240,374.06 $1,120,187.03 Youth Set-Aside (10% minimum) $1,370,969.44 $1,120,187.03 $560,093.52 Flexible Housing Pool $3,000,000.00 TBD TBD
Balance to Award $5,637,107.45 $7,057,178.30 $3,528,589.15 05/28/2024 C3 8 of 22
4 COC REGION WIDE PRIORITIES
RTFH has a regional responsibility as the CoC and is committed to ensure funding is distributed throughout the entire region: East, North, South and Central regions. A combination of factors shall be considered when selecting projects to be funded, including but not limited to: Gap analysis included in the Regional Plan, local investments, leveraging of resources, and commitments to partnerships. RTFH is focused on funding organizations and projects that are committed to intentional outcomes focused on exits to housing, reducing one-time homeless, and reducing returns to homelessness. Priorities, goals, and outcomes are based on the Regional Plan.
RTFH encourages all agencies who meet the eligibility criteria to apply. RTFH also encourages applicants to partner with smaller, grass roots organization; smaller cities; and other stakeholders, identifying funds and resources to be leveraged. Please keep in mind there is limited funding and RTFH intends to fund 2-year contracts. It is recommended to keep proposals within the identified available funding. RTFH reserves the right to increase, reduce, and/or reallocate funding to meet the outcomes and priorities identified.
DESIGNATED ACTIVITIES
Activity Goal Funding Available Up to:
OUTREACH WITH DIVERSION FOCUSED PRACTICES
Programs or initiatives, including safe
parking programs, that implement the
outreach standards and intentionally
practice Diversion.
Reduction in length of
time homeless, specifically
targeting those identified
as first time homeless.
HHAP R3:
$5,637,107.45
HHAP R4:
$3,528,589.15
Bezos Day 1: $4,500,000.00
TOTAL Available
$13,665,696.60
PERMANENT HOUSING
Programs or initiatives that support exits
to permanent housing. Specifically,
extended rapid rehousing of 18-24
months; shared housing; and increase
housing stock, such as the flexible
housing pool or acquisition and rehab.
Increase exits to
permanent housing.
HHAP R3:
$5,637,107.45
HHAP R4:
$3,528,589.15
Bezos Day 1: $4,500,000.00
TOTAL Available
$13,665,696.60
HOUSING RETENTION
Programs or initiatives addressing long
term housing retention.
Decrease returns to
homelessness
HHAP R3:
$5,637,107.45
HHAP R4:
$3,528,589.15
Bezos Day 1: $4,500,000.00
TOTAL Available
$13,665,696.60
05/28/2024 C3 9 of 22
5 PEOPLE WITH LIVED/LIVING EXPERIENCE OF
HOMELESSNESS
Projects or initiatives specific to
organizations established by people with
lived experience or directly support the
development and or inclusion.
Initiatives or projects that
engage those with lived
experience or expertise of
homelessness in
leadership roles; decision
making processes.
Up to 5% of total available
funds
ADDRESSING RACIAL EQUITY
Projects or initiatives specific to the core
principles of the Regional Plan:
Centering Racial Equity and Social
Justice.
Initiatives or projects that
address supports the
homeless system of care
centering equity,
addressing racial
disparities, dismantling
racist policies, and
ensuring equitable
response to those
experiencing
homelessness.
Up to 5% of Total Available
funds
OTHER INITIATIVES Initiatives or projects that
address one or more
people goals, system
goals, and identifies
system strategies.
HHAP R3:
$5,637,107.45
HHAP R4:
$3,528,589.15
Bezos Day 1: $4,500,000.00
TOTAL Available
$13,665,696.60
SPECIAL PROJECTS
1. RTFH is working on a number of strategies to support implementation of the Regional Plan. Other strategies and projects may be identified to receive direct funding and/or included in a future NOFO(s).
2. RTFH also administers the Flexible Housing Pool and has a 3-year contract with Brilliant Corners to operate the Flexible Housing Pool (FHP), with options for renewal. RTFH utilizes HHAP funding for the FHP, and continues to seek additional funding for long-term sustainability. The FHP meets the designated activities as it focuses on permanent housing and housing retention.
SPECIAL NOTES
1. Only 50% of HHAP 4 funding is currently available. Cal ICH only distributed 50% of the allocation.
Cal ICH will provide guidance at a later date on the disbursement of the remaining funds. HHAP R3 and HHAP R4 may be combined in the Super NOFO.
2. Bezos funding has a 5-year spending period, funding amount and availability will depend on projects submitted.
3. The CoC does not fund emergency shelter. Emergency shelter proposals will not be accepted. 05/28/2024 C3 10 of 22
6 SUPER NOFO PROCESS
Super NOFO responses are due by 11:59pm (PST) on Tuesday, October 31, 2023.
Please read this section and the Timeline carefully.
All interested parties must submit a Request for Information (RTFH 2023 Super NOFO RFI) in order to receive a link for the ZoomGrants application portal and Dropbox link. Applications cannot be submitted without the link. The deadline to submit a Request for Information and receive a link is October 23, 2023 by 11:59pm (PST). RTFH will provide a link to both Dropbox and ZoomGrants within two (2) business days of the RFI submission. Requests submitted after this date and time will not be eligible to apply.
All application packets must be submitted to Zoom Grants and required documents in Dropbox by the deadline to be considered for funding. Applicants are encouraged to submit applications early, as ZoomGrants can experience problems. Late applications will not be accepted. RTFH recommends downloading confirmation of application submission date and time.
A NOFO office hours will be held via Zoom conference call on Wednesday, October 11, 2023. The link for the conference call will be available on the RTFH website. Please email questions in advance to [email protected]
SELECTION PROCESS
The Super NOFO is a competitive process. Proposals must meet the threshold requirements and must respond to each of the selection criteria listed below. Proposals for activities other than the designated activities listed in the NOFO will be rejected. All completed applications submitted on or before the deadline and that meets the agency eligibility requirements will be reviewed and individually scored by members of a review committee.
Applications not meeting requirements of minimum eligibility or application completeness will be deemed ineligible and will be eliminated from further consideration. RTFH reserves the right to:
• reject any or all proposals and to waive any informality in proposals received whenever RTFH determines that such rejection or waiver is in its best interest. • contact the primary contact person listed on the agency’s application to clarify application contents.
• schedule and conduct interviews and/or site visits with some or all applications prior to final award decisions are made.
Applicants will be required to acknowledge the following in ZoomGrants (required criteria):
• Applicants must agree to the Regional Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness in San Diego (“Regional Plan”)
• Applicants must agree to the CoC Action Plan: Addressing Homelessness Among Black San Diegans.
05/28/2024 C3 11 of 22
7 • Applicants must agree to the CoC Written Standards, HMIS Standards, and CES Standards. • Applicants must agree to adopt Standards including but not limited to: Rapid Rehousing, Outreach, Diversion, and Shared Housing.
• Applicants must acknowledge a policy addressing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. • Applicants must comply with California’s Housing First policy in all aspects of program design and implementation.
• Projects must participate and contribute client-level data to the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS).
A successful application should also include the following:
• Clearly articulate how the project will align with the Regional Plan’s people goals; system goals; and system strategies.
• Project promotes cross jurisdictional or regional collaboration and cross-sector partnership, including but not limited to leveraging funds and other resources. • Projects that demonstrate pathways to permanent housing.
SELECTION CRITERIA
EXPERIENCE (25 POINTS)
Applicants should describe in 750 words or less, their experience in providing the proposed activity, including past performance on relevant HUD or similar system performance measures. If the organization does not have direct experience, please indicate the ability to address the proposed activity.
CAPACITY (25 POINTS)
Applicants should describe in 750 words or less, their organizational capacity to administer the awarded funds in compliance with applicable regulations, including experience administering similar State and Federal funds, timely invoices for reimbursement, and reporting requirements. Please also address the organization’s ability to expend all funds toward the activity in the next two years. Explain the financial controls and oversight in place to ensure proper use of funds. Attach your most recent annual independent financial audit, if requesting $250,000 or more.
SPECIAL NOTE
If the applicant identifies as a grassroots organization or a new agency, please include this in your response. The applicant may receive full points and may be required to participate in technical assistance or other support to ensure fiscal capacity and compliance. RTFH will review each applicant and may reach out for further information.
COST EFFECTIVENESS/LEVERAGE (25 PTS)
Provide a budget detailing:
• activity costs,
• proposed # of persons served,
• proposed # of persons served by subpopulation (Veteran, Youth, Older Adult, Chronically Homeless, Families),
05/28/2024 C3 12 of 22
8 • proposed # of households housed,
• address scalability of the activity, whether it could be a smaller or larger project, and • leveraging of other funding sources.
When available, please cite prior success in addressing inflow (those becoming homeless for the first time), length of time homeless, outflow (those housed), two-year recidivism or other outcomes. If current data is unavailable, please cite best practices to be used to support projected outcomes of the proposed activity. Please describe your organization’s ability to support feedback loops, through tracking and monitoring to meet activity goals, and adjust as needed.
IMPLEMENTATION PLAN (25 PTS)
Applicants should provide a project narrative in 750 words or less explaining the proposed project(s), service area, target population(s), and implementation plan. • Describe how the project aligns with the Regional Plan, specifically identifying people goals and system goals the project will address.
• Describe how this project will increase exits to housing and housing retention. • Describe how the project will collaborate with other organizations and stakeholders. • Describe phases of implementation and sustainability, given this is one-time funding.
BUDGET (NOT SCORED)
Applicants must provide a budget detailing the costs for the activity and any leverage of other funding sources. Proposals must fully describe all costs for the entire term of the service/project. Applicants shall include a budget narrative.
AWARDS
Organizations selected to implement designated activities will enter into an agreement with RTFH.
Funding will be reimbursed to the contracted organizations monthly, upon submittal of the required documentation of eligible expenses. Organizations can request a one-time funding advance equal to 20% of the budget.
Applicants will be required to utilize Pulse for Good Kiosks for a broader community initiative to receive feedback from program users; review recommendations and feedback; and identify how to implement recommendations and feedback, when appropriate.
Final agreements may include additional provisions, depending on the funding source contributing to the designated activities.
EXPENDITURE DEADLINES
50% of the funding must be spent by December 31, 2024 and 100% by December 31, 2025.
RTFH reserves the right to reallocate funds between activities if a designated activity is at risk of not meeting expenditure deadlines or outcome goals.
05/28/2024 C3 13 of 22
9 This is one-time State funding and organizations should not expect the funding to be renewed or extended in the future.
CONTACT PERSON
All questions related to the Super NOFO should be submitted at [email protected].
RTFH will host at least one office hours to review the Super NOFO and answer questions. FAQs will be updated weekly. Applicants are responsible for checking the RTFH website for updates.
05/28/2024 C3 14 of 22
10 Super NOFO FY2023 Timeline
October 2, 2023 Super NOFO Release
RTFH strongly encourages applicants to read the NOFO
and Regional Plan in its entirety.
October 11, 2023
Super NOFO Webinar (Recorded version will be
available)
RTFH G&C Team will review questions submitted,
processes and deadlines.
*Opportunity to ask questions.
October 18, 2023 Upload Webinar and Publish FAQs on RTFH website October 20, 2023
Questions for Super NOFO Due
Questions can be submitted to [email protected].
RTFH to address public questions in NOFO webinar and
FAQs.
October 23, 2023
11:59 PM PST
Request for Information (RFI) Due (Required)
Submit via Google Form: Letter of Interest for RTFH Super NOFO FY 23 (google.com)
October 31, 2023
11:59 PM PST
Project Application Due
Submit to RTFH:
1.NOFO Application
2.Required Documentation Uploaded in Dropbox
November 1-15, 2023 RTFH Reviews Applications
RTFH reviews application; scoring and ranks projects.
November 21, 2023 RTFH Posting and Notification of Awards Week of December 4, 2023
Grant Kick Off Webinar (Recorded)
RTFH reviews grant agreements and contract compliance
*Opportunity to ask questions.
December 4, 2023 ZoomGrants Project Setup Open
December 11, 2023 Release FAQs from Grant Kick Off Webinar December 15, 2023 Fully Execute Grant Agreements
January 1, 2024 Project Start
05/28/2024 C3 15 of 22
1 HOUSING INNOVATION PILOT - SCOPE OF WORK
INTRODUCTION
The following Scope of Work outlines the key components, objectives, and strategies of the proposed Housing Innovation Pilot (“Pilot”) – a collaborative initiative between Townspeople, the City of La Mesa, and the City of Vista. The overarching goal of the pilot program is to facilitate safe, stable permanent housing for people experiencing homelessness within San Diego County.
Based on proven innovative strategies including Housing First, shared housing, and master leasing, the Pilot will focus on the use of existing market rate housing, improving affordability for low- and very low-income individuals, and maximizing available resources.
Outcomes will be achieved through effective coordination of outreach, emergency shelter, property owner engagement, housing navigation and placement, as well as post-move-in housing stabilization services.
OVERVIEW
For every 100 extremely low-income households in San Diego, there are only 20 affordable and available units – resulting in a deficit of such units by -82,307 (Gap Report: California | National Low Income Housing Coalition (nlihc.org)). With the designation of one of the most expensive housing markets in the nation, housing affordability is exacerbated by a low vacancy rate – particularly for studio, efficiency and one-bedroom apartments. However, like many other regions, larger size units (2-, 3-, and even 4-bedroom) sit vacant for longer periods. The Housing Innovation Pilot aims to implement a shared housing and/or master leasing model utilizing these larger units to provide affordable housing opportunities to people experiencing homelessness in San Diego.
Through close collaboration and the effective use of leveraged resources, the Pilot plans to tap into the collective knowledge and experience of staff from the City of Vista, the City of La Mesa, and Townspeople. The three partner entities will share responsibility for housing placement and stabilization for a minimum of 75 individuals. To achieve this joint target, each partner will serve no less than 25 individuals from outreach through housing stabilization.
P ROGRAM COMPONENTS
Outreach – As part of the Pilot, the City of La Mesa, the City of Vista, and Townspeople will facilitate outreach to their respective regions, including encampments. All partners are primarily guided by the Housing First model and a trauma-informed approach. Employing progressive engagement paired with a harm reduction philosophy, the focus will be on moving individuals into housing as quickly as possible. Priority will be given to those most vulnerab le (e.g., physical health conditions, severity of mental health, families with children, and chronic homelessness).
Outreach staff for the designated region(s) will be added to increase overall capacity; and outreach activities will be conducted by program staff without law enforcement involvement. This will allow for greater geographic coverage and expanded program hours. Outreach teams will provide food, water, and/or hygiene items; facilitate the provision of temporary shelter/motel when available; and connect individuals/households to services and transportation. 05/28/2024 C3 16 of 22
EXHIBIT 4
2 Shared Housing – The combination of record-high housing costs, low vacancy rates (particularly for smaller units), and wages severely lagging behind the increased cost of living, affordable housing has become increasingly out of reach. For many households limited by low- and very low- income, homelessness has become a reality.
Shared housing offers an effective solution to the current deficit of affordable housing and the challenge of locating available units for record numbers of people experiencing homelessness. In this collaborative living arrangement, two or more individuals or families are matched to reside together under one roof. Guided by affordability and resource optimization, shared housing offers private bedrooms for personal privacy and shared common space (i.e., kitchen, living room). In addition to making rent more affordable, tenant participants also share the cost of utilities – providing enhanced quality of life and capacity to remain housed.
Shared housing goes beyond providing a roof over someone’s head – it creates a supportive community where individuals can thrive and find a sense of belonging. Some of the benefits of participating in shared housing include:
• Affordability. Shared housing reduces the financial burden of renting a place alone.
By splitting expenses, such as rent and utilities, with housemates, an individual can access more affordable housing options, freeing up resources for other important needs and goals.
• Safety and Security. Shared housing provides an added layer of security as there are others around, creating a sense of safety, especially in unfamiliar or uncertain situations. Knowing that a supportive network is looking out for one another can offer peace of mind.
• Emotional Support. Shared housing presents a built-in support system that can make a tremendous difference, especially to those who tend to isolate. Living with like-minded individuals provides a sense of companionship, reduces isolation, and offers emotional support during challenging and triumphant times. (San Diego Shared Housing Collaborative - Townspeople)
The Pilot will facilitate shared housing arrangements to maximize housing resources in the community by matching individuals to share 2- to 4-bedroom units. Shared housing creates greater affordability for households with low- or very low-income and it allows for more unhoused people to attain housing stability. Tapping into the availability of existing market rate housing stock opens accessibility to those who might otherwise be priced out of a market where low-income housing options are scarce.
The Pilot will increase capacity to build on the established network of property owners willing to participate in the shared housing system; facilitate the placement of individuals experiencing homelessness in safe, affordable, shared housing arrangements; and improve program participants’ overall well-being and self-sufficiency, enhancing their potential for housing retention.
The following foundational elements are key to the successful implementation of the Pilot:
A. Property Owner and Stakeholder Engagement – Access to existing multi-bedroom housing units is critical to the success of shared housing. As such, the initiative will invest in training staff and community partners on best practices for engaging with property owners and cultivating mutually beneficial relationships that result in clients renting multi-bedroom 05/28/2024 C3 17 of 22
3 housing units. Additionally, we are working with the three regional property owner engagement programs to integrate the shared housing system into their policies and workflows, granting shared housing staff and clients access to incentive programs, financial assistance, and housing location/liaison staff. By leveraging existing resources in the community, we can allocate funds requested under this proposal to underfunded and unfunded interventions and support.
B. Strategic Messaging – Even though shared housing is a widely accepted practice for most adults, a negative stigma is attached to it within the homeless assistance system. In response, we are developing strategic messaging that is realistic, transparent, and accessible. These messages will be tailored to specific audiences and used consistently across all mediums, including project advertising.
A s an institution, we employ various strategies to avoid raising the communities' hackles and ensure a culturally and linguistically sensitive approach is always taken. We use intentional language choice to avoid inherent bias, recognizing that perception can be shaped before it becomes reality. Additionally, we reach out to influential community members and potential opponents early in our process to build relationships with allies that can help preemptively engender goodwill.
C. Training & Development – The Pilot aims to set participants and stakeholders up for success from the start. To do so, we set up the system by establishing written guidelines, policies, and procedures and appropriately training end-users. But doing just that is not enough. In furtherance of San Diego’s goal to ensure incidents of homelessness are rare, brief, and non-recurring, we must equip staff with the skills needed to support with the skills needed to support their clients best and equip clients with the necessary skills to live successfully on their own or, in this instance, with others.
The shared housing system will engage highly qualified subject matter experts and an online learning management system to develop and deliver training to staff, community partners, project stakeholders, and clients. These training courses' focus areas will include Fair Housing, Motivational Interviewing, Trauma Informed Care, conflict mediation, tenant rights, living well with others, cultural competency, Mental Health First Aid, Shared Housing Institute, and more. Training will be offered and advertised to interested parties.
D. Platform, Technology, and Equipment – In 2021, Townspeople began exploring other industries that utilize shared housing (e.g., university systems), and we determined a technology solution would be critical to increasing opportunities not only for potential housemates to identify and interact with one another but also to be matched with housing that meets their preferences. Combining a web-based platform and mobile devices such as tablets helps increase access to housing and services that can end a person’s homelessness. With this technology, staff are more readily able to meet individuals where they are and begin the shared housing journey.
StarRez was selected as the agency’s online housemate and housing match system. The platform has the capability to integrate with other software, and we are in discussions with the Regional Task Force on Homelessness’ HMIS team about building a rest API integration that would export critical HMIS data to StarRez and import relevant StarRez data into HMIS – strengthening service coordination and reducing data entry efforts. 05/28/2024 C3 18 of 22
4 Additionally, clients, service providers, property owners, and other stakeholders will have access to an AI Chatbot that can answer general questions and respond to critical issues not requiring emergency assistance. A Learning Management System will also be incorporated to expand access to training and development opportunities.
E. Flexible Funding – To help individuals and families exit homelessness more quickly and secure quality housing within their budget, the Pilot program will employ a Flexible Funding Pool. This pool will help mitigate the high costs associated with securing permanent housing and will allow clients to overcome financial barriers to housing. Examples of how flexible fund may be used include:
• Temporary, short-term motel stays.
• Meet-ups with potential housemates.
• Move-in and utility assistance (e.g., moving costs/truck rental, furniture, arrears). • Housing stabilization supports such as grocery store gift cards or food at move-in. • Initial household goods such as linens, cookware, cleaning supplies, or small appliances.
• Specialized services to help with daily living, such as cleaning services, ADA necessities (e.g., household or shower handles).
• Funds to cover additional security deposits, furnishings, vacancy loss, holding fees, and tenant damages that may incentivize property owners to rent to participants. • Temporary shallow subsidies to support unforeseen loss of income.
Currently, there are three property owner engagement and incentive programs operating in San Diego, each with distinct offerings similar to those noted above. The Pilot will work to leverage the existing community resources when eligibility permits and utilize the shared housing Flexible Funding Pool when those resources are not available.
F. Supportive Services – While many individuals can resolve their homelessness independently, some individuals need var ying levels of support to obtain and maintain permanent housing. Before entering permanent housing, program clients can access multiple staff such as Housing Navigators, Emergency Housing Coordinators, and Housing Location and Leasing Specialists who complete assessments, help clients develop a Housing Plan, and identify interim housing while supporting them in their search for a housemate(s), as well as a home. Once permanently housed, clients will have access to housing stability and peer support specialists who will provide or facilitate connection to services identified by the client as critical to their housing success.
Master Leasing – The proposed Pilot will establish a Master Leasing program that will provide housing for persons experiencing chronic and acute needs (physical health and/or mental health) and offers a safe place to reside, increasing access to address other immediate needs. Master leasing can help reduce the 24/7 stress that comes with living on the streets and provides 05/28/2024 C3 19 of 22
5 unsheltered community members with the opportunity to be in a safe place from which to prioritize seeking medical care.
Allowing a homeless service agency to master lease units can eliminate barriers associated with discrimination and substantially increase access to affordable housing. The largest barrier for housing services providers is access to affordable housing. By utilizing existing housing stock, housing placement bottlenecks issue will decrease. Additionally, there is potential for matching housemates for shared housing. Shared housing not only lowers the cost of living but can have a positive impact on well-being through increased social connectedness and support for formerly homeless tenants - raising the likelihood of housing retention.
All elements noted under Shared Housing (i.e., Property Owner Engagement, Flexible Funding, Strategic Messaging, Supportive Services) are applicable to the Master Leasing component of the Pilot.
TARGET OUTCOMES
Over the course of the initial pilot program, a minimum of 75 households will be provided with housing navigation, placement, and stabilization services. Each collaborative partner commits to serving at least 25 households, to include the provision of:
• Outreach • Temporary Shelter/Motel • Housing Navigation • Move-In Kits • Document Procurement (IDs, etc.) • Rental Assistance • Household Furnishings • Stabilization Services • Transportation Assistance
To ac hieve the proposed outcomes, the Pilot will employ the following staffing model:
CITY OF LA MESA CITY OF VISTA TOWNSPEOPLE
Outreach 0.5 FTE Outreach 0.5 FTE Navigator 1.0 FTE
Navigator 1.0 FTE Navigator 1.0 FTE Navigator 1.0 FTE
Stabilizer 2.5 FTE
Locator 1.0 FTE
Please see the BUDGET SUMMARY on the following page for additional details.
05/28/2024 C3 20 of 22
6 BUDGET SUMMARY
LINE ITEM CITY OF LA MESA CITY OF VISTA TOWNSPEOPLE
Rental Assistance/Flex
Funds
To Include:
Rent
Move-In Kit
Furnishings
Transportation
Temp Motel Stay
$210,000. $210,000. $210,000.
Staffing
Salary for each position:
$55k annual + 27% benefit
rate
0.5 FTE Outreach
1.0 FTE Navigator
0.5 FTE
Outreach
1.0 FTE
Navigator
1.5 FTE
Outreach/Engagement
2.5 FTE Stabilizer
1.0 FTE Locator
$104,775. $104,775. $349,250
Subtotal $314,775. $314,775. $559,250.
Admin $22,034.25 $22,034.25 $39,147.50.
Partner Totals $336,809.25 $336,809.25 $598,397.50.
PROJECT TOTAL
$1,272,016 .
05/28/2024 C3 21 of 22
May 7, 2024
John Conley
City Manager
City of Vista
200 Civic Center Dr.
Vista, CA 92084
Re: Housing Innovation Pilot Award Letter
Dear John Conley,
The Regional Task Force on Homelessness (RTFH) is pleased to award City of Vista funding for the Housing Innovation pilot program in the amount of $336,809.25. This project is a collaborative partnership between City of Vista, City of La Mesa and Townspeople. The funding will require a collaborative MOU of the partnership.
Your contract is forthcoming and we will get this to you as soon as possible. Upon receipt of the contract, please review for the full terms and conditions of the grant award.
RTFH supports the critical work of the City of Vista in providing persons who are currently experiencing homelessness with shelter and wrap-around services to focus on permanent housing and long-term stability. We look forward to our continued partnership in making homelessness in San Diego rare, brief, and non-recurring.
If you have any questions or need any assistance, please feel free to contact the Grants & Contracts Manager, Susan Kim at [email protected].
In Partnership,
Lahela Mattox
Chief Operating Officer
Regional Task Force on Homelessness
05/28/2024 C3 22 of 22
EXHIBIT 5