Agenda Item Name:
Title
New Funding and Policy Options to Address Homelessness in Gainesville and Alachua County (B)
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Presenter:
Claudia Tuck 352-231-0058
Description:
The purpose of this agenda item is to discuss a new policy and funding approach for Homeless Services for FY 2020-2021 and future years. This new approach involves increased funding for Rapid Rehousing and Permanent Supportive Housing, as well as continued support for Low-Barrier Shelter Services for homeless persons. In addition, this new approach shifts funding and responsibilities for these services.
Previously, the Board of County Commissioners discussed the closing of Dignity Village. The County Commissioners and the City Commission need to discuss the continuing efforts to close Dignity Village as a part of the new funding approach. The City is negotiating a new agreement with the Alachua County Coalition for the Homeless and Hungry in amount of not exceed $1,500,000 for the next five years including FY 2020.
In the County’s new funding proposal, each jurisdiction would increase that allocation by $250,000 in each of the next three fiscal years. Simultaneously, a new allocation formula divides the services provided into the following two categories: 1) Low-Barrier Emergency Shelter Services and a one-stop homeless service center at GRACE Marketplace; and 2) Supportive Housing Services.
Based upon the new funding formula, the County would reduce its allocation to GRACE Marketplace by $500,000 in year two, while at the same time, the City would increase its funding for GRACE Marketplace in the amount of $500,000 in FY21. At the beginning of the third year, the City would be fully funding GRACE Marketplace in the amount of $1,500,000 per year. Additionally, at the beginning of the third year, the County would be funding Supportive Housing Services in the amount of $1,500,000 per year. The proposal defines Supportive Housing Services as Rapid Rehousing and Permanent Supportive Housing.
The new funding proposal would also shift the responsibility for the services, with the City having full funding authority and management of the GRACE Marketplace contract and the County assuming responsibilities for the management of Supportive Housing Services for the County’s homeless and low Income residents, working under the homeless Continuum of Care prioritization process.
Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
That the Commissions discuss and provide staff direction with respect to funding and services as follows:
1. Continued funding for Grace for FY20 (contingent on an agreement for #2 below)
2. City and County Homeless services funding for FY 21 and beyond
3. Plan and funding request for the closure of Dignity Village
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Prior Board Motions:
n/a
Fiscal Consideration:
Fiscal Consideration
Under the new funding approach, City/County support in FY 2021, for operations at GRACE Marketplace would be $1,250,000 from the City and $250,000 from the County. Also, part of the new funding approach is County funding up to $1,000,000 towards Rapid Rehousing and Permanent Supportive Housing, subject to annual appropriation.
The proposed Budget agreed upon in May included funding in the amount of $509,000 for the closure of Dignity Village and $1,500,000 per year for the operation of the Low Barrier Emergency Shelter Program at GRACE Marketplace.
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Background:
Since 2014, the City and County have agreed to share equally in the operational costs of providing a low-barrier emergency shelter and a one-stop homeless service center at GRACE Marketplace. A proposed Interlocal Agreement is being negotiated between the City and the County that would maintain the funding relationship through September 2021.