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HomeMy WebLinkAboutRes 2018-75 - Shelter CrisisMEETING DATE: PREPARED BY: REQUEST: Recommendation STAFF REPORT CITY OF PALM DESERT COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT October 11, 2018 Johnny Terfehr, Management Analyst .i Consideration of approval of a resolution declaring a shelter crisis within the City of Palm Desert for the purposes of an application for a Homeless Emergency Aid Program (HEAP) funding grant. Waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 2018- 75 declaring a shelter crisis within the City of Palm Desert for the purposes of an application for a HEAP funding grant. Strategic Plan While not specifically addressed in the Strategic Plan, homelessness, exacerbated by lack of shelter space impacts the quality of life in the City, not only for those experiencing homelessness, but for residents, businesses, and visitors as well. Background Analysis On August 28, 2018, the Riverside County Board of Supervisors acknowledged that homeless individuals are unable to obtain shelter and passed a resolution declaring a shelter crisis in the unincorporated areas of the County. This resolution allows the County to receive funds from the State of California's HEAP. Authorized by Senate Bill (SB) 850, HEAP is a $500 million block grant program designed to provide direct assistance to cities and counties, and the Continuum of Care that serves them, to address the homelessness crisis throughout California. The County of Riverside Continuum of Care (CoC) is expected to receive a total allocation of $9,791,805, based on a formula that takes into consideration the homeless point in time count data collected annually. In a letter to the City Manager dated September 10, 2018, the County of Riverside notified the City of Palm Desert that cities also must declare a shelter crisis in order to access funding for some proposed city programs. HEAP funds are intended to support immediate emergency assistance to people experiencing homelessness. Eligible uses include, but are not limited to the following: • Homelessness prevention activities. • Criminal justice diversion programs for homeless individuals with mental health needs. October 11, 2018 - Staff Report Resolution Declaring a Shelter Crises in the City Page 2 of 2 • Establishing or expanding services meeting the needs of homeless youth or youth at - risk of homelessness. • Emergency aid. As the designated "Administrative Entity" and eligible applicant for the HEAP funding, the County of Riverside Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) will prepare and submit the application on behalf of the County's CoC. The CoC Board of Governance may establish additional priorities for the use of these funds, which will then be issued by DPSS as a Request for Proposals to solicit applications from cities as well as other service providers. Only cities who have passed a resolution declaring a shelter crisis may submit proposals through this process. DPSS will provide additional information and notices about this process as it is finalized. Fiscal Analysis There is no fiscal impact related to this report. Failure to make a resolution declaring a shelter emergency may result in future funding for homelessness through the HEAP unavailable to the City. LEGAL REVIEW DEPT. REVIEW FINANCIAL REVIEW CITY MANAGER N/A Ryan Stendell Robert W. Hargreaves Director of Community Janet Moore Lauri Aylaian City Attorney Development Director of Finance City Manager N/A ATTACHMENTS: 1. Resolution No. 2018- 75 2. Letter from County of Riverside Regarding HEAP Funding 3. County of Riverside Resolution Declaring a Shelter Crisis RESOLUTION NO. 2018- 75 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, DECLARING A SHELTER CRISIS PURSUANT TO SB 850 (CHAPTER 48, STATUTES OF 2018 AND GOVERNMENT CODE § 8698.2) THE CITY OF PALM DESERT FINDS: WHEREAS, California's Governor Edmund G. Brown, Jr. and the members of the California Legislature have recognized the urgent and immediate need for funding at the local level to combat homelessness; and WHEREAS, The Governor and Legislature have provided funding to local governments under the Homeless Emergency Aid Program as part of SB 850 and the 2018- 19 Budget Act (Chapter 48, Statutes of 2018); and WHEREAS, The Governor and Legislature require jurisdictions seeking an allocation through the Homeless Emergency Aid Program to declare a shelter crisis pursuant to Government Code §8698.2; and WHEREAS, the City of Palm Desert has developed a homelessness plan and undertaken multiple efforts at the local level to combat homelessness; and WHEREAS, the number of unsheltered homeless persons in the City continues to increase, with a 53% increase overall in the 2018 Point in Time Count (43 persons) from 2017 (28 persons) who are living homeless and living without shelter; and WHEREAS, the City of Palm Desert finds that the number of homeless is significant, and these persons are without the ability to obtain shelter; and WHEREAS, the City of Palm Desert finds that the health and safety of unsheltered persons in the City of Palm Desert are threatened by a lack of shelter; and WHEREAS, the City of Palm Desert affirms the City's commitment to combatting homelessness and creating or augmenting a continuum of shelter and service options for those living without shelter in our communities. NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, DOES HEREBY RESOLVE, DECLARE, DETERMINE, AND ORDER AS FOLLOWS: Based on such findings, that the City Council hereby declares that a shelter crisis pursuant to Government Code 8698.2 exists in the City of Palm Desert and authorizes the City's participation in the Homeless Emergency Aid Program. RESOLUTION NO. 2018- 75 PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Palm Desert, California, at its regular meeting held on the 11th day of October 2018, by the following vote: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: ABSTAIN: SABBY JONATHAN, MAYOR ATTEST: RACHELLE D. KLASSEN, CITY CLERK CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA L.VU1v 1 I Vr 1Zl V C. 11Jc, EXECUTIVE OFFICE GEORGEA.JOHNSON COUNTY EXECUTIVE OFFICER September 10, 2018 Lauri Aylaian, City Manager City of Palm Desert 73510 Fred Waring Drive Palm Desert, CA 92260 LISA BRANDL CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER DON KENT ASSISTANT COUNTY EXECUTIVE OFFICER COUNTY FINANCE OFFICER Subject: California I lomeless Emergency Aid Program (HEAP) Shelter Crisis Declaration Requirement Dear Lauri Aylaian, On August 28, 2018, the Riverside County Board of Supervisors, acknowledging that homeless individuals are unable to obtain shelter, passed a resolution declaring a shelter crisis in the unincorporated areas of the County. This resolution allows the County to receive funds from the State of California's Homeless Emergency Aid Program (I-IEAP). Authorized by Senate Bill (SB) 850, HEAP is a $500 million block grant program designed to provide direct assistance to cities and counties, and the Continuum of Care that serves them, to address the homelessness crisis throughout California. The County of Riverside Continuum of Care (CoC) is expected to receive a total allocation of $9,791,805, based on a formula that takes into consideration the homeless point in time count data collected annually. We are notifying all of the cities in Riverside County about the HEAP funding opportunity and its primary eligibility requirements: In order to directly apply for funding, or to use HEAP funding for rental assistance, rental subsidies, or capital expenses in your city, your city must declare a shelter crisis pursuant to Chapter 7.8 (commencing with Section 8698) of Division I of Title 2 of the Government Code. HEAP funds are intended to support immediate emergency assistance to people experiencing homelessness. Eligible uses include, but are not limited to the following: • Homelessness prevention activities • Criminal justice diversion programs for homeless individuals with mental health needs; • Establishing or expanding services meeting the needs of homeless youth or youth at -risk of homelessness • Emergency aid As the designated "Administrative Entity" and eligible applicant for the HEAP funding, the County of Riverside Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) will prepare and submit the application on behalf of the County's Continuum of Care (CoC). The CoC Board of Governance may establish additional priorities for the use of these funds, which will then be issued by DPSS as a Request for Proposals to solicit applications from cities as well as other service providers. Only cities who have passed a resolution declaring a shelter emergency may submit proposals through this process. DPSS will provide additional information and notices about this process as it is finalized. ROBERT T. ANDERSEN COUNTY ADMINISTRATIVE CENTER 4080 LEMON STREET • FOURTH FLOOR • RIVERSIDE, CALIFORNIA 92501 • (951) 955-1 1 10 • FAX (951) 955-1034 Timeline September 5, 2018 September 20, 2018 October 1, 2018 October 22, 2018 November 15, 2018 December 15, 2018 December 31, 2018 State releases the HEAP Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) Continuum of Care Board of Governance Meeting to determine priorities DPSS releases Request for Proposals Proposals due to DPSS by 12:00 p.m. - noon Continuum of Care Board of Governance Meeting to finalize applicants City Shelter Declarations Due DPSS submits application to State State final deadline for Round 1. The CoC Board of Governance will hold a special session on September 20, 2018, to discuss the HEAP funding priorities. This meeting is open to the public if you or your staff are interested in attending: CoC Board of Governance Meeting - Special Meeting Thursday, September 20, 2018 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. County of Riverside DPSS Office (Room 200) 7894 Mission Grove Pkwy. S. Ste. 100, Riverside CA 92508 Attached please find two documents to assist you in the process of declaring a shelter crisis in your city: 1. A copy of the County of Riverside Board of Supervisors' Resolution Declaring a Shelter Crisis. 2. An overview of HEAP (August 2018) that includes a sample draft of a resolution declaring a shelter crisis with wording that is required by the state. Additional information, including frequently asked questions, is also available through the State of California's 1-HEAP website: https://www.bcsh.ca.gov/hefc/aid program.html If you have any questions regarding the HEAP funding application, please contact DPSS staff: Elizabeth Ilernandez (951) 358-5694 ELizaher(RIVCO.ORG 4060 County Circle Drive Riverside CA 92503 Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have other questions about HEAP. Sincerely, Natalie Profant Komuro Deputy County Executive Officer — Homelessness Solutions County of Riverside Executive Office Office: (951) 951-1 145 nkomuro`irivco.org cc: Robert Moon, Mayor ROBERT T. ANDERSEN COUNTY ADMINISTRATIVE CENTER 4080 LEMON STREET • FOURTH FLOOR • RIVERSIDE, CALIFORNIA 92501 • (951) 955-1 1 10 • FAX (951) 955-1034 1 Board of Super\ isors County of Riverside 3 RESOLUTION NO. 2018-179 4 5 A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF THE COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE 6 DECLARING A SHELTER CRISIS PURSUANT TO SB 850 7 IN "I'I IE UNINCORPORATED AREAS OF TIME COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE 8 (CALIFORNIA GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 8698.2) 9 10 WHEREAS, California's Governor Edmund G. Brown, Jr. and the members of the 1 I California Legislature have recognized the urgent and immediate need for funding at the local level to 12 combat homelessness; and 13 WHEREAS, the Governor and Legislature have provided funding to local governments 11-1l 4 under the Homeless Emergency Aid Program aspart of SB 850 and the 2018-19 Budget Act (Chapter 48, g' (- p ' z-� 15 Statutes of 2018); and 16 WHEREAS, the Governor and Legislature require jurisdictions seeking an allocation 17 through the Homeless Emergency Aid Program to declare a Shelter Crisis pursuant to Government Code � 18 §8698.2; and Ql 9 WHEREAS, the County of Riverside ("County") has established a plan to end homelessness c Z20 adopted by the Board of Supervisors in February of 2018 and has undertaken multiple efforts at the local s } 21 level to combat homelessness; and co 22 WHEREAS, the number of unsheltered homeless persons in the County of Riverside 23 continues to increase, with an 11% increase overall in 2017 Point in Time Count from 2016 (2.165 in 2016 24 and 2,406 in 2017) and a 21% increase in the number of those within the County of Riverside who are 25 homeless and living without shelter (1,351 in 2016 and 1,638 in 2017); and 26 WHEREAS, the County of Riverside finds that the number of people experiencing 27 homelessness is significant, and these persons are without the ability to obtain shelter; and 28 WHEREAS, unauthorized homelessness encampments are prevalent throughout the I ! County, exposing homeless individuals to traffic hazards, crime, risk of death and injury, exposure to 2 j weather, lack of adequate sanitation and debris services, and other conditions that are detrimental to their .3 health and safety; and 4 6 7 WHEREAS, the County of Riverside finds that the number of homeless within the unincorporated areas of the County of Riverside is significant, and these persons are without the ability to obtain shelter; and WHEREAS, the County of Riverside finds that the health and safety of unsheltered persons 8 in the unincorporated areas of the County of Riverside is threatened by a lack of shelter; and 9 WHEREAS, Board of Supervisors for the County of Riverside affirms the county's 10 ' commitment to combatting homelessness and creating or augmenting a continuum of shelter and service i 1 options fur those living without shelter in our communities; and 12 WHEREAS, Government Code Section 8698, et seq., provides authority for the County to 13 declare a shelter crisis when a significant number of persons are without the ability to obtain shelter, 14 resulting in a threat to their health and safety; and I5 16 18 19 20 21 7) 23 WHEREAS, Government Code Section 8698.1 provides that. upon a declaration ofa shelter crisis, the provisions of any state or local regulatory' statute, regulation or resolution prescribing standards of housing, health, or safety, as applied to public facilities, shall be suspended to the extent that strict compliance would in any way prevent, hinder, or delay the mitigation of the effects of the shelter crisis; and WHEREAS, in place of any such housing, health and safety standards, the County may enact municipal health and safety standards to be operative during the housing emergency consistent with ensuring minimal public health and safety; and WHEREAS, the CoC, for which the County is the collaborative lead agency, continues to work together with unincorporated and incorporated cities and nonprofits to improve coordination, from 24 street outreach, emergency shelter, coordinated entry system prioritization, and the development of 25 permanent housing options; and 26 WHEREAS, the County and its 28 cities have and continue to work collaboratively to 27 ; address homelessness in the County of Riverside; 28 1 2 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 23 24 25 26 27 28 NOW THERFORE, BE IT FOUND, RESOLVED, DETERMINED AND ORDERED by the Board of Supervisors of the County of Riverside, State of California, ("Board") in regular session assembled on August 28. 2018, at 9:00 a.m. or soon thereafter, in the meeting room of the Board of Supervisors, located on the first floor of the County Administrative Center, 4080 Lemon Street, Riverside. California, that this Board does hereby finds and determines that the foregoing recitals are true and correct. BE IT FURTHER FOUND, RESOLVED, DETERMINED AND ORDERED, based upon such findings, that this Board hereb) declares that a shelter crisis pursuant to Government Code ti8698.2 exists in unincorporated areas of the County of Riverside and authorizes the County's participation in the Homeless Emergency Aid Program. BE IT FURTHER RI: SOLVED, DETERMINED AND ORDF,RED by this Board hereby designates the Riverside County Department of Public Social Services ("DPSS") as the Administrative Entity and authorizes the Director, or designee, of' DPSS to submit a grant application for the Homeless l:rncrgenc.v Aid Program (HEAP) Grant Program on behalf of the County's Continuum of Care. 3