THE HUMAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT, THE COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS DIVISION, AND THE FAMILY SUCCESS ADMINISTRATION DIVISION RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF THIS MOTION.
This item supports the Commission vision of "Social Safety Net: An Accessible Collaborative Approach to Health and Human Services" and its goals to "Support a service delivery system that promotes self-sufficiency and well-being” and “Coordinate and maintain quality, accessible health and human services in collaboration with public and private partners," and supports the County's "A Way Home" Annual Plan to End Homelessness by providing additional funding for homeless prevention services.
In its 2013 session the Florida Legislature created a new Homeless Prevention Grant program to provide emergency financial assistance for families experiencing financial crises and subsequent risk of losing housing. County staff applied for funding from Florida Department of Children and Families' (DCF) solicitation issued February 3, 2014. On March 19, 2014, DCF provided a Notice of Intent to award funding to Broward County for the State's current fiscal year. DCF has indicated that the Legislature may fund the program again in its next fiscal year (2015); however, the funder indicated it is uncertain whether projects funded in 2014 will be renewed.
The agreement will be in DCF's standard form and subject to approval by the Office of the County Attorney prior to execution. Preliminary review of the DCF standard grant agreement by the Office of the County Attorney reveals the following: (1) County obligation to indemnify DCF for any liability caused by County, including arising out of any claim by County of a trade secret exemption to public records production obligations; (2) prohibition on use or reference to DCF or the grant agreement in any press releases or advertising; (3) "most favored nations" clause in favor of DCF for the prices and terms for the County-provided services with required annual affidavit certifying same; and (4) miscellaneous issues such as litigation venue (Leon County), penalties for performance failures, and an obligation to provide transition services.
The Community Partnerships Division (CPD) and the Family Success Administration Division (FSAD) will implement this grant collaboratively. The Homeless Initiative Partnership Section of CPD, as lead agency for Broward's homeless Continuum of Care, will administer the grant. The FSAD Housing Options Program (HOP) will utilize funding to assist eligible clients in economic crisis with: past due rent assistance; past due utility payments, and; appropriate case management services. CPD and FSAD will share administrative cost revenues equally, calculated at 3%, or up to $1,827, of the total grant award. HOP is able to pay up to four (4) months of past due rental payments directly to landlords on behalf of eligible families who have the resources to maintain their housing thereafter. Average rental arrearage payments of $3,150 (or 2.5 months at $1,260 per month) would support approximately 15 households. HOP will make past due utility payments directly to utility providers for approximately 7 of the 15 households, totaling $567. The identified performance goal for this grant is that 85% of the households assisted will remain in permanent housing and avoid becoming homeless during the 12 months following assistance. |