Submitted By
Tammie Grossman, Director, Development Customer Services
Reviewed By
AMZ
Agenda Item Title
Title
A Resolution Approving a Funding Grant Agreement Between the Village of Oak Park and Housing Forward in an Amount Not to Exceed $500,000 and Authorizing its Execution
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Overview
Overview
On May 24, 2021 the Village Manager presented a plan for use of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. As part of that presentation, there was a recommendation for immediate release of a portion of the funds for various services and expenses in FY 21. These services and expenses included lost revenues, pandemic expenses, essential worker compensation, food insecurities & rental assistance and local businesses recovery. On July 6, 2021, Village staff presented a recommendation to the Village Board to provide funding to Housing Forward in the amount of $500,000 from the Village’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds related to the category of rental assistance and homelessness. This item is a follow-up to that conversation. Attached to this item is an agreement which outlines the scope of work for these funds.
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Recommendation
Recommendation
Approve the Resolution
Fiscal Impact
Under the American Rescue Plan Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds, the Village of Oak Park’s allotment is $38,984,402.00, of which, $19,492,201 has already been received.
On May 24, 2021, the Village Manager recommended various immediate needs in FY 21, this included ongoing emergency aide to individual residents in categories such as a food and rental assistance.
On June 15, 2020, the Village Board awarded Housing Forward $400,000.00 in Community Development Block Grant-Corona Virus (CDBG-CV) funds to provide rental, mortgage, and utility assistance to low-and moderate-income households. To date, Housing Forward has spent approximately 25% of this CDBG-CV funding.
On July 6, 2021, staff presented a more detailed plan for the FY 21 ARPA recommendations which included Housing Forward. The Village is recommending use of $500,000.00 in ARPA funds to continue to support Housing Forward. These funds would not be as restrictive as the CDBG-CV funding.
On August 2, 2021, the Village Board approved funds in the amount of 14,079,820 for lost revenues in FY 20-FY 21.
Background
The recommendation is that the Village would provide funding in the amount of $500,000.00 to Housing Forward to serve homeless and at-risk of homelessness households facing a negative economic impact due to Covid-19.
Residents who are homeless or who know someone who is homeless or at risk of being homeless, now have a single resource for support services, called Entry Point. The service is a coordinated system for all Cook County’s homeless services. Trained staff works with households to understand their strengths and needs using a standardized assessment based on
federal eligibility guidelines and uniform prioritization policies. The goal is to ensure
individuals are referred to the right programs based on their preferences and needs.
The service is available through the Suburban Cook Call Center at 1.877.426.6515
and Housing Forward, 6634 W Roosevelt Rd. More information about the program is
posted online at <http://myentrypoint.org/>
Housing Forward reports that they have primarily utilized State and Cook County financial assistance over the last year and are now in the process of spending the Village’s designated CDBG-CV funds. If the recommended ARPA funds are approved, Housing Forward will provide a combination of direct assistance for food, rent, and security assistance for individuals and families leaving homelessness and will also use the funds to prevent eviction. Additional direct assistance will be used for transitional wages for those enrolled in Housing Forward’s Career Passport job training program. Housing Forward also proposes to use ARPA funds to provide needed case management and life skill services to improve housing stability for 33 individuals who are currently homeless with a documented disability and who received a mainstream housing choice voucher through the Oak Park Housing Authority. See scope of services in the attached proposed contract.
Alternatives
Request additional information.
Previous Board Action
On May 24, 2021 and July 6, 2021, the Village Board had a presentation on the ARPA eligible uses.
Citizen Advisory Commission Action
Village staff reviewed the proposed contract with the Oak Park Homeless Coalition Executive Committee and they are supportive of the additional funds to support homeless or at risk of homelessness households. The Homeless Coalition supports a housing first approach to deal with homelessness issues.
Anticipated Future Actions/Commitments
NA
Intergovernmental Cooperation Opportunities
NA