Submitted By
Kira Tchang, Assistant Village Manager/Human Resources Director
Reviewed By
Erin E. Baynes, Assistant to the Village Manager
Agenda Item Title
Title
A Resolution Authorizing the Submission of a Grant Application for Cook County Disaster Response and Recovery Fund
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Overview
Overview
The State of Illinois and Cook County have requested that the Village submit a new application to the Cook County Disaster Response and Recovery Fund (DRRF) for expenses related to food and shelter including those incurred at the Oak Park Family Transitional Shelter (OPFTS). While the OPFTS is currently operating under the Supporting Municipalities for Asylum Seeker Services (SMASS) II grant and the State guarantees its commitment to the Village’s response, the State and County are working to coordinate the best use of funds available for New Arrival Response and believe the DRRF is a more appropriate source of funding for the Village’s temporary shelter program.
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Recommendation
Recommendation
Adopt the Resolution.
Background
The Village is currently approved for $2,070,750 in SMASS II funds for the purpose of 1) operating a temporary shelter through June 30, 2024 (OPFTS), 2) providing short-term rental assistance, 3) providing legal services, and 4) administrative costs. The Village is also approved for $365,261,59 in Cook County DRRF funds for emergency expenses between December 1, 2023, and February 29, 2024.
On February 26, 2024, State and Cook County officials requested a meeting with Village staff to discuss the different funding sources supporting the Village’s response to asylum seekers in the community. The State and County were interested in coordinating and braiding the two funding resources with Cook County using its DRRF to focus on funding emergency protective measures and the State using SMASS to focus on funding wraparound services.
Village staff met with State and County officials several times throughout March to discuss the impact and implications of a change in funding sources on the Village’s response and identified that funding emergency protective measures through the DRRF instead of SMASS II has no meaningful impact on the Village’s services. This braiding of funding has a positive impact on the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus and the State’s ability to reallocate resources.
Additionally, the Village shall request reimbursement for any expenses incurred for operating its temporary shelter program for the period of time from December 1, 2023, through the closure of the Grace Episcopal Church shelter location on March 22, 2024, including expenses related to the restoration of shelter sites.
Fiscal Impact
There is no fiscal impact to the Village. The source of reimbursement dollars for food and shelter would transition from the State to Cook County.
DEI Impact
None
Alternatives
The Board can deny adopting the Resolution.
The Board can delay action to gain additional information.
Previous Board Action
The Board has previously adopted two resolutions approving grant applications with the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus for SMASS Round I on September 18, 2023, and SMASS Round II funding on January 23, 2024.
Citizen Advisory Commission Action
N/A
Anticipated Future Actions/Commitments
N/A
Intergovernmental Cooperation Opportunities
N/A