Submitted By
Kira Tchang, Assistant Village Manager/HR Director
Reviewed By
A.M. Zayyad, Deputy Village Manager
Agenda Item Title
Title
A Resolution Approving a Funding Grant Agreement between Oak Park-River Forest Community of Congregations and the Village of Oak Park to Fund a Short-Term Resettlement Program for Asylum Seekers Residing in the Village’s Temporary Shelter Program in the Amount of $150,000 and Authorizing its Execution
End
Overview
Overview
This item is in response to the Board’s motion adopted on February 13, 2024 authorizing Village staff to bring forward an agreement with the Community of Congregations to provide $150,000 in short-term rental assistance. This would be a reallocation of previously committed funds originally designated as lost revenue under the American Rescue Plan Act (“ARPA”). The Community of Congregations serves as the fiscal agent of a volunteer-run mutual aid effort that supports the resettlement of asylum seekers in Oak Park’s temporary shelter program. The Village’s temporary program is scheduled to end on February 29, 2024 and as of February 9, 2024 there are 132 asylum seekers still in the program.
Body
Staff Recommendation
Adopt the Resolution.
Fiscal Impact
The $150,000 is a reallocation of funds from the $650,000 the Board originally allocated in asylum seeker emergency response funds from lost revenue under the ARPA.
Background
On February 13, 2024, the Board directed staff to prepare an agreement for Board consideration to authorize funding in the amount of $150,000 to the Community of Congregations for the resettlement of asylum seekers currently residing in the Village’s temporary shelter program. These funds may be used for rental payments on behalf of asylum seekers for a period of one (1) year from the effective date of the proposed agreement.
In its role as the fiscal agent for the Task Force, the Community of Congregations would be the sole direct recipient of eligible grant funding. Community of Congregations would also be the sole issuer of any rental assistance and this would be provided directly to housing providers. While other Task Force members may facilitate the connection between asylum seekers and housing, asylum seekers sign their own leases and the Community of Congregations issues funding at that time to the housing provider.
DEI Impact
Asylum seekers in the community are a vulnerable population. Short-term rental assistance grants asylum seekers more time to apply for temporary protected status, asylum and the employment authorization document, which is a viable pathway to economic independence.
Alternatives
The Board may request more information or seek an alternate provider for resettlement services.
Previous Board Action
On February 13, 2024, the Board adopted a motion directing staff to prepare the agreement that is the subject of this agenda item by a vote of four (4) in favor and three (3) opposed.
Citizen Advisory Commission Action
N/A
Anticipated Future Actions/Commitments
N/A
Intergovernmental Cooperation Opportunities
N/A