Submitted By
Kira Tchang, Assistant Village Manager/HR Director
Reviewed By
Ahmad M. Zayyad, Deputy Village Manager / Interim Director of Development Customer Services
Agenda Item Title
Title
A Motion to Reallocate $1,000,000.00 in Unspent American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funding as Lost Revenue in the General Fund to Then Be Used for the Purpose of Providing Aid and Support to Asylum-Seeking Migrants in the Village of Oak Park Through March 19, 2024 and Directing Staff to Prepare the Necessary Documents for Board Consideration
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Overview
Overview
The Village has been providing aid and support to over 160 asylum-seeking migrants since the late hours of October 31, 2023 when temperatures fell below 20 degrees. This shelter and service was formally authorized under the Board's adoption of an Emergency Disaster Proclamation on November 2, 2023. To date, the Village's emergency response has been funded using $400,000 in Supporting Municipalities for Asylum Seeker Services (SMASS) grant dollars received from the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus and an additional $150,000 in re-allocated general funds that were designated as lost revenue through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). This additional funding was authorized by the Board on October 30, 2023. The Emergency Disaster Proclamation, if not extended, will expire on December 4, 2023 and SMASS and other allocated dollars are expected to be exhausted by mid to late December.
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Recommendation
Recommendation
Adopt the resolution for the purpose of creating stability for the asylum-seeking migrants who are currently supported by the Village's efforts thus far and providing shelter and services through the winter months.
Background
Currently, the Village is providing temporary shelter to approximately 162 asylum-seeking migrants including 58 children, primarily at the Carleton Hotel and the West Cook YMCA. This began through community efforts and the Board's subsequent adoption of an Emergency Disaster Pr...
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