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 Approving an Amendment to the Grant Application with the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus for Supporting Municipalities for Asylum Seeker Services (SMASS) in Partnership with the Illinois Department of Human Services from $1,944,000 to $2,070,750
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Overview
Overview
Staff requests the Village Board adopt a Resolution approving an amendment to a grant application with the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus for Supporting Municipalities for Asylum Seeker Services (SMASS) in partnership with the Illinois Department of Human Services to request
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Recommendation
Recommendation
Adopt the Resolution.
Background
On January 23, 2024, the Village Board adopted a Resolution approving the submission of a grant application to the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus for Supporting Municipalities for Asylum Seeker Services in the amount of $1,944,000. On February 2, 2024, the Village was notified the application was approved for $1,944,000 in funding. The funding included the following program elements:
• $1,244,000 in funding for an area nonprofit to operate a temporary shelter for four months. The temporary shelter will include shelter, food, wraparound services, transportation, and other services such as security and language access.
• $360,000 in funding for legal services to be used for legal fees and attorney retainers which would be in effect for the entirety of the process for seeking asylum, temporary protected status, and/or employment authorization application.
• $300,000 in funding for short-term rental assistance for asylum seekers.
• $40,000 for administrative expenses.
At this time, staff is recommending the Board approve an amendment to the grant application for additional funds.
Fiscal Impact
Funding is restricted to services meeting the basic needs of asylum seekers. The grant does not have a financial match requirement. The grant term is January 16, 2024 - June 30, 2024. The Metropolitan Mayors Caucus can choose to fund only a portion of the grant application or not fund the grant application at all.
DEI Impact
The grant would provide necessary resources to the Village and its partners in supporting asylum seekers. An asylum seeker is defined as “an individual who crossed the Mexico/U.S. border on or after August 1, 2022, with the intent to stay permanently, and who does not possess any permanent or interim U.S. legal status (which does not include being in parole status), such as legal permanent residency, a student or work visa, etc.” More importantly, these are families with young children that travel often by foot through deadly conditions to reach the U.S./Mexico Border in search of safety and overall higher quality of life. This opportunity is directly aligned with the Village’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion statement and racial equity goals. Therefore, in order to ensure this value is put into practice, there is a need to secure financial resources to support the migrant/immigrant community.
Alternatives
The Board could not adopt the Resolution or request that staff provide additional information.
Previous Board Action
The Board has previously adopted two resolution approving grant application 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