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...
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