Title
Health and Human Services Agency recommending the Board of Supervisors, acting as the governing board for the Public Housing Authority:
1) Authorize the submission of a funding application to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Office of Public and Indian Housing, for the Mainstream Voucher Program;
2) Delegate authority to the Director of Health and Human Services to sign the Mainstream Voucher Program Funding Application as the Housing Authority Representative, thereby certifying compliance with Equal Opportunity Employment, Lobbying, and Drug Free Workplace requirements identified by HUD;
3) Delegate authority to the Director of Health and Human Services to accept funding and execute the funding agreement, if awarded, including any extension(s) or amendment(s) thereto, contingent upon County Counsel and Risk Management approval; and
4) Authorize the Director of Health and Human Services Agency, Chief Fiscal Officer, or designee, to administer any agreement, or subsequent administrative documents relating to said award, including required fiscal and programmatic reports.
FUNDING: Federal Funding.
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DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
On July 2, 2019, the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) released a Notice of Funding Availability for the Mainstream Voucher Program. The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2018 made approximately $385 million available for new mainstream vouchers. On September 4, 2018, HUD awarded more than $98 million to qualified applicants through a previous funding announcement. HUD’s newest announcement plans to award additional vouchers to each Public Housing Authority (PHA) previously awarded as well as those who respond to the current announcement.
The goal of the Mainstream Voucher Program is to provide additional vouchers to those PHAs who will assist non-elderly persons with disabilities transitioning out of institutional setting as well as those currently experiencing homelessness or are at risk of homelessness. Preference points will be awarded for PHAs that demonstrate established partnerships with supportive service partner agencies and organizations, including organizations providing services similar to those provided by the Health and Human Services Agency.
As a part of the application process, HUD requires the signature of a Housing Authority Representative to certify the PHA will meet the Equal Opportunity requirements, certify to the abstention of using funding for Lobbying purposes, and certify the County will comply with all Drug Free Workplace Requirements. HHSA is recommending the Director of the Health and Human Services Agency be delegated authority to serve in this capacity.
ALTERNATIVES
Should the Board decline to approve this recommendation, the Director would lack the clearly defined authority to certify as required by the application. As a result, the HHSA Public Housing Authority would be ineligible to apply for the Mainstream Voucher Program.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION
N/A
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
If awarded, the Funding Agreement provided by HUD will still be subject to County Counsel and Risk Management approval.
CAO RECOMMENDATION / COMMENTS
It is recommended that the Board approve this item.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
The program provides vouchers for clients, which are reimbursable by HUD. No Net County Cost is anticipated through this application process. HUD’s Mainstream Voucher Program does not mandate any matching contribution from the County. Additional vouchers awarded to the County would likely increase administrative funding available from HUD. The minimum award amount per project is valued at $20,000, with a maximum amount at $3,000,000 per project, with the amount determined by the number of vouchers requested.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
N/A
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
County Strategic Goal: “Healthy Communities - Improved health, well-being and self-sufficiency of El Dorado County communities, residents, and visitors.”
CONTACT
Don Semon, Director