Title
Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) recommending the Board, acting as the governing body for the Public Housing Authority:
1) Authorize the submission of a funding application to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Public and Indian Housing, for the Family Unification Program;
2) Delegate authority to the Director of Health and Human Services to sign the Family Unification Program funding application as the Housing Authority Representative; and
3) Direct HHSA to return to the Board with the agreement and related Budget Amendment, if awarded.
FUNDING: Federal Funding.
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DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
On October 18, 2019, the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) released a Notice of Funding Availability for the Family Unification Program. The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2019 made approximately $20 million available for voucher assistance through the Family Unification Program. From the funds available HUD anticipates making approximately 40 awards, for the purpose of providing Housing Choice Vouchers to families who lack adequate housing as well as Transition Age Youth (ages 18 to 24) who have left or will leave foster care.
Public Housing Authorities (PHA) of comparable size to El Dorado County’s PHA may apply for up to twenty-five (25) vouchers, or as few as three (3) vouchers. The value of each voucher is determined by a Per Unit Cost identified by HUD for each PHA.
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 from 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 HHSA Public Housing Authority would be ineligible to apply for the Family Unification Program.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION
N/A
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
If awarded, the Funding Agreement provided by HUD will be subject to County Counsel and Risk Management approval, prior to coming to Board for authorization and 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 Family Unification Program does not mandate any matching contribution from the County. Additional vouchers awarded to the County would likely increase administrative funding available from HUD. Currently there is no established amount per voucher. However, based on current vouchers, the Per Unit cost is $20,000. Therefore, using the Per Unit Cost, if HHSA received 25 vouchers the increase to funding could average $500,000, with the actual amount determined by the number of vouchers received and associated costs reimbursed.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
Provide a Minute Order to Health and Human Services Agency Contracts Unit at 3057 Briw Road demonstrating Board approval for the Director to sign.
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