Title
Interlocal Agreement between the City of Gainesville and Alachua County for the Empowerment Center (B)
This item involves a request for the City Commission to discuss the terms of the Interlocal Agreement for the Empowerment Center with the Alachua County Board of County Commissioners and provide direction to staff.
Explanation
This item supports the City Commission Strategic Initiative 3.1: Continue implementation and engage in the update of the 10 Year Plan to End Homelessness, and City Commission Strategic Initiative 3.2: Renew the vision for the empowerment center and identify metrics and best practices for success.
Nearly ten years ago, the City of Gainesville (City) and the Alachua County Board of County Commissioners (County) began a mission to establish a One Stop Homeless Assistance Center (OSHAC). The establishment of an OSHAC was a major objective in the Ten Year Plan to End Homelessness. In recent months, several major milestones have been achieved while working to accomplish that mission.
On November 19, 2013, the City purchased the former Gainesville Correctional Institute (GCI) complex and an additional 95 acres of conservation land from the State for $1.3 million. Construction and renovation work has been underway since December on the campus to prepare for a service provider to administer and implement homeless services. Although the complex has yet to be officially named, it is commonly being referred to as the “Empowerment Center.”
The Empowerment Center (Center) is a long term project, and there are no other resources allocated from the City or the County for the full development of the Center. The City and County included requests in their State Legislative packet for funds to fully develop the Kitchen and make repairs to the roofs on the remaining dormitories. In addition, the City requested similar funding for the Center from the federal government in the City’s Federal Legislative Agenda packet.
On February 4, 2014, the Cou...
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