Title
Rapid Rehousing Program Overview (B)
This item involves a request for the City Commission to hear an update from staff on the Rapid Rehousing Program.
Explanation
The Rapid Rehousing Program would support City Commission Strategic Initiative 3.1: Continue Implementation of the 10 Year Plan to End Homelessness.
On March 6, 2014, the City Commission made a referral to the Community Development Committee (CDC) to discuss Rapid Rehousing Program. On August 20, 2014, the Committee heard a historical review on this item from Assistant City Manager Fred Murry. The Committee heard from several citizens and discussed this item and related issues at length. After discussion, the Committee voted to move this item forward to the City Commission for an update on the Rapid Rehousing Program, to direct staff to continue to monitor and seek funding for the program, and to request that the City Commission remove this item from the Community Development Committee pending referral list.
History
In March 2014, Mayor Braddy met with United States Housing and Urban Development (HUD) officials about programs and services for the homeless at the Empowerment Center. HUD officials encouraged the City to seek funding for the Rapid Rehousing Model as an alternative model from the Emergency Shelter Program because of the cost associated with operating a shelter program.
The 2014 Point in Time Survey indicated that there were approximately 2,100 homeless individuals (including school aged children) within Gainesville - Alachua County. This survey is conducted once a year throughout the United States to give HUD an estimate of the number of homeless individuals, as well as, give the local community a snap shot of the homelessness impact.
The Rapid Rehousing Program has been in existence for years and some cities and counties have gained national attention for their programs prior to HUD implementing the Program as a part of the Stimulus Program in 2009. On February 17, 2009, President Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, which included $1.5 billion for Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Rehousing Program (HRRP) which was distributed based on a formula used for the Emergency Shelter Grant Program (now known as the Emergency Solution Program). The City of Gainesville received a direct allocation of $567,404 for the Rapid Re-housing Program. The City contracted with the Alachua County Housing Authority to implement this program to assist eligible persons/families within Gainesville-Alachua County community. A more extensive staff report is attached for review.
Gainesville's Rapid Rehousing Program
City staff supports the Rapid Rehousing Program Model and its implementation within Gainesville - Alachua County. City staff has been in contact with HUD and other State agencies researching funding opportunities for the Rapid Rehousing Program. Recently, the City submitted a letter of support for ACCHH to submit their application for Rapid Rehousing Program funds from the State of Florida under Emergency Solution Grant Program.
City staff will continue to look for funding opportunities for the Rapid Rehousing program. As such, staff will request for the City Commission to include the Rapid Rehousing Program in the Federal and State Legislative Packet for Fiscal Year 2015.
Fiscal Note
Staff will continue to seek funding opportunities for the Rapid Rehousing program including adding it to the Federal and State Legislative Packet for Fiscal Year 2015.
Recommendation
The City Commission: 1) hear an update from staff on the Rapid Rehousing Program; 2) direct staff to continue to monitor and seek funding for the Rapid Rehousing Program including adding it to the Federal and State Legislative Packet for Fiscal Year 2015; and 3) remove this item from the Community Development Committee pending referral list.