Explanation
BACKGROUND: This legislation authorizes the Director of the Department of Development to enter into a contract with the Community Shelter Board (CSB) for the implementation of a single adult crisis response system. The contract will provide $1,104,612 from the General Fund for the purpose of assisting homeless men and women to transition more efficiently and effectively from a place of homelessness to permanent housing and stability. Despite the economy doing well in Columbus and central Ohio, the number of single adults in homelessness grew 14% over the last three years. With longer shelter stays, and two out of three single adults unable to secure stable housing, the system is struggling to move people out of homelessness.
There are three key components to the single adult crisis response system: First, the new Van Buren emergency shelter is addressing the growing numbers of men, women and families who are experiencing homelessness. Second, case managers called Navigators are connecting with a person when they enter the homeless system and working with them throughout their stay. Third, relationships with key partner agencies are being strengthened and enhanced.
Emergency action is requested so that the Community Shelter Board can continue these services without interruption.
FISCAL IMPACT: Funds for this contract are allocated from the FY2015 General Fund budget.
Title
To authorize the Director of the Department of Development to enter into contract with the Community Shelter Board for the purpose of implementing the single adult crisis response system; to authorize the expenditure of $1,104,612.00 from the General Fund; and to declare an emergency. ($1,104,612.00)
Body
WHEREAS, the Director of the Department of Development desires to enter into a contract with the Community Shelter Board (CSB) for the implementation of a single adult crisis response system; and
WHEREAS, the city supports the implementation of the single adult crisis response system which will assist homeless men and women to transition more efficiently and effectively from a place of homelessness to permanent housing and stability; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the Department of Development, Housing Division, in that it is immediately necessary to continue to provide these essential services to the homeless without interruption, thereby preserving the public health, peace, property, safety, and welfare; and NOW THEREFORE,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the Director of the Department of Development is hereby authorized to enter into contract with the Community Shelter Board for the purpose of implementing the single adult crisis response system.
SECTION 2. That this contract is awarded pursuant to the relevant provisions of Chapter 329 of City Code relating to not-for-profit service contracts.
SECTION 3. That for the purpose as stated in Section 1, the expenditure of $1,104,612.00 or so much thereof as may be necessary be and is hereby authorized to be expended from the General Fund, Department of Development, Division 44-10, Fund 010, Object Level One 03, Object Level Three 3337, OCA Code 440284.
SECTION 4. That the funds necessary to carry out the purpose of this ordinance are hereby deemed appropriated, and the City Auditor shall establish such accounting codes as necessary.
SECTION 5. That for the reasons stated in the preamble hereto, which is hereby made a part hereof, this Ordinance is hereby declared to be an emergency measure and shall take effect and be in force from and after its approval by the Mayor, or ten days after passage if the Mayor neither approves nor vetoes the same.