Explanation
BACKGROUND: This legislation authorizes the Director of the Department of Development to enter into a planned modification of a Subrecipient Not For Profit Service Contract with Maryhaven Inc., to extend the contract term from December 31, 2026 to December 31, 2027, to support the “CORE Team” so they may continue to provide supportive services for individuals defined as homeless based on HUD’s definition of chronic homelessness, and to declare an emergency.
Original $264,000.00 Ord. 3237-2025 PO555546/PO576682
Mod 1 $ 0.00
Total $264,000.00
In accordance with C.C. 329.09(a):
1. No additional funds are being requested under this modification.
2. The need for additional services was foreseen at the time the initial contract was awarded, but legislative modification is required by operation of C.C. 329.09(b).
3. It is in the City’s best interest to continue with Maryhaven Inc., one of the current organizations
4. , to provide supportive services for individuals defined as homeless based on HUD’s definition of chronic homelessness.
5. The pricing for services will remain the same as in the original contract.
The City of Columbus is currently facing an increase in unsheltered homelessness. This growing crisis has not only affected individuals and families experiencing homelessness, but it has also created challenges for first responders, city employees, community members, and outreach workers who interact with these residents. Recognizing the significance of this issue, the City launched a new pilot program: the “CORE Team” (Columbus Outreach & Resource Engagement team). This team consists of engagement specialists from Southeast, Inc. and Maryhaven, Inc., who will work in close coordination with the City’s Homeless Response Team to expand assistance and engagement for unsheltered residents. This team will assist the city’s most vulnerable population in finding safe, secure, appropriate, and stable living environments tailored to their needs. In addition, the specialist will connect them with physical and behavioral healthcare needs.
This program is intended to be funded annually through December 31, 2029 with this organization based on funding availability from both the HOME-ARP grant as well as other city funding sources. This initiative is not just about addressing immediate needs but fostering long-term stability and wellness for Columbus’ most vulnerable residents. Focusing on addressing the root causes of homelessness and supporting successful transitions into stable housing, the program aims to create a brighter future for this community.
Emergency Designation: Emergency action is necessary to ensure the CORE Team can continue providing services through the impending winter weather, continuing to support unsheltered residents with the highest needs beyond the current end date of 12/31/2026.
Contract Compliance: the vendor number is 004267 and expires on 10/19/2028
Fiscal Impact: No additional funding is necessary.
Title
To authorize the Director of Development to enter into a planned modification of a Subrecipient Not For Profit Service Contract with Maryhaven Inc., to extend the contract term from December 31, 2026 to December 31, 2027, in order to support the “CORE Team” so they may continue to provide supportive services for individuals defined as homeless based on HUD’s definition of chronic homelessness; and to authorize an emergency. ($0.00)
Body
WHEREAS, the City of Columbus is a participating jurisdiction of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development; and
WHEREAS, the City of Columbus is the recipient of a one-time grant of $16,433,138.00 from the U.S. Department of Housing Urban Development (HUD) through the American Rescue Plan Act and the HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME-ARP); and
WHEREAS, there is a need for supportive services for those individuals that are defined as homeless based on HUD’s definition of chronic homelessness; and
WHEREAS, the City of Columbus continues to look for new investments in housing and programs to assist people experiencing homelessness; and
WHEREAS, there has been an increase in unsheltered homelessness within the City of Columbus and the establishment of the “CORE Team” to work alongside first responders and the Homelessness Response Team will provide intensive engagement to high need individuals as they attempt to secure suitable housing as well as physical and mental health needs; and
WHEREAS, the Director of the Department of Development wishes to enter into a planned modification of a Subrecipient Not For Profit Service contract with Maryhaven Inc. to provide the supportive services that will assist this very vulnerable population utilizing HOME-ARP funding; and
WHEREAS, there is a need to extend the term date of the contract from December 31, 2026 to December 31, 2027, as this is a planned modification based on ordinance 3236-2025; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual and daily operation of the Department of Development in that it is immediately necessary to authorize the Director of the Department of Development to enter into a planned modification of the subrecipient not-for-profit service agreement with Maryhaven Inc. to ensure the CORE Team can continue providing services through the impending winter weather, continuing to support unsheltered residents with the highest needs, for the immediate preservation of the public health, peace, property, safety, and welfare; 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 in a planned modification of a Subrecipient not-for-profit service contract with Maryhaven Inc., to extend the term date of the contract from December 31, 2026 to December 31, 2027 in order to continue to provide supportive services for individuals defined as homeless based on Hud’s definition of chronic homelessness.
SECTION 2. 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.