Explanation
BACKGROUND
This legislation authorizes the Director of the Department of Development to enter into a not-for-profit service contract with The Homeless Families Foundation (HFF) in an amount up to $90,000.00 for vacated tenant services. HFF helps to provide temporary accommodation for those who are vacated from their homes due to emergency conditions. This legislation also authorizes the payment of expenditures prior to the issuance of the purchase order beginning April 1, 2026. Additionally, this program may include reasonable food and non-alcoholic beverages for participants. The expenditure of such items is hereby deemed to be a valid public purpose in that such purchase will address the immediate needs of program participants beginning with the period of performance of the contract beginning April 1, 2026. These expenditures are authorized in accordance with Columbus City Code Chapter 329 as the food and/or non-alcoholic beverage expenditures are part of the standard operating costs for the non-profit organization serving these vulnerable residents.
When a structure is deemed not fit for human habitation by the City of Columbus through departments such as Building and Zoning Services, the City must require the occupants to vacate the unit until it is brought into compliance. This disruptive displacement can have a cascading effect on residents’ well-being by disturbing employment or education transportation, destabilizing social connections, and significantly increasing stress. Due to the current housing crisis, securing new housing quickly is also extremely difficult especially for our most vulnerable residents who are more likely to receive an order to vacate. These vacated residents often need immediate assistance to avoid homelessness, including emergency temporary housing, rental assistance, help in locating housing and other additional support to promote stability.
The goal of the Displaced Tenant Services program is to mitigate...
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