Explanation
BACKGROUND: This ordinance authorizes the Director of the Department of Development to modify a grant agreement (Modification No. 4) with the Tony R Wells Foundation dba The Wells Foundation in an amount up to $9,000.00 to assist individuals facing housing instability, emergency vacate orders, or potential homelessness with funding for temporary accommodations and other necessary relocation expenses as part of the Displaced Tenant Services program. This modification will also extend the agreement term, currently expiring on December 31, 2025, to March 31, 2026. As it was authorized with the original agreement, this grant modification will include advancement of funds per a pre-determined schedule.
Original $ 65,000.00 Ord. 1686-2024 PO467735
Mod 1 $ 150,000.00 Ord. 3360-2024 PO485707
Mod 2 $ 50,000.00 Ord. 1994-2025 PO522914
Mod 3 $ 514,100.00 Ord. 2870-2025
Mod 4 $ 9,000.00
Total $ 788,100.00
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 a vacate order. These vacated residents often need immediate assistance to avoid homelessness, including emergency temporary housing, rental assistance, help locating housing, and other additional supports to promote stability.
The goal of Displaced Tenant Services is to mitigate the effects of disruptive displacement. This program provides relocation support to residents who are emergency vacated by the City of Columbus by:
• Offering reasonable and necessary temporary housing during the displacement, as needed
• Securing an alternative, permanent housing option OR the tenant returning to the original unit
• Providing all essential services to accomplish the above
The Tony R. Wells Foundation acts as the program’s Fiscal Manager, ...
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