Explanation
Background: This legislation authorizes the Director of Development to enter into agreements with various social service agencies throughout Central Ohio to allow those agencies to provide utility assistance grants to the residents they serve and households who have been negatively impacted by COVID-19. The total amount of these grants is $1,035,000.00.
The social service agencies are:
Amount Agency Vendor No. CC Expiration
$125,000.00 The Breathing Association 006094 4/4/21
$ 55,000.00 YMCA 006085 1/14/22
$ 55,000.00 Central Community House of Columbus Inc. 006068 4/22/22
$ 20,000.00 Jewish Family Services 006079 4/3/21
$300,000.00 Columbus Literacy Council 001899 2/20/22
$ 35,000.00 St. Stephens Community House 006082 6/4/22
$120,000.00 LifeCare Alliance 006078 12/16/21
$ 85,000.00 Mid-Ohio Board of Independent Living 004551 being updated
$110,000.00 Catholic Social Services 006067 being updated
$ 75,000.00 Community Refugee & Immigrant Services 005773 6/17/21
$ 55,000.00 Gladden Community House 006075 5/15/21
$1,035,000.00 Total
The COVID 19 pandemic has caused significant job loss, unemployment, and reduction of income within Columbus and Franklin County. As a result, a significant number of households have been unable to pay their utility bills. While utility providers have suspended shutoffs due to non-payment, the accumulating cost will only further destabilize at risk households when the suspensions are lifted.
This funding will be used to provide utility assistance to qualified individuals and households as well as associated administrative costs for expenses starting March 1, 2020.
The services included in this contract cannot be provided by existing city employees because these services are beyond the City’s current staffing capacity to provide.
Emergency Designation: Emergency action is requested to ensure that the organizations can begin providing additional services as soon...
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