HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 12i - Homeless Prevention and Diversion Program Funds
DATE: May 17, 2022
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Jason Kruckeberg, Assistant City Manager/Development Services Director
By: Tim Schwehr, Economic Development Manager
SUBJECT: ALLOCATE $250,000 IN AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT (“ARPA”)
FUNDS TO THE HOMELESS PREVENTION AND DIVERSION
PROGRAM
Recommended Action: Approve
SUMMARY
The Arcadia Homeless Prevention and Diversion Program assists Arcadia residents
vulnerable to becoming homeless with short-term financial assistance for rent, essential
bills and services, and other items that help them to stay housed. In March 2022, the
Arcadia City Council directed staff to proceed with allocating $250,000 in American
Rescue Plan Act (“ARPA”) funds to this program. It is recommended that the City
Council approve the allocation of $250,000 in ARPA funds to the Homeless Prevention
and Diversion Program.
BACKGROUND
In October 2020, the City received a grant through the San Gabriel Valley Council of
Governments (“SGVCOG”) to implement a new Homeless Prevention and Diversion
Program, also known as the Financial Assistance Program. This program provides
short-term financial assistance to Arcadia residents for rent, essential bills and services,
and other related expenses. The goal of this program is to prevent at-risk Arcadia
residents from becoming chronically homeless. The City currently partners with Union
Station Homeless Services (“USHS”) to initiate and facilitate problem-solving
conversations with residents and identify specific actions needed to ensure they remain
housed at their current residence or find new housing. Since its inception in October
2020, the program has received grants totaling approximately $50,000. As of March 1,
2022, $37,292 of this funding has been expended with 18 at-risk Arcadia residents
assisted to date.
Homeless Prevention Program ARPA Allocation
May 17, 2022
Page 2 of 2
DISCUSSION
In March 2022, the City Council directed staff to allocate an additional $250,000 in
funding to the Homeless Prevention and Diversion Program using a portion of the City’s
American Rescue Plan Act (“ARPA”) funding. The $250,000 allocation of ARPA funds
will provide a stable source of funding for this program for multiple years. The program
will continue to be managed by the Recreation and Community Services Department
through a partnership with Union Station Homeless Services or another similar provider.
Following approval of this item by the City Council, the funds will be made available for
use beginning in June 2022.
ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS
The proposed action does not constitute a project under the California Environmental
Quality Act (“CEQA”), and it can be seen with certainty that it will have no impact on the
environment. Thus, this matter is exempt under CEQA.
FISCAL IMPACT
The City has $8,865,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (“ARPA”) funding available to
use for various purposes, including economic assistance. Allocating $250,000 of the
City’s ARPA funds to the Homeless Prevention and Diversion Program will provide a
stable source of funding to this program. If ARPA funds are not used, then General
Fund monies would be required once the initial grant funding expires or is fully
expended. The City will continue pursuing grants for homelessness prevention and
housing programs that could be used for this program, either in addition to or in lieu of
these ARPA funds.
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council determine that this action does not constitute a
project and is therefore, exempt under, the California Environmental Quality Act
(“CEQA”); and approve the allocation of $250,000 in American Rescue Plan Act
(“ARPA”) funds to the Homeless Prevention and Diversion Program.