| | | | | | | | | TO: | Finance and Economic Resiliency Committee Members
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| FROM:
| Raul J. Aguila, Interim City Manager |
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| | DATE: | February 19, 2021
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| | SUBJECT: | DISCUSSION REGARDING THE PROGRESS MADE ON THE $330,000 APPROPRIATED FROM THE CITY’S GENERAL RESERVES ALLOCATED TO SUPPORT RENT, MORTGAGE, AND UTILITY ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS |
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| | | | | | | | HISTORY:
| At its June 12, 2020 meeting, the Finance and Economic Resiliency Committee (FERC) discussed the demand for rent assistance services in the community and acknowledged that the need was greater than what could be met with the funds allocated in Tranches 1 and 2 through Community Development Block Grant (CDBG-CV) and HOME Investment Partnership (HOME) funds. As such, the Committee recommended that up to $700,000 in General Reserve Funds be set aside for potential use to address the pressing need for rent assistance. However, the Committee requested that only $330,000 of these funds be released at this time – a number equivalent to the value allocated in the two prior tranches of rent assistance. Furthermore, the Committee emphasized the desire that, if possible, these funds be reimbursed through other sources such as CARES funds from Miami-Dade County.
At its July 29, 2020 Commission meeting, the Administration recommended awarding these funds to a non-profit to ensure assistance be available to the broadest range of Miami Beach residents, including those who have not achieved permanent residency status. On September 18, 2020, a contract was executed with H.O.P.E. in Miami-Dade, Inc. (HOPE) to provide rent and utility services to Miami Beach households referred by the Office of Housing and Community Services (OHCS).
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| | | | | | | | ANALYSIS:
| The chart labeled "Attachment A" summarizes the funds and distributions for all of the federal and state funds utilized for rent, mortgage and utility assistance.
As of February 10, 2021, HOPE has expended the full allocation but is pending receipt of cancelled checks to submit reimbursement. The City is now relying on Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) and EFSP-CARES funding received by the City via its annual competitive application. The City was awarded $15,680 in EFSP funds and $17,395 in EFSP-CARES funds. We have pending applications that will utilize the full value of these funds.
The City’s CDBG-CV3 funds have yet to be loaded by HUD. These funds will add $254,000 to rent/mortgage assistance efforts. The City may begin expending these funds now and reimburse the General Fund once HUD loads the funds. |
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| | | | | | | | CONCLUSION:
| | The Administration recommends re-evaluating the pace of draws every 30 days so as to be as responsive as possible to community need. |
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| | | | | | | | | Is this a "Residents Right to Know" item, pursuant to City Code Section 2-14? | | Does this item utilize G.O. Bond Funds? | | | No | | No | |
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