Item Description:
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Amd 1 to Agmt A2311975 with MN DHS to extend an Emergency Services Program (ESP) grant for family emergency overflow shelters, ext end date to 06/30/27, incr recv amt by $3,500,000 for a new total recv amt of $7,000,000
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Resolution:
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BE IT RESOLVED, that Amendment 1 to Agreement A2311975 with the Minnesota Department of Human Services to accept an Emergency Services Program grant for family emergency overflow shelter operations and support services, extending the contract through June 30, 2027 and increasing the receivable amount by $3,500,000 for a new total receivable amount of $7,000,000, be approved; that the Chair of the Board be authorized to sign the Agreement on behalf of the county and that the Controller be authorized to accept and disburse the funds as directed; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that sponsorship and acceptance of grant funding for this program by the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners does not imply a continuing funding commitment by Hennepin County for this program when grant funds are no longer available.
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Background:
The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) through its Homelessness, Housing, and Support Services Administration (HHSSA) awards Emergency Services Program (ESP) funding available every two years through a competitive application process. This funding supports emergency shelter, motel vouchers, day shelter and essential services for children, unaccompanied youth, single adults and families who are experiencing homelessness throughout the State of Minnesota.
Hennepin County Human Services and Public Health applied for this funding in response to the most recent application process in 2023 and received funding for the SFY 2024-2025 biennium. In November 2024, HHSSA notified Hennepin County of an automatic extension to the ESP grant funding, adding $3,500,000 to the allocation for an additional two years. The total ESP allocation awarded to Hennepin County is $7,000,000 for services provided July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2027.
Hennepin’s original application was for $28,773,365 to reflect the true cost of various outreach and emergency shelter programs for the 2023 to 2025 state fiscal biennium. The priority was to seek support towards the significant costs of family overflow shelter. An amendment to the 2024 budget was submitted for funds to be used in 2024, pending approval.
Hennepin County was awarded a second biennial amount of $3,500,000 to support family emergency overflow shelter operations and services. The grant award will fund a proportion of the County’s multi-site Family Overflow Shelter Program, at a daily capacity of 40 households and 60 household per year. This includes funding 3.5 FTE positions for support and program staff and management.
Current Request: This action is to approve Amd 1 to Agmt A2311975 with DHS and accept $3,500,000 in funding. The grant will support Hennepin County HSPH’s operations and support services for the multi-site Family Overflow Shelter Program.
Impact/Outcome: This action will provide financial support towards Hennepin County’s commitment to shelter families that have no other options and need emergency shelter while experiencing homelessness.
Disparity reduction: This request reduces disparities in the housing domain by providing assistance and services for people experiencing homelessness. Most often these are people who are members of groups disparately impacted by homelessness and housing instability.
recommendation
Recommendation from County Administrator: Recommend Approval