HomeMy WebLinkAbout(0024) M&C 20-0436City of Fort Worth, Texas
Mayor and Council Communication
DATE: 06/16/20 M&C FILE NUMBER: M&C 20-0436
LOG NAME: 19FUND FOR VETERANS ASSISTANCE GRANTS 2020-2021
SUBJECT
Authorize Application for, and if Awarded, Acceptance of Two Grants from the Texas Veterans Commission in the Total Amount of $800,000.00 for
Assistance to Veterans with Security Deposits, Rent, Mortgage, Utility Assistance and Accessibility and Safety Modifications to their Homes,
Approve Execution of Applicable Grant Contracts, and Adopt Appropriation Ordinance (ALL COUNCIL DISTRICTS)
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Authorize the application to the Texas Veterans Commission for two Fund for Veterans' Assistance Grants, a General Assistance Grant in the
amount of $400,000.00 and a Housing for Texas Heroes Grant in the amount of $400,000.00;
2. Authorize the execution of all applicable contracts; and
3. Adopt the attached appropriation ordinance increasing estimated receipts and appropriations in the Grants Operating State Fund in the amount
of $800,000.00 upon notification of award.
DISCUSSION:
Two grant applications to the Texas Veterans Commission are being submitted for activities that will benefit veterans in Fort Worth and Tarrant
County.
The Forward Home Veteran Assistance Program funded by the General Assistance Grant will provide emergency financial assistance such as
deposits, rental/mortgage and utility payments that are short-term and temporary in nature. The grant will be administered by the Community Action
Partners (CAP) section of the Neighborhood Services Department. The increased funding will enable CAP to provide additional needed services
to area veterans.
The Housing for Texas Heroes Grant will be utilized in partnership with 6 Stones, a local nonprofit organization fighting poverty, to provide needed
accessibility or safety modifications to veteran homes in the Tarrant County area.
A waiver by the City of indirect costs will maximize program benefits to veterans and surviving spouses. During the current grant period up to
March 31, 2020, the Forward Home grant served 283 veterans or veteran family members with an average of $753.83 per person. The Texas
Heroes grant served 16 veteran households with home repairs or modifications with an average cost of $12,996.00 per home. These funds were
used to stabilize veteran households, preventing homelessness.
Indirect costs are not being charged to this grant as the Neighborhood Services Department Indirect Cost Rate was zero in the City's most recent
Cost Allocation Plan. If awarded, both grants will begin on July 1, 2020 and end on June 30, 2021.
A Form 1295 is not required because: This contract will be with a governmental entity, state agency or public institution of higher education: Texas
Veterans Commission
FISCAL INFORMATION / CERTIFICATION:
The Director of Finance certifies that upon approval of the above recommendations and adoption of the attached appropriation ordinance, funds
will be available in the current operating budget, as appropriated, in the Grants Operating State Fund. The Neighborhood Services
Department (and Financial Management Services) will be responsible for the collection and deposit of funds due to the City. Prior to an
expenditure being incurred, the Neighborhood Services Department has the responsibility to validate the availability of funds. This is a
reimbursement grant.
Submitted for City Manager's Office by. Fernando Costa 6122
Originating Business Unit Head: Victor Turner 8187
Additional Information Contact: Sonia Singleton 5774