HomeMy WebLinkAboutIR 9743 INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 9743
To the Mayor and Members of the City Council May 19, 2015
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•a SUBJECT: CONTRACT WITH TARRANT COUNTY HOMELESSNESS
rrn COALITION TO TEMPORARY ADMINISTRATION OF THE DIRECTIONS HOME
PROGRAM
The Homelessness Division of the Neighborhood Services Department provides management and
oversight of the City's Directions Home-related programming, including the administration of
approximately $3.5M of City, State, and private funds per year, serving over 500 households.
Appropriations in the City's General Fund cover two, full-time Authorized Positions to carry out the work of
the Homelessness Division. Concurrent transitions for both employees in the division present a significant
challenge for City staff to provide sufficient oversight of homelessness programming and high-quality
customer service over the next few months with existing resources.
The Tarrant County Homeless Coalition (TCHC) has hired the City's Homelessness Program Director, Otis
Thornton, to serve as its next Executive Director. Thornton has been in his role with the City for nine
years and his last day will be May 20, 2015. Additionally, Marguerite "Maggie" Jones, the City's
Homelessness Coordinator, has scheduled medical leave from June 10 —September 1, 2015.
To provide program continuity and avoid a staffing hardship in the department, staff recommends that the
City enter into an agreement with the Tarrant County Homeless Coalition to provide oversight and
management of the City's homelessness programming during the period, June 1 —September 30, 2015.
City staff has worked with TCHC to negotiate a cost of$12,500 monthly to provide the interim services.
These costs will be covered by savings in existing salary and operational savings during the same period
as well as available funds in the United Way contract. The services will be secured by either an
amendment to the existing Agreement with the United Way of Tarrant County or through a contract with
TCHC directly. Staff intends to place an M&C on the City Council meeting agenda for June 2nd so that
contracting with TCHC for these services can be considered for approval.
Services to be provided by the Tarrant County Homeless Coalition will include:
➢ Administration and monthly monitoring of Directions Home-related programming and City- and
State-funded Program Year VII initiatives
➢ Customer service, information and referral for resident requests for services
➢ Participation in the City's Encampment Response and Cleanup Team
➢ Interagency coordination for City services to the homeless such as Municipal Court's
Homelessness Court program, FWPD's Homelessness Liaison Officer, Code Compliance's Food
Handler certification, and services for pet owners who are homeless, Parks and Community
Services Community Action Partners
➢ Technical assistance as needed on homelessness policy, programs, and best practices, including
permanent supportive housing development and operations
If you have any questions concerning this report, please contact Jay Chapa at 817-392-5804 or at
iesus.chapa(a)fortworthtexas.gov.
David Cooke
City Manager
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS