Resolution No. 2021-6-7(R): To approve a contract with the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs in an amount not to exceed $51,804 of Ending Homelessness Funds for the Homeless Housing and Services Program under Texas Government Code §2306.2585; designating the City Manager as Chief Executive Officer and authorized representative of the City for the purpose of executing the contract consistent with this resolution, giving required assurances, acting in connection with said contract, and providing required information; providing an effective date; and authorizing the City Manager to execute all necessary documents. Adopted

Texas Transportation Code §502.415 allocates State transportation funds in the form of EH Funds to any municipality with a population of 285,000 or more, per the 1 Year American Community Survey (ACS) data. These funds are appropriated annually by the legislature using a formula allocation. These funds may be used for financial assistance and case management support to assist Plano’s homeless population with obtaining affordable rental housing within Plano city limits; provision of direct services and case management to homeless persons or persons at-risk of homelessness; or, other homelessness-related activity as approved by TDHCA. The City of Plano is one of nine cities that receive EH funds. Eligible cities may choose whether to receive the funds directly or give their entitlement allocation to a nonprofit entity to serve as the direct funding recipient with TDHCA.

The City of Plano became an EH recipient on September 1, 2019. Using a competitive Request for Proposals process, the City of Plano selected City House, Inc. and the Assistance Center of Collin County to administer a Rapid Re-Housing Program. City House, Inc. serves as the lead agency for the program and ensures that all program recipients receive the necessary services to become self-sufficient. The program, which began in September 2019, provides financial assistance and case management support to assist Plano’s homeless population with obtaining affordable rental housing within Plano city limits. Program participants can receive assistance with security and utility deposits, payment of rental arrears, rental assistance, case management, and payment of essential services as needed, such as transportation or childcare. Since the program’s inception, nine individuals have been assisted in obtaining housing.  As participants exit the program, City House tracks housing retention to measure program success.

TDHCA reimburses the City for expenditures and the City must report monthly on the status of the funds through the State’s online contracting system. Any funds remaining at the end of the fiscal year are returned to the State’s general fund.

This item approves a contract with the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs. The contract grants The City of Plano, Texas with Ending Homelessness Funds for the Homeless Housing and Services Program under Texas Government Code §2306.2585. The total amount to be received in FY 2020-21 and FY 2021-22 is not to exceed $51,804.        

Approval of this agenda item supports the City's Strategic Plan Critical Success Factor of Excellent, Innovative, and Accountable City Government.