To approve a contract with the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs in an amount not to exceed $147,475 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 Resolution No. 2023-7-7(R) as amended

Texas Government Code §2306.2585 allocates State general funds in the form of HHSP 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 construction, development or procurement of housing for homeless persons; rehabilitation of structures targeted to serving homeless persons or persons at-risk of homelessness; 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. Youth Set-Aside funds must be used for youth-headed households, ages 18-24, who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness. The City of Plano is one of nine cities that receive HHSP 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 HHSP recipient on September 1, 2018. Using a competitive Request for Proposals process, the City of Plano selected a collaborative application between City House, Inc. and the Assistance Center of Collin County to administer a Rapid Re-Housing Program. City House, Inc. served as the lead agency for the program and ensured that all program recipients received the necessary services to become self-sufficient. In 2021, City House, Inc. and the Assistance Center of Collin County decided to no longer administer the Rapid Re-Housing Program and focus on their core agency programs. Therefore, utilizing a request for proposal process, the Salvation Army-Plano location was selected to administer the Rapid Re-Housing Program. The program 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, the program has assisted 110 individuals obtain housing. As participants exit the program, Salvation Army tracks housing retention to measure program success. To date, 52 people have maintained their housing at least three months after exiting the program.

This item approves a contract with the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs for the Homeless Housing and Services Program under Texas Government Code §2306.2585. The total amount to be received in FY 2022-23 and FY2023-24 is not to exceed $147,475.      

Authorizing approval of this item relates to the City's Strategic Plan Critical Success Factor of Safe, Vibrant Neighborhoods.