R2021-135 Resolution Authorizing Execution of a Grant Agreement with Dove, Inc. for the Distribution of Rent, Mortgage and Utility Assistance to Eligible Recipients

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COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT MEMORANDUM August 2, 2021 TO: Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe and City Council Members FROM: Cordaryl M. Patrick, Director of Economic and Community Development Scot Wrighton, City Manager Richelle Dunbar,Asst. Director Economic and Community Development SUBJECT: Sub recipient Agreement with Dove, Inc. for Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (CLFRF) RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends entering into a one year sub-recipient agreement with Dove, Inc., administer the City's rent,mortgage and utility relief program to Decatur residents in the amount of$450,000. BACKGROUND: Since the start of the pandemic, the city's Economic and Community Development Department has been one of the,recipient and administrator of relief funds that have come directly from the Federal government and State government. Many of these funds have had different grant compliance requirements, which has limited the effectiveness of the funds. As you know,the U.S. Department of the Treasury announced the launch of the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds, established by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, to provide emergency funds to eligible local governments. As it relates to economic and community development, serving the hardest- hit communities and families is an eligible category, which includes assisting families with rent,mortgage and utility relief. The City currently has an agreement with Dove, Inc. to provide these services utilizing the CDBG-CV funds,but due to the very difficult compliance requirements of those funds,the program has not been able to assist those that need this relief the most. Therefore,we will terminate and close-out the current agreement with Dove upon execution of this agreement so that we can prevent families from being at risk of homelessness and/or broken apart. Dove Financial Services,which is housed at Northeast Community Fund,has an existing system in place to assist with rent,mortgage and utility assistance. They also are linked to the OASIS!program,which is used by other local agencies to ensure there is no duplication of services,which is a requirement of this agreement. POTENTIAL OBJECTIONS: Staff is not aware of objections. INPUT FROM OTHER SOURCES: Comments and information were secured through public meetings and input from a variety of community organizations, including the Landlord Association and rent,mortgage and!utility assistance was a documented need.