M&C Review

COUNCIL ACTION:  Approved on 11/13/2018 - Ordinance 23470-11-2018
DATE: 11/13/2018 REFERENCE NO.: **G-19416 LOG NAME: 19FUND FOR VETERANS ASSISTANCE GRANTS 2019-2020
CODE: G TYPE: CONSENT PUBLIC HEARING: NO
SUBJECT:  

Authorize Application for, and if Awarded, Acceptance of Two Grants from the Texas Veterans Commission in the Total Amount of $600,000.00, Approve Execution of Applicable Grant Contracts, Waive Indirect Costs 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 $300,000.00 and a Housing for Texas Heroes Grant in the amount of $300,000.00;

2. Authorize the execution of all applicable contracts;

3. Waive indirect costs; and

4. Adopt the attached appropriation ordinance increasing estimated receipts and appropriations in the Grants Operating State Fund in the amount of $600,000.00 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 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 2017-2018, the Forward  Home grant was able to assist 175 veterans/dependents and surviving spouses. This year, through September 2018,the program has served 50 households for a benefit average of $758 per household. These funds were used to stabilize veteran households, preventing homelessness. Waiver of the indirect cost would allow the program to serve an additional 13 veteran households.

The estimated indirect costs that are being asked to be waived is $10,000.00. If awarded, both grants will begin on July 1, 2019 and end on June 30, 2020.

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 award of the above recommendations, receipt of the grant funding and adoption of the attached appropriation ordinance, funds will be available in the Grant Operating State Fund, as appropriated.

This is a reimbursement grant. The Neighborhood Services Department will be responsible for the verification and submission of documents for these funds. Prior to expenditure being made, the Neighborhood Services Department has the responsibility to validate the availability of funds.
TO
    Fund Department
ID		 Account Project
ID		 Program Activity Budget
Year		 Reference #
(Chartfield 2)		 Amount

FROM
    Fund Department
ID		 Account Project
ID		 Program Activity Budget
Year		 Reference #
(Chartfield 2)		 Amount
Submitted for City Manager's Office by:
Fernando Costa (6122)
Originating Department Head:
Aubrey Thagard (8187)
Additional Information Contact:
Sonia Singleton (5774)
 
 
ATTACHMENTS
  19FUND FOR VETERANS ASSISTANCE GRANTS 2018-2019_21002_AO19.docx