Posting Language
Title
Authorize negotiation and execution of an amendment to the agreement with Catholic Charities of Central Texas to help refugee families achieve economic self-sufficiency and housing stability, to add one 12-month extension option beginning July 1, 2025, in an amount not to exceed $100,000, for a revised total agreement amount not to exceed $700,000. Funding: $100,000 is available in the Operating Budget of the Homeless Strategy Office.
De
Lead Department
Homeless Strategy Office.
Fiscal Note
Funding in the amount of $100,000 is included in the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Homeless Strategy Office Operating Budget.
Prior Council Action:
April 18, 2024 - Council approved the negotiation and execution of Amendment No. 5 to the agreement with Catholic Charities of Central Texas on an 11-0 vote.
For More Information:
David Gray, Homeless Strategy Officer, 512-974-7836; Kelechukwu Anyanwu Jr, Program Manager III, 512-972-5136; Estella Kirscht, Administrative Specialist, 512-972-4423.
Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action:
March 12, 2018 - Commission on Immigrant Affairs passed Recommendation No. 20180212-004B regarding refugee housing needs on an 8-0 vote.
Additional Backup Information:
Approval of this item will authorize Amendment No. 6 to the Refugee Homeless Prevention agreement with Catholic Charites to add one 12-month extension option in the amount of $100,000 beginning July 1, 2025. The program serves refugees residing within Austin, which includes individuals on humanitarian parole. Catholic Charities assists refugees achieve economic self-sufficiency and housing stability for by providing financial assistance, case management, and wraparound services. Throughout the course of their contract history, Catholic Charities has continually exceeded its program goals. A total of 723 unduplicated clients have been served year to date. If authorization of Amendment No. 6 is not approved, it will limit the Homeless Strategy Office’s ability to provide refugee homeless prevention services.
Amendment No. 5 exercised the fourth extension option in the amount of $100,000 for the period of July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025.
Amendment No. 4 exercised the third extension option in the amount of $100,000 for the period of July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024.
Amendment No. 3 exercised the second extension option in the amount of $100,000 for the period of July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023.
Amendment No. 2 exercised the first extension option in the amount of $100,000 for the period of July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022.
Amendment No. 1 modified the program work statement for the period of August 1, 2019 to June 30, 2021.
The original agreement was approved for an initial term of 23 months ending on June 30, 2021, in an amount not to exceed $200,000, with one 12-month extension option in an amount not to exceed $100,000, for a total agreement amount not to exceed $300,000.
On March 12, 2018, the City’s Commission on Immigrant Affairs passed a recommendation regarding rental assistance resources for refugees. Austin is the largest refugee resettlement site in Central Texas, and many refugees need affordable housing and rental assistance. In response to the recommendation, the Commission met with various City department officials and community agencies to discuss rental assistance resources for refugees living within Austin. Entities participating in this meeting included Housing Authority of the City of Austin (HACA), Caritas of Austin, Ending Community Homelessness Coalition (ECHO), the Austin Public Health Department, and the Neighborhood Housing and Community Development (NHCD). The Commission concluded that City resources were not adequate to address the needs of refugees in the community.