Posting Language
Title
Authorize negotiation and execution of an amendment to the agreement with Urban Alchemy to provide intervention services to individuals experiencing homelessness, to add one-time funding in the amount of $411,000 for a revised total agreement amount not to exceed $851,000. Funding in the amount of $411,000 is available from Downtown Austin Alliance. Funding is contingent on approval of the Memorandum of Understanding with Downtown Austin Alliance. A City funding match is not required.
De
Lead Department
Homeless Strategy Office.
Fiscal Note
Funding in the amount of $411,000 is available from Downtown Austin Alliance. Funding is contingent on approval of Memorandum of Understanding with Downtown Austin Alliance. A City funding match is not required.
Prior Council Action:
October 10, 2024 - Council approved an amendment to the agreement with Urban Alchemy on a 10-0 vote.
For More Information:
David Gray, Homeless Strategy Officer, 512-972-7836; Kelechukwu Anyanwu Jr, Program Manager III, 512-972-5136; Estella Kirscht, Administrative Specialist, 512-972-4423.
Additional Backup Information:
Approval of this item will authorize Amendment No.1 to the HEART ATX agreement to add one-time funding in the amount of $411,000 beginning May 1, 2025 - April 30, 2026. The pilot program was launched on February 1, 2024, in high-need areas downtown to identify new ways to improve outcomes for individuals experiencing homelessness based on individual needs. HEART is a boots-on-the-ground, proactive engagement program.
In the first two months of the program’s launch, they have interacted with 394 individuals experiencing homelessness, with 754 social service activities provided. These activities include the provision of food, water, hygiene supplies, clothing, shoes, and first aid supplies. In partnership with the Austin Police Department, practitioners will respond to non-emergent issues to de-escalate behavioral issues and provide intervention to address or prevent mental health episodes, interrupt behavioral disturbances, prevent crimes, and connect people to social services and housing resources. Through self-initiated engagements from practitioners, the HEART program will allow for relationship building, assessing individuals’ needs, connecting with and transporting to services, and reuniting people with families and personal support networks. If authorization of Amendment No. 1 is not approved, this will constrain HSO’s ability to provide intervention services.
The original agreement was approved for a term of 12 months ending on September 30, 2025, in an amount not to exceed $440,000.