Posting Language
Title
Authorize negotiation and execution of Amendment No. 1 to an agreement with Urban Alchemy to extend the Austin Resource Center for the Homeless (ARCH) program through December 31, 2023, to add funds to the ARCH program in an amount not to exceed $600,000 and to add a new ARCH temporary expansion program to operate an additional shelter for a twelve-month term beginning July 1, 2023 in an amount not to exceed $4,563,836, for a revised total agreement amount not to exceed $9,307,186.
De
Lead Department
Austin Public Health.
Fiscal Note
Funding in the amount of $4,563,836 is available from the U.S. Department of Treasury, American Rescue Plan Act. Funding in the amount of $600,000 is available from the Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Austin Public Health Department Operating Budget.
Prior Council Action:
July 28, 2022 - Council authorized negotiation and execution of an agreement with Urban Alchemy on an 8-1 vote with Council Member Kelly voting nay, Mayor Pro Tem Alter abstaining, and Council Member Fuentes off the dais.
For More Information:
Adrienne Sturrup, Director, 512-972-5167; Laura LaFuente, Assistant Director, 512-972-5077; Akeshia Johnson Smothers, Social Services Agreements Administration Manager, 512-972-5567; Juanita Jackson, Business Process Consultant, 512-972-6163.
Additional Backup Information:
This action will authorize negotiation and execution of Amendment 1 with Urban Alchemy to add a new program, ARCH Temporary Expansion shelter, to operate the facility currently owned by The Salvation Army at 501 E 8th St, Austin, TX 78701. It will also approve the extension of the current ARCH shelter services at 500 East 7th Street and add additional funding.
This agreement was originally awarded via an emergency procurement for the operation of the ARCH facility. On July 18, 2022, the Austin Public Health Department hosted nine organizations to present a response to the opportunity. A tenth organization was included in the opportunity discussions on July 19, 2022. In response, Urban Alchemy submitted an Interest Form for the ARCH emergency agreement. An internal committee reviewed the application and decided based on the information provided and various other factors.
The original ARCH program operated by Urban Alchemy is located at 500 East 7th Street in downtown Austin. The building is approximately 28,000 square feet with three floors and a garage. The ARCH provides housing-focused shelter and basic needs services to individuals ages 18+ who identify as men and are experiencing homelessness. The shelter is designed to help clients meet their basic needs and serves as a gateway into a variety of programs and services to help move clients into stable housing as quickly as possible. The maximum number of individuals who can sleep at the ARCH overnight is 130.