HomeMy WebLinkAbout25E - DEVELOPMENT OF PERMANENT HSGREQUEST FOR
COUNCIL ACTION
CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE:
JUNE 18, 2007
TITLE:
APPROVE AGREEMENT WITH STRAIGHT
TALK, INC. FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF
PERMANENT HOUSING FOR PERSONS WITH
HIV/AIDS
~~
CITY MANAGER
RECOMMENDED ACTION
CLERK OF COUNCIL USE ONLY:
APPROVED
^ As Recommended
^ As Amended
^ Ordinance on 1~~ Reading
^ Ordinance on 2nd Reading
^ Implementing Resolution
^ Set Public Hearing For_
CONTINUED TO
FILE NUMBER
Direct the City Attorney to prepare and authorize the City Manager and
the Clerk of the Council to execute an agreement with Straight Talk, Inc.
for the development of permanent housing for persons with HIV/AIDS in the
amount of $535,000.
DISCUSSION
Since 1993, the City of Santa Ana has received funds through the U.S.
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the Housing
Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) Program. As the most
populous city in Orange County, Santa Ana receives the funds for the
entire county. The HOPWA Program is designed to provide resources and
incentives for long-term comprehensive strategies to meet the housing
needs of persons with HIV/AIDS. In allocating these grant funds for
eligible activities, the City of Santa Ana is required to consider the
service needs of eligible persons who reside throughout Orange County and
to approve funding for projects which may be located anywhere in the
county.
Since the inception of the HOPWA Tenant-Based Assistance Program, the
providers in the HIV/AIDS community have experienced difficulties in
housing some members of the client population. These individuals are
suffering not only from HIV/AIDS but also from additional substance abuse
or mental health issues. Due to issues with their dual diagnosis, these
individuals are unable to live independently and take advantage of the
Tenant-Based Rental Assistance Program.
25E-1
Agreement with Straight Talk, Inc.
June 18, 2007
Page 2
In 2004, the City of Santa Ana contracted with AIDS Housing of
Washington, a technical assistance provider from HUD, to study the Orange
County HIV/AIDS community and develop a Housing Plan. Working with the
County of Orange Health Care Agency, service providers and clients, the
plan was completed in 2005. A major goal of the plan was to promote
housing stability, prevent homelessness, and increase access to care and
support for people living with HIV/AIDS. One of the recommendations from
the plan was to seek a non-profit with experience working with the
HIV/AIDS dually diagnosed population to provide permanent and
transitional housing that is integrated into the community, such as
acquisition and rehabilitation of a single-family home.
In March of this year, a Request For Proposals (RFP) was issued for the
development of permanent housing for the underserved individuals with
HIV/AIDS. The RFP notice was published in the Orange County Register,
Miniondas, and Ngoi Viet newspapers and was sent via direct mail to over
100 for-profit and non-profit developers. The RFP was also sent to the
executive directors of all HIV/AIDS service providers in Orange County.
The City received one response from Straight Talk, Inc. to purchase a
detached single family dwelling, which will provide permanent housing for
a minimum of six individuals with HIV/AIDS. Straight Talk is a private,
Orange County 501 c 3 public benefit, nonprofit corporation that has
served disadvantaged individuals and population groups continually since
its inception in 1971. The agency has over 25 years experience
establishing a variety of long-term residential facilities within Orange
County, including the pioneering effort to implement the State's first
treatment program for HIV/AIDS substance abusers in 1990. Straight Talk
is able to make available to residents supportive services such as
licensed clinicians, referrals for medical care, and HIV/AIDS case
management. Straight Talk anticipates the majority of residents will
have their rent subsidized through the Shelter Plus Care Program or the
Housing Choice Voucher Program. For those individuals without subsidy,
rent will be based on a sliding scale, currently not to exceed $475 per
month.
Staff has reviewed and evaluated the response from Straight Talk and has
toured its facilities. Based on their expertise and their capacity to
develop and manage a permanent housing environment, staff is recommending
Straight Talk, Inc. be allocated the $535,000 for the
acquisition/rehabilitation of single family dwelling to serve the target
population and remain affordable for a minimum of 15 years.
25E-2
Agreement with
June 18, 2007
Page 3
FISCAL IMPACT
Straight Talk, Inc.
Funds are available in the HOPWA Program account (account no. 405-148-
6931).
APPROVED AS TO FUNDS AND ACCOUNTS:
~. ~/~
Ste en G. Ha ding
Deputy City nager for
Development Services
Community Development Agency
SGH/LF/mlr
Francisco Gutierrez
Executive Director
Finance & Management Services Agency
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