Authorize the Mayor to sign the enclosed Agreement for low barrier shelter services with the United Way (Continuum of Care, Crisis Center & First Church partnership) for the 2022, 2023 winter season.

On September 6 and September 26 the Council discussed the impacts of low barrier sheltering ultimately approving motions supporting two partnerships.  The first is to reimburse up to $210,000 for emergency sheltering this winter with Continuum of Care (CoC).  The second is with Montana Rescue Mission (MRM) for data entry.   

The enclosed agreement is consistent with the Council's direction with two major exceptions, we are providing $45,000 in up-front cash to help get the CoC shelter off the ground.  Each month, we will subtract $9,000 from our reimbursement payment so that our total expenditure will not exceed $210,000 at the end of winter.   Additionally, CoC is asking the Council to amend there motion to authorize reimbursement for the administrative fee they will be paying to United Way.  This fee is 10% of the contracted amount which is $21,000.  Therefore, CoC is asking that the contract for low barrier shelter services not exceed $231,000.  CoC did work diligently to avoid this additional cost by having this agreement be directly with either the Crisis Center or First Church, unfortunately we were unsuccessful.  

The agreement addresses each of the critical areas outlines in the Council's September 26 motion (except the up-front payment).  
     1)  First responders will bring individuals to the Crisis Center to receive services
     2)  Proper data collection and reporting to a 3rd party, to understand users and services provided 
     3)  Coordinated entry 
     4)  Services will be offered in good faith to all who do not belong in jail, or the emergency room
     5)  Service providers will share their "do not serve" and "no trespass" lists with one another and first responders within the confines of HIPPA
     6)  Good faith participation in the local CoC 
     7)  Hours of service for the LBS will be clearly defined and agreed to
 

N/A

The attached contract with United Way will expend either $231,000 or less if expenditures outlined in the agreement total less than $231,000 for services provided between November 2022 and May 2023.  This is $21,000 higher than previously stated as described under the background information above.

Per the adopted budget, $864,952 dollars are anticipated (2 mills = $432,452 + 3% marijuana local option tax $432,500) and will be placed in a fund to improve public safety and reduce crime in our community through programs addressing substance abuse, mental and behavioral health, housing essential to public safety, and related support services.
 

The enclosed agreement reimburses the CoC partners for up to $231,000 for low barrier sheltering services this winter.