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ITEM 34 |
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City Council Memorandum Neighborhood Resources Memo No. N/A
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| Date: |
October 14, 2024 |
| To: |
Mayor and Council |
| Thru: |
Joshua H. Wright, City Manager
Andy Bass, Deputy City Manager
Leah Powell, Neighborhood Resources Director |
| From: |
Riann Balch, Community Resources Manager |
| Subject: |
Agreement No. 4638, Amendment No. 1, for Temporary Accommodation Services |
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| Proposed Motion: |
| Move City Council approve Agreement No. 4638, Amendment No. 1, with GAJANAN, LLC, for temporary accommodation services, in an amount not to exceed $600,000, for the period of one year, beginning October 1, 2024, through September 30, 2025. |
| Background/Discussion: |
Operation Open Door provides non-congregate emergency shelter and bridge housing via hotel/motel rooms to Chandler residents experiencing homelessness who are unable to utilize congregate shelter due to capacity limits, mobility limitations, sobriety requirements, behavioral expectations, or household composition. Vulnerable populations include older adults, persons with disabilities, and persons disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. Program participants receive intensive case management services and essential resources such as food and clothing through Chandler's Community Navigation Team.
The goal for each participant household is to exit directly to permanent housing or a longer-term program that provides a transition to permanency. Since the recent pandemic, non-congregate shelter has been recognized nationally and internationally as a best practice in ending homelessness. The non-congregate model allows providers to serve high-barrier populations that are not well served in congregate settings. This population utilizes the highest percentage of public resources when living without shelter. Other essential elements of non-congregate programs include the ability to accommodate partners and pets, a safe place to store belongings, and a place to refrigerate food and medications.
Operation Open Door operates approximately 25 rooms per night based on availability of funds and temporary accommodations in the community. Requests for services, particularly from families with minor children and older adults, continue to increase with the rising number of evictions. Without contracts, the program is subject to market rates which fluctuate significantly based on consumer demand, seasonal attractions and large commercial events. In addition, the program's ability to enroll participants depends on the availability of accommodations in the community. Continuing to operate with properties under contract guarantees availability and nightly rates at significantly reduced costs and strengthen the relationship between the city and the property for enhanced service delivery.
In FY 2023-24, Operation Open Door served 356 persons in 171 households, with 98% positive exits. In the same period, 22,270 bed nights were provided with an average length of stay of 72 days.
This amendment will continue to provide a block of 15 rooms of various sizes and configurations for a flat fee of $48,000 per month, or $105.21 per night. The rate is paid regardless of whether the rooms are utilized, but the vacancy rate is extremely low. The program also makes two rooms in the community available each night to the Police and Fire departments for persons they may encounter responding to calls for service. Additional funds are available in the agreement to reimburse the property owner for excessive damages. Staff has also worked with another property to secure an additional 10, two-bedroom units at a reduced guaranteed rate.
The city and GAJANAN, LLC (Redwood Motel), have a positive working relationship and neither has received negative feedback from the community regarding program operations at the property. Two City of Chandler Community Navigators are assigned to Operation Open Door, serving participants seven days per week. The Redwood Motel provides staffing for check-in and emergency repairs 24/7. Staff recommends the extension of this agreement.
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| Evaluation: |
| On October 19, 2023, City Council approved an agreement with GAJANAN, LLC, for temporary accommodation services, for a one-year period, with the option of up to four one-year extensions. The Contractor has agreed to extend for one additional year at the same terms, conditions, and pricing. |
| Financial Implications: |
Operation Open Door was initiated with American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and Cares Act funds made available to address the negative socioeconomic impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic. In FY 2023-2024, one-time General funds in the amount of $530,000 and ARPA funds in the amount of $46,000 were utilized to fund the first year of this contract. General funds in the amount of $600,000 allocated through the FY 2024-2025 budget process will be utilized to fund this amendment. Based on current funding, it is anticipated that all funds designated for this program will be exhausted at the end of this fiscal year.
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