REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL FROM: JENNIFER CLARK, Director Planning and Development Department PHIL SKEI, Assistant Director Planning and Development Department BY: JOE PASILLAS, Homeless Services Manager Homeless Services Division SUBJECT ..Title Approve a Service Agreement with Marjaree Mason Center (MMC) to operate a homeless emergency shelter, offering 12-beds serving families and individuals experiencing homelessness or at imminent risk of homelessness, located at Fresno Safe House, through June 30, 2026, in the total amount of $140,000.00 funded with Homeless Housing, Assistance, and Prevention (HHAP) dollars. (Bid File No.12500851) ..Body RECOMMENDATION Staff Recommends the City Council approve the service agreement with MMC to provide funding for twelve (12) beds at Fresno Home emergency shelter, utilizing $140,000.00 in HHAP funds, and authorize the City Manager or designee, to sign all implementing agreements. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The City of Fresno (City) is seeking to award funding for emergency shelter operation and service coordination as part of the HHAP program requirements. A Request for Qualification (RFQ) was issued on October 18, 2024, resulting in the submission of five (5) responses and all five were determined to be qualified. Based on evaluation by a selection panel, staff recommend awarding MMC a total allocation of $140,000.00 for emergency shelter operations for a period of one year. BACKGROUND In February 2020, the City was awarded HHAP funding in the amount of $6,158,246.18 from the California Homeless Coordinating and Financing Council to address homelessness and in September 2021 the City received $2,911,171 in a second round of HHAP allocations. In January 2023, the City received a total of $7,524,257.15 in a third round of HHAP allocations and in July 2023 received $11,265,425.10 in a fourth round of HHAP allocations. In October 2024, the City received notification of $13,096,671.82 in a fifth round of HHAP allocations. Health and Safety Code Section 50220.5(d) allows program recipients to use their allocation for operating subsidies in new and existing emergency shelters, as well as for services coordination for homeless populations. On October 18, 2024, staff released an RFQ seeking proposals for emergency shelter operations. The City received a total of five (5) proposals by the December 17, 2024 deadline. A selection panel was convened with representatives from the City of Fresno's Housing and Community Development Division, Homeless Services Division, and Homeless Assistance Response Team, along with a representative from San Jose Housing Authority. Following a thorough review, the panel determined that the MMC proposal was both qualified and most responsive for the operations of the emergency shelter at a total cost of $140,000.00. Marjaree Mason Center: Fresno Safe House This agreement will allow for the funding of twelve (12) beds out of 140-beds located at Fresno Safe House, which is confidentially located in the City of Fresno and Operates 24 hours per day, year-round. Emergency Shelter services offered include a 24/7 hotline and crisis response, safety planning, risk assessment, case management, individual and group counseling, legal advocacy, children's services, housing assistance, classes, employment assistance, community outreach and referrals to additional programs as needed. In order to support bed utilization, MMC will prioritize the placement of families in the twelve (12) beds the City of Fresno is supporting through this agreement. MMC will provide emergency shelter and critical support services to survivors of domestic violence and their families who are homeless and/or at risk of homelessness due to abuse. Direct services will be provided by Residential Advocates and Case Managers assigned to Fresno Safe House. The Safe House is a low-barrier shelter that ensures each individual or family will have their own private room. MMC will utilize several different methods to ensure the facility is secure, including: * Key cards required at all entrances including front gates and entry doors * Door buzzers for guest/client entry * Visitor sign-in/out log * Emergency light system: red lights indicate the facility is locked down until further notice * Direct line to the Fresno Police Department. To ensure uninterrupted access to services, the MMC Administration Office and Crisis Drop-in Center is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days per year. The Crisis Response Team operates out of the Administrative office and is responsible for operating the 24/7 hotline and facilitating intake and assessment for crisis drop-ins. Residential Advocates are stationed in the Fresno Safe House 24 hours each day and staffed at a ratio of 1:20 (Residential Advocate to Client) during the day and 1:40 at night. Case Managers provide support during regular business hours. ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS This item is not a project as defined by the California Environmental Quality Act. LOCAL PREFERENCE Local preference is not applicable because of the use of state funds. FISCAL IMPACT The agreement will be funded through the City's HHAP allocations and will not impact the General Fund. Attachment: Service Agreement Marjaree Mason Center