REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL FROM: SUMEET MALHI, Director Personnel Services Department BY: SUSAN CHUDY, Program Administrator Personnel Services Department SUBJECT ..Title Actions pertaining to the 2025 Youth Service Corps Homelessness Pilot Program grant: 1. ***RESOLUTION -Authorizing the acceptance of grant funding from California Volunteers Youth Service Corps Program grant in the amount of $1,000,000 for the One Fresno Youth Jobs Corps Program and authorizing the City Manager or designee to sign all necessary implementing documents. (Subject to Mayor's Veto) 2. Approve the 2025 CaliforniansForAll Youth Service Corps Homelessness Pilot Program Grant and authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all related documents to the administration, modification, monitoring, and closeout of the agreement. ..Body RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that the City Council approve the 2025 CaliforniansForAll Youth Service Corps Homelessness Pilot Program Grant and adopt the Resolution authorizing the acceptance of grant funds for the One Fresno Youth Jobs Corps Program (Program) EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The One Fresno Youth Jobs Corps Program was notified on June 2, 2025, of an award of $1,000,000 from the #CaliforniansForAll Youth Service Corps. The City of Fresno ("City") has operated the One Fresno Youth Jobs Corps Program since the Spring of 2022 and is now looking to begin a new step in the program called "Navigators". The Youth Service Corps Homelessness Pilot aims to fight the homeless crisis here in the State of California and here in the City of Fresno. BACKGROUND The #CaliforniansForAll Youth Service Corps is a Governor's initiative administered by California Volunteers in partnership with cities across California. The City of Fresno (City) has operated the One Fresno Youth Jobs Corps Program since the Spring of 2022. The program recruits, trains, mentors, and hires residents (members) for jobs to prepare them for future career opportunities. The program aims to identify young people with the highest need for employment opportunities, provide them with training and wraparound support services, and place them on a sustainable career pathway either within the City or with external organizations. The program has successfully met and exceeded the goals outlined in the original application. 513 members have been involved in the program as of April 2, 2025. 95% of members met two or more of the criteria determined by California Volunteers: 75% have had difficulty finding employment, 64% identify as low income, 56% were unemployed or out of school, 24% have experienced mental health issues and/or substance abuse, 19% are justice system impacted, and 8% are in the foster care system. The City of Fresno has hired 26 of the members as permanent employees and 30 members have found employment at outside agencies and companies. This new funding will allow the City to work with local Community Based Organizations to place program participants in service opportunities that address homelessness and housing insecurity. Opportunities will be created for youth to serve as navigators to help Californians at risk of or experiencing homelessness attain healthcare, public benefits, housing, or other necessary social services. 68 members or "Navigators" are to be hired according to the application. ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS By the definition provided in the California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines Section 15378 this item is not a "project." LOCAL PREFERENCE Local preference was not considered based upon conditions of State funding. FISCAL IMPACT There is no fiscal impact to the General Fund. The Youth Jobs Corps Program is fully funded through grant awards from the California Volunteers through the State of California Governor's Office. Funding is distributed on a reimbursement basis. Attachments: Agreement Resolution