TITLE
ORDER OF THE BOARD OF ALDERS AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ACCEPT CARES ACT FUNDING AWARDED FROM THE US DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT CORONA VIRUS(CDBG-CV3) FUNDS
BODY
WHEREAS: the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) immediately began allocating $5 billion to help America’s low-income families and most vulnerable citizens by using existing grant formula calculations; they will also be accompanied by new guidance that cuts red tape so grantees can quickly help their communities in accordance with the process prescribed in 24CFR Part 91; and
WHEREAS: Acceptance of said funds will require the City to prepare a Substantial Amendment to the Annual Action Plan, Statement of Activities and Use of Funds; and
WHEREAS: The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has announced the third allocation of CDBG-CV3 funds. The City of New Haven has been awarded a special allocation of Community Development Block Grant Coronavirus (CDBG-CV3) funds in the amount of $1,316,331 bringing the cumulative total to 3,552,724. These funds must be used to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the coronavirus (COVID-19). This allocation was authorized by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), Public Law 116-136, which was signed by the President on March 27, 2020, to respond to the growing effects of this historic public health crisis. Additional funds shall be allocated based on needs using best available data; and
WHEREAS: the City OF New Haven proposes to allocate this funding to support the purchase of a structure /property for future use as a COVID-Safe Emergency Shelter; and
WHEREAS: the building’s use will be a COVID-safe shelter for the homeless. But post-pandemic, the future goal for the project will be to increase affordable housing stock within the City while maintaining shelter availability, in the event a similar pandemic crisis occurs; and
WHEREAS: in accordance with CARES Act requirements, resources are being distributed to address community needs through the prevention of, preparation for, and direct response to the Coronavirus COVID-19; and
WHEREAS the City of New Haven Plan for utilizing its CARES Act funding under the CDBG-CV3 to address the following three (3) categories described below that pertain to this resolution Rapid Re-Housing\ Homelessness Prevention
WHEREAS: funds should be used to provide rapid re-housing and homeless prevention assistance to homeless households and households at-risk of becoming homeless due to the COVID-19 pandemic and assist homeless households in moving to permanent housing situations; and
WHEREAS: to continue to support the provision of temporary housing to meet quarantine restrictions and isolation recommendations in a pandemic instance; and Emergency Shelter Assistance\ Assistance to Unsheltered
WHEREAS: funds to be used to support operations and the provision of emergency shelters affected by COVID-19 while providing for a sanitary shelter environment to help keep staff and clients safe and healthy; and Housing Assistance Program\Housing Stabilization
WHEREAS: funds may be used to provide housing stabilization and supports to households at risk of foreclosure or eviction as a direct result of the COVID19 pandemic.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Mayor is authorized to accept CDBG-CV3 Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), Public Law 116-136 funding from the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and is authorized to sign any associated documentation or other agreements, subsequent amendments and other documents, any of which may include indemnification provisions, and which may have a term of longer than one year, that the Mayor deems necessary or desirable regarding CARES Act funding.