June 15, 2004
SUBJECT: Authorization for NOVA to Apply for Homeless Veterans Reintegration Project Grant in the Amount of $275,000
REPORT IN BRIEF
Funding has become available to continue the provision of employment and training services to homeless veterans. It is recommended that the Sunnyvale City Council, on behalf of the NOVA consortium cities, authorize staff to submit a proposal to the U. S. Department of Labor in the amount of $275,000 to continue services to homeless veterans through June 30, 2005. It is further recommended that, if the grant is funded, the City Manager be authorized to accept the funds and execute the necessary grant agreement and subcontract.
BACKGROUND
Since September 1988, NOVA has operated a Homeless Veterans Reintegration Project (HVRP) funded through the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act. The Homeless Veterans Comprehensive Assistance Act of 2001 amended the Homeless Veterans’ Reintegration Programs (HVRPs) and requires the Secretary of Labor to conduct such programs as determined appropriate to expedite the reintegration of homeless veterans into the labor force. The Assistant Secretary for Veterans Employment and Training is now making available up to $3.6 million to award grants for HVRPs in selected urban areas for the period of July 1, 2004 through June 30, 2005. Two optional years of funding are potentially available, depending on Congressional funding appropriations and satisfactory grantee performance. The NOVA Workforce Board Executive Committee approved submission of this proposal at its meeting of May 26, 2004.
EXISTING POLICY
The proposed activities are consistent with the City of Sunnyvale's Socio-Economic Goal 5.1F: Provide job training and employment services within constraints of operative, federal regulations and available federal funding, to address the locally-determined employment and training needs of economically disadvantaged residents and others with special needs.
DISCUSSION
NOVA's HVRP will complete its 15th successful program year on June 30, 2004. Since November of 1999, Vietnam Veterans of California has acted as subcontractor for the project, with services provided by the Next Step Center, located at the Veterans Administration medical center in Menlo Park.
Through March 31, 2004, NOVA’s HVRP enrolled 290 participants (vs. 192 planned) and provided vocational skills training, computer literacy training, job development and placement services, and a multitude of supportive services such as post-placement follow up, substance abuse programs, medical and mental health assistance, housing assistance, clothing, tools, etc. The program to date has placed 117 veterans (135 planned) with an average wage at placement of $10.94 per hour. In that veterans are remaining in the program longer due to economic conditions, the program expects to meet its placement goal by end of the fourth quarter.
The maximum grant that may be awarded is $300,000. In light of the current demand for services, staff recommended submission of a grant proposal in the amount of $275,000, an increase of $25,000 over the current grant.
Fiscal Impact
There will be no fiscal impact to the City because funds received will offset program expenditures.
PUBLIC CONTACT
1. Public contact was made through posting of the Council agenda on the City's official notice bulletin board, posting of the agenda and report on the City's web page and the availability of the report in the Library and City Clerk's Office.
ALTERNATIVES
1. Council approves submission of a proposal to the U. S. Department of Labor for a Homeless Veterans Reintegration Project grant.
2. Council rejects submission of the proposal to the U. S. Department of Labor.
3. Other action as determined by Council.
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended by staff that the Sunnyvale City Council, on behalf of the NOVA seven-city consortium, concur with the decision of the NOVA Workforce Board and adopt Alternative 1: Council approves submission of a proposal to the U. S. Department of Labor for a Homeless Veterans Reintegration Project grant. It is further recommended that, should the grant be awarded, the City Manager or his designee be authorized to execute the necessary grant agreement and subcontract relative to this grant.
Prepared By:
Jeanette Langdell
Employment Training Manager
Department of Employment Development
Reviewed by:
Michael J. Curran
Director
Department of Employment Development
Approved by:
Amy Chan
City Manager