REPORT IN BRIEF
Funding has become available through the Department of Labor to continue the provision of employment and training services to homeless veterans. It is recommended that the Sunnyvale City Council, on behalf of the seven NOVA consortium cities, authorize accepting a grant award in the amount of $275,000 to continue NOVA's Homeless Veterans Reintegration Project through June 30, 2006.
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 and provides “the Secretary shall conduct…such programs as the Secretary determines appropriate to provide job training, counseling, and placement services (including job readiness and literacy and skills training) to expedite the reintegration of homeless veterans into the labor force.” NOVA submitted a proposal for $275,000 for FY 2004-05 and was awarded the full amount. Grantees were allowed to request second-year funding provided that grant goals were being met. NOVA recently received word it was awarded $275,000 in funding for FY 2005-06.
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 completed its 17th successful program year on June 30, 2005. 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.
For the period ending June 30, 2005, NOVA’s HVRP enrolled 366 participants (vs. 280 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 181 veterans (200 planned) with an average wage at placement of $12.04 per hour. These are considered excellent statistics for this population.
The second year grant will continue with the same goals. Staff recommends the approval of a subcontract to Vietnam Veterans of California in the amount of $261,250 to continue as the service provider. The balance of grant funds ($13,750) will be used for NOVA’s program management expenses.
FISCAL IMPACT
There will be no fiscal impact to the City because funds received will offset program expenditures.
CONCLUSION
NOVA received second-year Homeless Veterans Reintegration Project funding for FY 2005-06 in the amount of $275,000. It is recommended that Council approve acceptance of the funds and the award of a subcontract to Vietnam Veterans of California for $261,250 to provide the program services. The balance of grant funds ($13,750) will be used for NOVA’s program management expenses.
PUBLIC CONTACT
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 the acceptance of $275,000 in Homeless Veterans Reintegration Project funds and authorizes the award of a contract in the amount of $261,250 to Vietnam Veterans of California, Inc. to provide program services. The grant balance of $13,750 is for NOVA program management expenses.
2. Council rejects acceptance of the grant and/or the award of a contract to VVC.
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, adopt Alternative 1: Council approves the acceptance of $275,000 in Homeless Veterans Reintegration Project funds and authorizes the award of a contract in the amount of $261,250 to Vietnam Veterans of California, Inc. to provide program services. The grant balance of $13,750 is for NOVA program management expenses.
Reviewed by:
Michael J. Curran, Director
Department of Employment Development
Prepared by: Jeanette Langdell
Employment Training Manager
Approved by:
Amy Chan
City Manager