May 30, 2006
SUBJECT: Authorization for NOVA to Apply for Third Year Funding for Homeless Veterans Reintegration Project in the Amount of $275,000
REPORT IN BRIEF
The U. S. Department of Labor has announced that third year funding is available to continue the provision of employment and training services to homeless veterans through the Homeless Veterans Reintegration Project. Staff recommends that the Sunnyvale City Council, on behalf of the seven NOVA consortium cities, concur with the decision of the NOVA Workforce Board and authorize the submission of an application for third year funding to the Department of Labor in the amount of $275,000 to continue services to homeless veterans through June 30, 2007.
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 made 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 were potentially available, depending on Congressional funding appropriations and satisfactory grantee performance. NOVA received a grant for $275,000 in 2004 and received second year funding in 2005. Due to its successful performance, NOVA’s HVRP is eligible for third year funding in the amount of $275,000 to continue the program through June 30, 2007.
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 18th successful program year on June 30, 2006. 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, 2006, NOVA’s HVRP enrolled 359 participants (vs. 240 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 149 veterans (168 planned) with an average wage at placement of $12.40 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.
Should the request for third year funding be approved, NOVA intends to continue contracting with Vietnam Veterans of California for the provision of services.
The NOVA Workforce Board, at its May 24 meeting, authorized the submission of a request to the Department of Labor for third year HVRP funding.
FISCAL IMPACT
There will be no fiscal impact to the City because funds received will offset program expenditures.
CONCLUSION
NOVA’s current funding from the Department of Labor for its Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program (HVRP) expires June 30, 2006. DOL has announced the availability of third year funding for those grantees meeting performance requirements. NOVA seeks authorization to submit an application for third year HVRP funding in the amount of $275,000 to continue the program through June 30, 2007.
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 authorizes the submission of an application for third year Homeless Veterans Reintegration funding to the Department of Labor in the amount of $275,000 to continue services through June 30, 2007.
2. Council does not authorize submission of an application.
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 and in concurrence with the NOVA Workforce Board, adopt Alternative 1: Council authorizes the submission of an application for third year Homeless Veterans Reintegration funding to the Department of Labor in the amount of $275,000 to continue services through June 30, 2007.
Reviewed by:
Michael J. Curran, Director
Department of Employment Development
Prepared by:
Jeanette Langdell
Employment Training Manager
Approved by
Amy Chan