2024/01/23 City Council Resolution 2024-008aRESOLUTION NO.2024-008A
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROHNERT PARK
AUTHORIZING SUBMITTAL OF FUNDING APPLICATION FOR FY 2021-2022
HOME AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN (HOME -ARP) GRANT TO FUND SERVICE
NAVIGATION STAFF POSITIONS AT THE ROHNERT PARK PEOPLE SERVICES
CENTER
WHEREAS, the HOME -American Rescue Plan ("HOME -ARP") program was created by
the federal American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 to produce or preserve affordable housing, provide
tenant -based rental assistance, provide support services, or purchase and develop non -congregate
shelter to benefit individuals or families who are homeless, at -risk of homelessness, fleeing
domestic violence, and veterans; and
WHEREAS, the Sonoma County Community Development Commission ("SCCDC")
released a Notice of Funding Availability for Fiscal Year 2024-2025, which included $2,542,785
in Fiscal Year 2021-2022 HOME -ARP grant funding; and
WHEREAS, the City of Rohnert Park staff have identified that there is a community
benefit to providing on -site health and human services to families and individuals living or
working in or near Rohnert Park; and
WHEREAS, on May 24, 2022, the City Council of the City of Rohnert Park directed
staff to pursue options to create a health and human services "hub" that is now referred to as the
Rohnert Park People Services Center in Rohnert Park; and
WHEREAS, City staff have identified 6800 Hunter Drive as a location for the Rohnert
Park People Services Center and plan to begin renovation and upgrades to the office to prepare the
Rohnert Park People Services Center to open on or after July 1, 2024; and
WHEREAS, the Rohnert Park People Services Center will be staffed by service
navigators who can assist individuals and families in accessing needed services; and
WHEREAS, City staff have identified service navigation staff positions as eligible under
"supportive services" for an application of Fiscal Year 2021-2022 HOME -ARP Funding; and
WHEREAS, City staff have prepared a grant application for the Sonoma County Fiscal
Year 2021-2022 HOME -ARP Program to fund the services navigation staff positions at the
Rohnert Park People Services Center in Fiscal Year 2024-2025; and
WHEREAS, the Sonoma County Community Development Commission ("SCCDC") as
the designated local administrative body for the HOME -ARP Program requires that a
municipality submitting a HOME -ARP program funding application must include a City/Town
Council Resolution endorsing the project for which the HOME -ARP funding is being pursued.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Rohnert
Park as follows:
1. The City Council does hereby authorize staff to submit a funding application for FY 2021-
2022 HOME -American Rescue Plan (HOME -ARP) to fund the services navigation staff
positions at the Rohnert Park People Services Center in Fiscal Year 2024-2025.
2. The City Council does hereby approve the attached HOME -ARP funding application
(Exhibit A) and authorizes the City Manager or his/her designee to submit the application
in substantially similar form and adjust the funding request based on any new information
that may be submitted prior to the decision of the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors.
3. The City Council does hereby delegate authority to the City Manager to approve and
execute any Funding Agreement in relation to this HOME -ARP grant application and any
amendments thereto.
DULY AND REGULARLY ADOPTED this 23`d day of January, 2024.
Susan H. Adams, Mayor
ATTEST:
Elizabeth Machado, Assistant City Clerk
Attachments: Exhibit A
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Resolution 2024-008
Resolution 2 of 2
A. Organizational Information
Fax:
Federal Tax ID:
Unique Entity:
Authorized Representative:
B. Project Description
B.I. Brief Description of Project or Program. The description provided here will be incorporated into
the staff reports provided to the Community Development Committee, Cities and Towns Advisory
Committee, and/or the Board of Supervisors. Descriptions MUST BE 125 words or less. It will not be
edited and will be truncated at 125 words. (750 characters remaining)
The City of Rohnert Park is establishing the city's first ever "Rohnert Park People Services Center", a
drop -in center that will provide health and human services at no cost. This expansion of programing
would leverage existing contracts that Petaluma People Services Center (PPSC) currently has with County
Human Services, Probation, Health and Youth and Family Services. There is currently no such drop -in
service center in the Rohnert Park and Cotati area, requiring low-income community members to travel
to Santa Rosa or Petaluma for services. The Center will be located in city -owned offices next to the city's
Senior Center at 6800 Hunter Drive. This central location will be easily accessible by the residents of
Rohnert Park, Cotati, and neighboring unincorporated county areas. The Center will be open to the
public during established hours and will benefit low-income individuals and families, including those who
are homeless, at -risk of homelessness, fleeing domestic violence, and veterans.
B.2. Primary Physical Location of Activities or Program (if applicable):
6800 Hunter Drive, Rohnert Park, CA
B.3. Why is your proposed project or activity competitive for these funds? What sets your organization
or services apart? How are your services more effective or unique?
The City of Rohnert Park is known for its excellent customer service and friendly approach to serving
local businesses and solving citywide issues. What sets the city apart is the desire to establish a long-
term model serving a gap in coverage long been overlooked due to the smaller size of the city within
Sonoma County. This unique pilot program would be run by a third -party contractor, PPSC a non-profit
providing services to all four qualifying populations —veterans, homeless, households at risk of
homelessness, those fleeing domestic violence, and other vulnerable populations.
B.4. What is the level of need for this activity within Sonoma County? Please include data to support
your answer.
Currently, within a one -mile radius of the proposed site at 6800 Hunter Drive, the average median
income is $73,855 (compared to $101,120 countywide); the median net worth is $83,675 ($240,927
countywide); the household poverty rate is 12.5% (8.5% countywide); and 8% of households are without
a vehicle (5% countywide). Market rents at apartments along Enterprise Drive —a street that is nearly
exclusively multifamily housing —is about $1,800 per unit and upwards of $2,400 per 2 bedroom.
Calculating average rents out for the year ($21,600) means that the average household pays at least 30%
of their monthly income solely on rent, a figure that does not include utilities and groceries. In addition,
vacancies in this area have been steadily climbing since 2021 (5.2% as of December 2023), suggesting a
rising strain in the financial resources for those needing rentals.
In addition, domestic violence calls within city limits numbered 299 in 2022; up from 279 in 2021; and
approximately 2,041 people or 4.6% of the city population is made up of veterans.
Despite the proven need for health and human services in Rohnert Park, residents currently must travel
at least 8 miles to Santa Rosa or Petaluma to access such services. Even for those with vehicles, this can
be cost- and time -prohibitive, but for those reliant on public transit, accessing these services may be
impossible.
With the escalating cost of housing and living, we believe that this hub will prove an invaluable service to
the community, providing free services to lower income individuals and families who may be
experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
B.S. Duplication of Services The available funding streams are designed to support unique
activities/projects that serve the most vulnerable populations within Sonoma County. How are your
services different from other community -based organizations in the area?
How this program differs is in terms of location and totality. Currently, services of these types can be
found scattered around Santa Rosa and Petaluma; however, there is no space where all these services —
housing services, financial advice, health referrals, domestic violence counseling —share space under one
roof in totality. This is especially true in a smaller city like Rohnert Park (population 45,000), where
currently none of these services are offered within city limits for free, meaning our residents must drive
or take long public transit to utilize them, often at the expense of their income for that day, as free
services operate during business hours.
The 2021 update of the Portrait of Sonoma identifies three census tracts in Rohnert Park among the 18
in the County with the highest needs. Downtown Cotati is also an area of need, though the Portrait does
not provide a Human Development Index score for that area. These services would reach in close
proximity a robust suite of free health and human services that can assist individuals and families to
obtain and maintain housing, as well as improve physical, mental and financial health.
B.6. Do you collaborate with any other community -based organizations to achieve common goals? If
so, please state any notable group projects or accomplishments. If not, please explain why not.
The City has established the SAFE Team "Specialized Assistance For Everyone" in partnership with PPSC.
The SAFE Team is a 24/7 crisis intervention team that responds to non-violent calls for service received
by Rohnert Park Public Safety. Services provided by SAFE include responding to people who are under
the influence of drugs or alcohol, in need of treatment for mental illness, or who need shelter by
providing counseling and transportation to the appropriate location. SAFE also addresses minor medical
complaints that do not require emergency room care.
Additionally, the City partners with several local homeless service providers who operate mobile
homeless outreach services, interim housing and permanent housing programs. Through our combined
efforts, we have achieved the following outcomes in Rohnert Park between January 1, 2021, and
September 30, 2023:
• Placed 164 individuals experiencing homelessness in permanent housing
• Engaged 622 unsheltered individuals through outreach
• Moved 167 individuals into interim housing or shelter
The establishment of RPPSC would provide coordination of the collaboration. PPSC currently is providing
Case Management to anyone 60 and older throughout Sonoma County, having this service co -located in
Rohnert Park, will not expand access to those who are aging in Sonoma County, but for many of our
senior who are at risk of staying housed, we can get upstream in the services needed for these at -risk
seniors and veterans. PPSC is also one of the initial partners in the Senior and Disability HUB which
provides direct referrals for additional services not provided directly by PPSC.
C. Project Information
C.I. Total Funding Requested:
$160,000 for two navigator positions and program administrator/management costs to the nonprofit
service provider.
C.1a. ESG Funds Requested:
$0
C.1b. HOME -ARP Funds Requested:
$160,000
C.1c. LMIHAF:
$0
PUBLIC SERVICES PROJECT TYPE (pick all that apply):
• Emergency Shelter
• Homeless Prevention
• Homeless Services (Case management, referral services, etc.)
• Rapid Re -Housing
• Street Outreach/Day Centers
Supportive Services as defined in CPD Notice 21-10 (HOME -ARP ONLY)
C.3. Proposed Use of Funds: Please indicate how the requested funds will support the proposed
activity/project; be specific about how the money will be expended. For example, note any staff costs
that will be supported by the requested funds, include the titles of staff that will be involved in the
administration of the grant, or list any budget line items that will be subject to the funding.
• The funds will be used to pay the salary of two navigators and the manager(s) of that staff to
handle intake and coordinate services to those who need it: 2 FTE navigators - $70,000 each
($140,000 total)
• 1 administration official (executive director), partial time — approx. up to $20,000
C.4. Please fill out the table below by stating the numbers served per category according to the stated
time frames.
PROPOSED # OF
PROPOSED # OF
CURRENT NUMBER OF
NUMBER OF
HOUSEHOLDS SERVED
HOUSEHOLDS SERVED
HOUSEHOLDS SERVED
HOUSEHOLDS SERVED
BY PROJECT IN
PROJECT IN UPCOMING
AS OF THE FILING OF
BY PROJECT LAST
UPCOMING FISCAL
FISCAL YEAR: JULY 1,
THIS APPLICATION (IF
FISCAL YEAR: JULY 1,
YEAR: JULY 1, 2024-
2024-JUNE 30, 2025
PROJECT IS CURRENTLY
2022- JUNE 30, 2023
JUNE 30, 2025
IN OPERATION): JULY 1,
2023-CURRENT DATE
Number of households
355
0
0
served
Number of households
150
0
0
with children
Number of households
30
0
0
comprised of
unaccompanied youth
under 25 years old
Number of adults in
175
0
0
households served
Number of children in
300
0
0
households served
C.S. Please fill out the table below by specifying the percentage of clients served based on level of
income:
HOUSEHOLD INCOME
LIST THE TOTAL ESTIMATED
CONSIDERING ONLY URBAN
PERCENTAGE OF THE
COUNTY RESIDENTS, LIST THE
HOUSEHOLDS SERVED IN EACH
ESTIMATED PERCENTAGE OF
OF THE INCOME CATEGORIES
HOUSEHOLDS SERVED IN EACH
BELOW
OF THE INCOME CATEGORIES
BELOW
Extremely Low (Below 30%AMI)
20%
20%
Very Low (Between 31% -50%
30%
30%
AMI)
Low (Between 51% -80% AMI)
50%
50%
C.6. Project Subpopulation. Check subpopulations that the proposed project will directly serve (all or
some):
• Veterans
• Developmental Disability
• Seniors/Elderly
• Substance Abuse Disabilities
• Victims of Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault
• Mental Health Disabilities
• Other Subpopulation: Homeless, At Risk of Homelessness
C.7. Supplemental Project Services Provided. Check secondary services provided directly by your staff
to participant:
• Individual or Familv Counselin
• Housing Location
• Financial Literacy
• Domestic Violence Intervention
• Tenancy Education
Other Services Not Listed (list): 1:1 group parent education, in -home parent support services to support
the development and enhancement of parental resilience, social supports, understanding of child
development, child social/emotional development, and attachment. CPI uses the Triple P programs to
support this work and focus on positive discipline, managing anger, co -parenting, stress reduction,
developing resilient families, etc. Referrals to outside services including drug abuse treatment, mental
health services, housing location, rental assistance and case management.
Project Outcomes
Choose an Outcome Identifier and describe two measurable changes in participants' lives from their
participation in the program. Please discuss the change in a participant's status, knowledge, or
behavior resulting from receiving this service.
C.8. Outcome Identifier
Select one outcome Indicator that you will use to measure your success.
System Performance Measures
• Outreach, day centers or coordinated entry- placement in temporary or permanent housing
• Coordinated entry- decrease length of homeless episodes
• Shelter or transitional housing- exists to permanent housing
• Homeless prevention and housing retention- improvement in housing stability
C.9. Project Goal. Briefly describe how your project will work towards achievement the specified
Outcome Indicator.
In Rohnert Park, nearly two-thirds of renters spend over 30% of their income on housing, and one-third
spend over 50% of their income on housing (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-Year
Data (2015-2019). More than ever, low-income residents are are in need of supportive and financial
services that can help them remain stably housed or identify new affordable housing.
The hub will be located in the Central Rohnert Park area near two older sections of Rohnert Park, known
as A and B Section. These Sections — along with Central Rohnert Park — were identified as "Low Resource
Areas" per the Tax Credit Allocation Committee (TCAC) Opportunity Areas Composite Score. The
Composite Score assesses the level of resources related to education, poverty, proximity to jobs and
economic opportunities, pollution levels, and other factors in neighborhoods across the City. Central
Rohnert Park and A and B Sections were not only deemed low resource areas in Rohnert Park, there are
also areas that contain more dense rental housing and roughly 17% more Hispanic or Latinx residents
than in Moderate Resource Areas of the city.
By offering these services to low-income families and individuals, in an area easily accessible for
residents of the city's Low Resource Areas improved in health outcomes, improved housing and financial
stability and fewer individuals and families entering homelessness.
C.10. Other Measures. Increased income from benefits and/or employment Increased access to health
benefits
The plan for the first year is to decrease the number of people entering homelessness or houselessness
in the area by 50%, specifically in these areas. For Rohnert Park, on the whole, we hope that decrease
can be closer to 63% lower than the current rate. This would include upstream work with those who are
at -risk of becoming homeless, including behavioral health services and other prevention and
intervention programs.
C.11. Briefly describe how your project will work towards achieving the specified Outcome Indicator.
See C.9.
C.12. Describe the experience your agency has in providing services associated with Outcome #1 as
identified in the previous section (C.11)
Homeless Prevention and Housing Retention. The City of Rohnert Park plans to contract with a nonprofit
organization familiar with Rohnert Park's unique layout and high volume of renters and local service
needs. For this pilot program, PPSC has been identified. PPSC already works with the city providing
emergency mental health intervention through our SAFE team. PPSC has over 50 years of experience
operating a human services hub in Petaluma and is very familiar with local resources and community -
based organizations. PPSC is experienced in providing services to prevent homelessness, including
connecting participants with financial and rental assistance programs and providing financial literacy
education. We expect that partnering with an experienced nonprofit who is already very familiar with
Rohnert Park will allow us to successfully launch this program.
C.13. Describe the experience your agency has in providing services associated with Outcome #2 as
identified in the previous section (C.12). If only one Outcome was selected, then type "NA".
N/A
C.14. Describe your organization's record of administrative and programmatic capacity using federal,
state, local, and/or private grant funds, explaining any past issues or challenges administering grant
funds:
As a municipality, we are in constant contact and consistently work with federal, state, county grant
programs, and other local jurisdictions to fund projects and provide grant funding. The City of Rohnert
Park currently issues up to $100,000 per year as part of its Rohnert Park Foundation grant program, and
is very familiar with how to research, receive , spend, and monitor grant funding. In addition, our team
who works in housing administration is currently overseeing and administering over $2.6 million in state
and county grant funding for homeless services.
C.15. Does your organization have any prior experience providing the proposed services?
For several years, the City of Rohnert Park has partnered with local experienced social service nonprofits
to provide a variety of resources and services to local residents. The city will contract with an
experienced nonprofit to operate the hub in Rohnert. As noted above, we are already in talks with a
service provider, PPSC, who has over 50 years of experience operating this kind of program in Petaluma.
C.16. HOME -ARP Requirements. If the activity or project is requesting HOME -ARP funds, please
explain how the proposed activity will benefit the following qualifying populations (activities must
benefit ALL qualifying populations):
• Persons or households experiencing or fleeing domestic violence, human trafficking, or
stalking
• Homeless persons or households
• Persons or households at risk of homelessness as defined in Section IV(A)(2) of the HUD
HOME -ARP Notice: CPD 21-10
• Other populations at risk of becoming homeless as defined in Section IV(A)(4) of the HUD
HOME -ARP Notice: CPD 21-10
Notice CPD 21-10 can be accessed here:
https://www.hudexchange.info/resource/6479/notice-cpd-2110-requirements-for-the-use-of-funds-in-
the-home-arp-program/
The hub will be open to the public and designed to benefit low-income individuals and families from a
variety of backgrounds including, but not limited to, those experiencing homelessness, at risk of
homelessness, fleeing domestic violence, human trafficking or stalking, veterans and other special needs
populations.
The navigators will be responsible for scheduling counseling, housing assistance, senior advisory
services, financial advisory, and other services to be provided onsite at 6800 Hunter Drive in Rohnert
Park. While the menu of services is yet to be finalized, the plan is to have a mix of 4 to 6 private rooms
which can provide confidential services through the service provider and outside providers with regular
drop -in hours.
These services would include housing assistance, counseling for victims of domestic violence, financial
education, and referring to appropriate medical care, housing services as well as other free health and
human services designed to alleviate the financial burden from those using it. All of these services are
fundamentally designed to assist people with services they would otherwise be without, and generally
for services that are cost prohibitive for the person needing them.
Any person experiencing homelessness will be admitted and referred to City -funded homeless outreach
services to ensure they are enrolled in Coordinated Entry and get connected with any additional
resources that may be available. Those at risk of homelessness will be connected to rental assistance,
financial assistance, fiscal education and other services designed to improve housing stability and
prevent homelessness. As already described, the Hub will be located in the Central Rohnert Park area,
easily accessible by many people living in Lower Resources Areas within the City. Domestic violence
counseling and referrals to safe houses and other domestic violence programs will also be provided on -
site.
D. Project Evaluation Framework
D.1. Describe how your organization will use data and other information as a self -evaluation tool to
ensure you are on track to achieve proposed outcomes:
As part of the intake of each individual client, the City, through its service provider partner, will conduct
surveys that will then be followed up on regular intervals with similar survey questions at the
appropriate time given the service provided. Over time, we anticipate using these regular check -ins to
improve the quality of service provided and to deduce how the service provided is improving the lives of
the clients, and more importantly, what services the being offered provides the greatest help to these
individuals. That said, the City anticipates the first year of this pilot program will have many areas where
we will discover areas of self-improvement, and the hope is to use this first year to evaluate short term
prospects (three years out) and long-term services that will be necessary (five years and beyond).
Choosing PPSC as a partner on this project allows the City to leverage their 50 years of experience in
providing Human Services programs. PPSC has leadership on Sonoma County Upstream, and their
contracts make them a reliable partner in reporting data.
D.2. Explain how the use of data will help to improve service offerings:
Similar to the answer above, the hope will be to use regular check -ins with clients and those using the
service to gauge improvements in their lives in terms of financial, mental, or physical distress — and
overall housing stability. Over time, the City will be able to discover what items on the menu of services
are offering the greatest improved outcomes and what services are the most needed, as well as gaps in
coverage for Rohnert Park and all of Sonoma County. With Rohnert Park already identified by Sonoma
County Human Services as a location where services can be expanded. The hope with PPSC leading the
HUB, we will also be able to engage County staff to provide opportunities for community members to
apply for CalFresh, WIC and other programs that require trips to Santa Rosa or Petaluma.
D.3. Please describe the involvement of participants in the evaluation of the project:
Self -written surveys by participants will be their primary contribution; however, the City may consider
other forms of data collection to determine if improvements are being made, including paystubs,
financial statements, arrest records (for domestic violence) and other public records. Those
requirements will depend on the service offered and whether the items provided or requested would
deter people from using the service, as the city may scale back certain requests if they are deemed too
invasive or preventing people from using the services. Because PPSC will also be leveraging existing
contracts, there is a level of client engagement on determining needs and level of services required.
PPSC has the flexibility that government does not have to adapt quickly to needs of our residents as they
arise. The County has opened up hub locations in other cities, however they have not had the flexibility
that is needed with this type of pilot project. It is expected in a short time after launching that services
provided will expand to Youth Employment programs, behavioral health services and at least weekly an
opportunity for SonomaWorks clients to get employment counseling services. Along with an expansion
of services for seniors and veterans programing.
Please answer only one of the following two questions.
DA If this project has been operating one year or less, please discuss its stage of project growth or
preparation. (If more than one year = NA)
This project has yet to begin and funding for it would help provide the seed for it to grow over the
coming years. To use a tech term, it is in a "pre -alpha" stage, but the ingredients are there for it to start
(a nonprofit service provider has been identified, a space is being retrofitted to fit needs, funding is
available) but has yet to begin. The plan is to start no later than summer 2024.
D.5. If this project has been operating longer than one year, describe any material changes that have
affected the project along with associated impact(s) that have taken place over the past two years due
to any of the following conditions. (If under one year = NA)
NA
E. Alignment with Sonoma County Initiatives
E.I. Alignment with Sonoma County Strategic Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness
If the proposed project or activity serves the homeless population, please describe how the proposed
outcomes support the goals of the Strategic Plan.
The goals of the Strategic Plan include:
• Invest in more housing and prevention — Reduce the inflow of people into homelessness and
create more pathways to long-term housing stability.
• Strengthen supportive services — Building supportive services capacity to ease the strain of the
housing crisis.
• Leverage existing contract for services that PPSC already has with the County, providing access
to Rohnert Park community members that in the past were not accessed because of
transportation barriers.
• Operate as one coordinated system — Partners across the county must work to develop shared
priorities, aligned investments, seamless coordination, equitable solutions.
The latest, approved five year strategic plan to prevent and end homelessness can be found at the
following link: https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/health-and-human-services/health-
services/divisions/homelessness-services/continuum-of-care/strategic-plan
The proposed hub would invest in homelessness prevention by providing services to those most in need
of them but who may not be able to access other similar services in the County due to the location of
existing service hubs. By providing easily accessible services for housing, rent advice, domestic violence,
and referrals for health services, the Rohnert Park People Services Center would go a long way toward
intervention techniques to prevent individuals and families falling into homelessness. This push also
aligns with point 2, strengthening supportive services. As is often the case, people in crisis often don't
have the time to research, schedule, and transport themselves to the service centers. Often people must
take off work or schedule time off (usually repeatedly) in order to access services. By conveniently
locating these services near residents who are most in need of them, we ensure that people who need
services are accessing them and improving housing stability for residents. As for coordination with other
countywide services, the RPPSC plans to initially partner with nonprofit, PPSC in order to establish this
hub, and will hold PPSC accountable to ensure they are in regular communication with county
counterparts. The expectation, at this time, will be to ensure that the navigator(s) hired to occupy the
space at 6800 Hunter Drive will refer those who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness, or
struggling through financial hardships, to well -established and credible services not only in Rohnert Park,
but countywide as well. These services are generally and invariably tied into the county's coordinated
network.
F. Coordinated Entry
F.1. Coordinated Entry Capacity If funded for homeless services, your project will be required to
participate in Coordinated Entry, either as an access point or accepting referrals (or both). In the space
below, provide an overview of your organization's ability, knowledge, and potential barriers to
overcome to take part in Coordinated Entry. Please limit your response to no more than 125 words.
The city funds the Catholic Charities Homeless Outreach Services Team (HOST) who conducts mobile
homeless outreach throughout Rohnert Park and enrolls those experiencing homelessness in
Coordinated Entry. HOST is trained in completing Coordinated Entry referrals and participates in the
weekly Coordinated Entry case conference meetings. We plan to continue offering mobile Coordinated
Entry enrollments throughout the city, meeting people where they are. We will also explore offer on -site
at the hub if needed.
F.2. Program Standards Workgroup. Does your agency participate in the program standards workgroup
for your project type?
• Yes
• No
Please state in which standards group your organization engages and the name of the staff responsible
for attending. Compliance with the local program standards for your project component, and
participation in program standards working groups will be a requirement of all funding agreements.
G. Project Financing and Budget
Please provide the following information. Please note that HUD funds are designed to fill in budget gaps
and should not be used to fund the entirety of an activity or project; applications that contain a diverse
budget with various funding sources are generally considered to be more competitive during the review
process.
G.I. Funding Status - Is this the first time your organization has applied for this source of funds for this
activity from the CDC? Please explain.
Yes.
G.2. Has this project received funding under a different name?
• Yes
G.3. Will funding requested supplant existing funding for the project? If the project does not have any
existing funding, please explain why:
This project is new and slated to open in summer 2024. The City has allocated funds to renovate the
office space in fiscal year 2023-24, however, we are actively seeking grant funds to help offset the cost of
operations starting in fiscal year 2024-25. Should this grant not be approved, the City of Rohnert Park
will continue seeking other funding options.
G.4. Community Development Commission Funding History
G.S. Total Organization Budget:
$139.9 million (City of Rohnert Park)
G.6. Total Project Budget:
$350,000 year one budget / $220,000 each year after.
G.7. Current Annual Budget:
$350,000 year one budget / $220,000 each year after.
G.B. The request represents this percentage of the project budget:
Approximately 40% in year one (fiscal year 2024-25)
G.9. Please identify the non-federal funding sources your organization will use to meet the ESG match
requirement. (ESG requires that all federal funds must be matched dollar for dollar.)"(FOR ESG
APPLICANTS ONLY. If you are not applying for ESG funds, please input'N/A' for your response.)
N/A
G.10. Describe the aspects of the project design that are scalable. Indicate how many fewer
participants will receive services if the award is less than the amount requested.
If this application is not awarded funds and the city is unsuccessful in locating other funding to operate
this program in fiscal year 2024/25, we will be unable to operate the hub. However, if we receive partial
funding, we may choose to limit the hours the hub is open to 20 hours a week instead of 40 hours a
week, which will likely reduce the number of participants served by half.
G.11. Please describe how the proposed project will continue to be financially self-sustaining in the
future.
The City is looking at the RPPSC as a long-term solution to its residents; however, the long-term viability
of such a project will be dependent on its success in year one. With that in mind, the plan is to acquire
outside funding to test this idea as a pilot project in year one, than assess ongoing funding from grants
and/or city coffers as we approach its one-year anniversary.
G.12. Please describe how your organization will continue to be financially self-sustaining in the
future.
The City of Rohnert Park has an annual budget of $139.9 million, which includes approximately $54.5
million in general fund dollars. The City prides itself on maintaining fiscally prudent budgets and healthy
reserves to ensure long-term sustainability.
G.13. Please use the table below to indicate the current or proposed budget for the project/activity for
which you are applying. For each funding source, be sure to indicate whether the funding is committed
or uncommitted at the time of application submission. NOTE: This table should include all funding
sources and the total amount of funding necessary for the proposed activity.
Funding Source
Dollar Amount
Commitment Status
Rohnert Park General Fund
$120,000 one time
Renovations to site
Rohnert Park General Fund
$70,000 per year
Annual maintenance and utility
costs.
H. Required Documents
• Other Document (1)
• Other Document (2)
• Financial — Proposed Program Budget Including Requested Funds *Required
• Financial -- Most Recent Agency Budget *Required (MAYBE)
• Authorizing Resolution (Must come from the Board of Directors for your organization, if
applicable) *Required
• IRS Letter of Determination *Required
• Letters of Commitment
• Financial -- Current Project Budget *Required
• Financial -- Most Recent Final Audit Report *Required (MAYBE)
• Financial -- IRS Form 990 for Most Current Tax Year *Required
• Most Recent Approved Internal Financial Statement *Required
I. Application Completeness Accuracy
Please provide the following information.
• 1 hereby certify that our organization has complied with all applicable laws and regulations
pertaining to the application and is an eligible applicant for the requested funding.
The organization proposes to provide the program services or complete the project identified in this
application. If this application is approved and this organization receives the requested funding this
organization agrees to adhere to all relevant Federal, State, and local regulations and other assurances as
required by the Commission. In addition, the content of the application shall be incorporated as part of
the written agreement and, as such, will be used to monitor performance. Activities, commitments, and
representations described in the written agreement that are not subsequently made a part of the
program/project as funded shall be considered a material contract failure and may result in a repayment
of all awarded funds and/or suspension from participation in future funding rounds.
• 1 hereby certify that the organization is fully capable of fulfilling its obligation under this
application, as stated herein.
• 1 further certify that the information provided in this Funding Application is correct, accurate,
and complete.
• 1 hereby certify that our organization has complied with all applicable laws and regulations
pertaining to the application and is an eligible applicant for the requested funding.
The organization proposes to provide the program services or complete the project identified in this
application. If this application is approved and this organization receives the requested funding this
organization agrees to adhere to all relevant Federal, State, and local regulations and other assurances as
required by the Commission. In addition, the content of the application shall be incorporated as part of
the written agreement and, as such, will be used to monitor performance. Activities, commitments, and
representations described in the written agreement that are not subsequently made a part of the
program/project as funded shall be considered a material contract failure and may result in a repayment
of all awarded funds and/or suspension from participation in future funding rounds.
• 1 hereby certify that the organization is fully capable of fulfilling its obligation under this
application, as stated herein.
• 1 further certify that the information provided in this Funding Application is correct, accurate,
and complete.
Signature/Authorized Representative of Organization (Please note that this person must be an
authorized signatory for your organization in order to sign off on this section of the application.)
Title
J. Federal Regulations — CDBG
Please review the CDBG Regulation Chart. https://benevate.blob.core.windows.net/sonomacountyca-
public/CDBG%20Regu1ations%20Chart.pdf
To the best of my knowledge and belief, I certify that all data contained in this application and all
supportive documentation is true, correct and will incorporate the above requirements. This submission
has been duly authorized by the governing body of or my organization.
Signature/Authorized Representative of Organization (Please note that this person must be an
authorized signatory for your organization in order to sign off on this section of the application.)
K. Conflict of Interest — CDBG
The standards in 2 CFR 200.318 provide that no employee, officer, or agent shall participate in the
selection, award, or administration of a contract supported by Federal funds if a real or apparent conflict
of interest would be involved. Such a conflict would arise when an employee, officer, or agent, any
member of his or her immediate family, his or her partner, or an organization which employs or is about
to employ any of the parties indicated herein, has a financial or other interest in the firm selected for an
award.
The CDBG regulations at 24 CFR 570.611 provide that no person who is an employee, agent, consultant,
officer, or elected official or appointed official of the recipient or subrecipient that are receiving CDBG
funds and (1) who exercises or has exercised any functions or responsibilities with respect to activities
assisted with CDBG funds; or (2) who is in a position to participate in a decision -making process or gain
inside information with regard to these activities, may obtain a financial interest from a CDBG-assisted
activity, or have any interest in any contract, subcontract, or agreement with respect thereto, or the
proceeds thereunder, either for themselves or those with whom they have family or business ties, during
their tenure or for one (1) year thereafter.
Are any employees, agents, consultants, officers, family members, or elected officials of the organization
requesting funds in a position to participate in the decision making process for approval of this
application?
• Yes
• No
Are any employees, agents, consultants, officers, family members, or elected officials of the organization
requesting funds in a position to gain inside information with regard to approval of this application?
• Yes
• No
Will any employees, agents, consultants, officers, family members, or elected officials of the organization
requesting funds obtain a financial interest or substantial benefit from this activity?
• Yes
• No
Will any employees, agents, consultants, officers, family members, or elected officials of the organization
requesting funds have an interest in any contract, subcontract or agreement with respect to funding this
application, either for themselves or those with whom they have family or business ties during the
program year and one year thereafter?
• Yes
• No
If you answered YES to any of the above questions, a letter must be submitted with the application that
includes the following information:
1) A disclosure of the nature and extent of the conflict
2) A description of how public disclosure will be made
3) A qualified attorney's opinion that the conflict of interest does not violate federal, state, or local
law
Note: If you are approved for funding, the Commission must issue a public notice of the disclosure with a
15-day public comment period, and then submit to HUD for approval prior to execution of a grant
agreement or release of funds
Upload Conflict of Interest Letter
Signature/Authorized Representation of Organization (Please note that this person must be an
authorized signatory for your organization in order to sign off on this section of the application.)
L. Policies and Procedures
The undersigned does hereby certify that the applicant organization has the following policies and/or
procedures and can produce them if requested by the Commission:
1. Accounting policy/procedure
2. Procurement policy/procedure
3. Conflict of Interest policy/procedure
4. Record Retention policy/procedure
5. Language Access Plan & Limited English Proficiency Policy
Signature/Authorized Representative of Organization (Please note that this person must be an
authorized signatory for your organization in order to sign off on this section of the application.)
17A„ I <♦S� T
Sonoma County Community Development Commission
1440 Guerneville Road, Santa Rosa, CA 95403-4107
Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for
Fiscal Year (FY) 2024-2025
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment
Partnership Program (HOME), Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG),
Low- and Moderate -Income Housing Asset Fund (LMIHAF) and
FY 2021-2022 HOME American Rescue Plan (HOME -ARP)
Issue Date: November 17, 2023
Application Due Date: January 8, 2024, 5:00 pm
The Sonoma County Community Development Commission (Commission) is pleased to
request applications from eligible organizations for eligible affordable housing projects,
capital projects, tenant based rental assistance, supportive services, homelessness
services, rapid rehousing, fair housing services, non -congregate shelter, and
microenterprise assistance activities to receive funding from the following sources -
FUND SOURCE
FY 2024-2025
FY 2021-2022
ELIGIBLE USES
ACTION
ACTION PLAN
PLAN
SUBSTANTIAL
(estimated
AMENDMENT
amounts
CDBG
$1,109,144
Affordable housing
projects, non -housing
capital projects,
microenterprise
assistance
CDBG - Public Services set
$255,956
Fair housing activities
aside for Fair Housing
HOME
$643,871
Development and
preservation of
affordable rental
housing, tenant based
rental assistance
HOME - Community
$128,775
CHDO rental housing
Housing Development
development and
Organizations (CHDO) set
preservation
aside
Telephone (707) 565-7500
FAX (707) 565-7583 TDD (707) 565-7555
ESG
$139,478
Homelessness
supportive services,
shelter operations
support, rapid
rehousing
HOME -ARP
$2,542,785
Development or
preservation of
affordable housing,
non -congregate
housing, and provision
of supportive services
for the four qualifying
populations:
homeless;
at -risk of becoming
homeless; persons
fleeing or victims of
domestic violence,
human trafficking, and
stalking; and other
vulnerable populations
requiring assistance to
prevent homelessness.
LMIHAF
$250,000
Homelessness support
(actual)
services and rapid
rehousing services
only
The Commission administers federal fundsfrom the United States Department of Housing
and Urban Development (HUD) including CDBG, HOME, ESG and HOME -ARP and local
LMIHAF funds on behalf of the County of Sonoma, the Town of Windsor, and the cities
of Cloverdale, Cotati, Healdsburg, Rohnert Park, Sebastopol, and Sonoma (collectively,
the "Urban County"). This NOFA and associated guiding documents and policies govern
the distribution of funds.
All applications must be submitted through the online application portal. A link will be
provided to all interested applicants following the technical assistance workshops or
meetings. Application materials include the FY 2024-2025 Federal Funding Policies and
NOFA. Please review these materials carefully for important information on
project/program eligibility and application procedures.
ESG and LMIHAF Funds
Community based organizations that provide homelessness related supportive services
including shelter and rapid rehousing are encouraged to apply for these funds.
HOME -ARP Funds
Affordable housing developers and non-profit organizations that provide homeless
prevention and or homelessness related supportive services, including development or
preservation of non -congregate shelter, are encouraged to apply for these funds. Projects
must serve all of the four qualifying populations: homeless households, households at -
risk of becoming homeless, persons or households fleeing or experiencing domestic
violence, stalking, and or human trafficking, and other vulnerable populations requiring
services or assistance to prevent homelessness and others at high risk of becoming
homeless. Funds cannot support a project that uses other funding sources that excludes
any one of the qualifying populations.
Kev Dates
Friday, November 17, 2023
Publication of the Notice of Funding Availability
(NOFA) for FY 2024-2025 CDBG, HOME, ESG,
LMIHAF, and FY 2021-2022 HOME -ARP.
Monday, December 4, 2023,
Technical Assistance (TA) Workshop #1 for applicants
10:00 a.m.
interested in submitting a funding application.
Attendance at a TA session or a TA meeting with
Commission staff is a mandatory requirement for
application submittal.
Thursday, December 7,
Technical Assistance (TA) Workshop #2 for applicants
2023, 10:00 a.m.
interested in submitting a funding application.
Attendance at a TA session or a TA meeting with
Commission staff is a mandatory requirement for
application submittal.
Monday, January 8, 2024,
Funding applications are due to the Commission
5:00 p.m.
no later than 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday, January 24,
Sonoma County Homeless Coalition Board review of
2024, 1.00 p.m.
homelessness related funding recommendations.
Wednesday, February 14,
Community Develoment (CD) Committee and Cities
2024, 10:00 a.m.
and Towns Technical Advisory Committee (CTAC)
(Special meeting)
concurrent meeting to make funding recommendations
for the FY 2024-2025 Annual Action Plan and FY
2021-2022 Action Plan Substantial Amendment. The
committees will provide comments and may ask
clarifying questions of applicants. All applicants must
be present to be considered for funding.
Friday, February 16, 2024
Draft FY 2024-2025 Annual Action Plan and FY 2021-
2022 Action Plan Substantial Amendment published
for a 30-day public comment period.
Wednesday, March 20, 2024
CD Committee and CTAC concurrent public hearings
10:00 a.m.
to make final funding recommendations for the draft
FY 2024-2025 Annual Action Plan and FY 2021-2022
Action Plan Substantial Amendment.
Tuesday, April 30, 2024
Board of Supervisors to discuss and adopt the FY
(Date subject to change)
2024-2025 Annual Action Plan and FY 2021-2022
Action Plan Substantial Amendment.
Attendance at a technical assistance workshop is mandatory for all applicants.
There are two scheduled technical assistance workshops, and applicants must attend
one of these. If unable to attend a technical assistance workshop, applicants must
contact the Commission staff to arrange a one-on-one technical assistance meeting that
will satisfy the mandatory attendance requirements. Detailed information about CDBG,
HOME, ESG, HOME -ARP and LMIHAF eligibility and project requirements will be
reviewed, and Commission staff will be available to answer applicant questions. The TA
workshops will be held:
Technical Assistance Workshop #1:
Monday, December 4, 2023, 10.00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Meeting to be held virtually:
https://sonomacounty.zoom.us/m/92583693895? pwd=WUprdGJ NaEJXaONaVWFt
U WpOaXQzdz09
Passcode: 720507
Webinar ID: 92583693895
Telephone: 1-669-444-9171
Technical Assistance Workshop #2:
Thursday, December 7, 2023, 10:00 a.m. — 11:00 a.m.
Meeting to be held virtually:
https://sonomacounty.zoom.us/j/97155556655?pwd=WEs3U nVFOVROOFh3Vk1 F
Rjh3UEtnZz09
Passcode: 702182
Webinar ID: 97155556655
Telephone: 1-669-444-9171
Please contact the Commission staff at (707) 565-7514 or notify us by email at
valerie.johnson(a)_sonoma-county.org to RSVP for a workshop or request a technical
assistance meeting with Commission staff. Please email staff if you have if you need
assistance logging into one of the workshops.
Application Due Date
All funding applications must be submitted to the Commission by 5.00 p.m. on Monday,
January 8, 2024. Only applications submitted through the Commission's online portal will
be accepted. Hard copy applications will not be accepted.
FY 2024-2025 Funding Priorities
The Federal Funding Policies guide the allocation process of the aforementioned funds
and further the five-year goals set out in the five year Consolidated Plan. Interested
applicants are strongly encouraged to review the policies prior to application submittal.
The policies can be viewed on this web page: https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/development-
services/com m unity-developm ent-com m ission/plan s-po licie s-an d-re ports
The Commission will recommend funding awards to the most competitive proposals that
adhere to the basic threshold criteria and rank well under the selection criteria outlined in
the Federal Funding Policies.
Selection Process
All applications will be reviewed and evaluated by Commission staff, who will then prepare
an analysis for consideration by the CD Committee and the CTAC at a concurrent special
meeting on Wednesday, February 14, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. At the meeting, the committees
will review staff analysis of funding applications submitted under the competitive funding
categories, accept comment from applicants and the public, provide feedback and make
funding recommendations to staff that will be integrated into the draft FY 2024-2025
Action Plan and FY 2020-2021 Action Plan Substantial Amendment. All applicants
must be present at the public workshop to be considered for funding.
The CD Committee and CTAC will hold concurrent public hearings on April 19, 2023, at
10:00 a.m. to make final funding recommendations for the draft FY 2023-2024 Annual
Action Plan and draft FY 2021-2022 Action Plan Substantial Amendment that will then go
to the Board of Supervisors for their approval in April 2023.
Commission Contact Information
Please contact Valerie Johnson at (707) 565-7514 or Valerie. johnson (&,,sonoma-county.org if
you have any questions about the application process and requirements.
1500 PETALUMA BOULEVARD SOUTH
PETALUMA, CALIFORNIA 94952
(707) 765-8488
PETALUMA PEOPLE
SERVICESC�NTI�
January , 20
Kevin King, Senior Analyst, Economic Development
City of Rohnert Park
130 Avram Ave.
Rohnert Park, CA 94928
RE: Letter of Commitment for Rohnert Park People Services Center
Kevin,
In 2014 Sonoma County Health Department released the Portrait of Sonoma County, which served as a call to action
for many in the County. The report examined disparities within Sonoma County among neighborhoods and along the
lines of race, ethnicity, and gender. The report highlighted what many of us already knew. There are significant
disparities in earnings, with Rohnert Park B/C/R Section falling below the federal poverty line for a two -person
household, with an average earnings of $14,946.
The Portrait became a call to action for all of Sonoma County, and the leadership within the City of Rohnert Park. The
City of Rohnert Park took immediate action, they quickly found unused space in a City owned building to partner with
Petaluma People Services Center (PPSC) and Child & Parent Institute (CPI) to offer space for counseling services to low-
income residents and families; in the past those families would have to travel to Petaluma or Santa Rosa to receive
services. The release of the Portrait coincided with the expansion of the Petaluma Health Center to a satellite location
in Rohnert Park. While this focused work to reach those living Rohnert Park made great inroads the 2021 Portrait again
highlighted the disparities in the 3'd largest city in Sonoma County.
In 2020 the use of the space for behavioral health services needed to be used by the City for other needs, causing a
planned end to this services. At the same time the world was impacted by COVID, causing an impact to all programing
Countywide, and data shows that our low-income residents, those who were unhoused, seniors and our BIPOC
communities being the most impacted in the changes in the services provided. However, PPSC and the City of Rohnert
Park never gave up on providing additional services to those populations. This included the launch of The SAFE Team
(Specialized Assistance For Everyone), a crisis intervention team that responds to 9-1-1 calls that come into RP Public
Safety. The team serves as first responders to mental health calls and was able to expand Homeless Outreach. PPSC
also has been providing Senior Services, including iRIDE Rohnert Park, a volunteer transportation program, and in July
of 2023 PPSC began providing Case Management for Seniors thought out Sonoma County with our bilingual -bicultural
team of Case Managers.
Expanding PPSC existing suite of 90 programs to a permanent location by adding Rohnert Park People Services, will
enable us to strengthen the health and human services safety -net in Rohnert Park. PPSC will leverage our existing
funding, and work to identify the needs of those living in Rohnert Park, to design and enhance programing while
reducing the burden on the community members having to travel to other communities to receive the services that
should be provided where they live.
It is all about community,
Elece Hempel
Executive Director