Staff recommendation before the Board of Supervisors Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2015:

The recommended action will allow for a one-time allocation of up to $886,075 in available Homeless Prevention Initiative  funds to increase the number of winter shelter beds in the County from 600 to 861, for an increase of 261 beds. This increase does not affect the number of beds in the City of Los Angeles.

IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT THE BOARD:

1. Allocate $886,075 in available County HPI unallocated funds to the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) to fund an increased number of Winter Shelter Program (WSP) beds and the associated operational cost to increase the safety of those who are without shelter during the anticipated winter storms.

PURPOSE/JUSTIFICATION OF RECOMMENDED ACTION

The anticipated El Nino weather pattern will likely increase the need for winter shelter for the County’s unsheltered homeless population. This recommendation is aligned with the Board’s action on September 29, 2015 to extend the length of this year’s WSP and allow the winter shelters to remain open 24 hours a day for 21 days during major storm episodes.

This recommended allocation will allow LAHSA to increase the number of beds in the WSP by 261 beds. This represents a 44% increase that brings the total number to 861 beds outside the City of Los Angeles. The City of Los Angeles is pursuing a corresponding increase in the number of winter shelter beds.

Based on the Board’s June 2015 action, the Chief Executive Office has delegated authority to enter into HPI funded agreements of up to $250,000. However, because the $886,075 allocation to support the WSP exceeds the delegated authority amount, we are requesting the Board’s approval of this action.

Implementation of Strategic Plan Goals The recommended actions are in compliance with the County Strategic Plan Goal 2, Community Support and Responsiveness.

FISCAL IMPACT/FINANCING

There is no new net County cost associated with this action. The total allocation of $886,075 will be funded with existing unallocated HPI funding included in the FY 2015-16 Adopted Budget.

FACTS AND PROVISIONS/LEGAL REQUIREMENTS

The County of Los Angeles provides funding to LAHSA to operate Winter Shelter and Year-Round Shelter programs, and the Board of Supervisors has the authority to fund these vital programs.

IMPACT ON CURRENT SERVICES (OR PROJECTS)

The approval of the recommendations will allow LAHSA to increase the number of WSP beds and thereby increase the availability of shelter for homeless individuals during the anticipated El Nino storms.