CC 2024-11-26_11a Preliminary Approval of Community Development Block GrantItem 11.a.
MEMORANDUM
TO: City Council
FROM: Brian Pedrotti, Director of Community Development
BY: Andrew Perez, Planning Manager
SUBJECT: Preliminary Approval of Community Development Block Grant
Projects for Year 2025
DATE: November 26, 2024
RECOMMENDATION:
1) Preliminarily approve funding recommendations for the City’s allocation of 2025
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds as shown in Table 1; and
2) Find that this action is exempt from CEQA, pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section
15061 subd. (b)(3).
Table 1: Recommended 2025 CDBG Allocations
Project and Category
2024
Allocation
2025
Requested
Proposed
2025
Allocation
Public Services (15% Cap - $12,283)
5 Cities Homeless Coalition $12,283 $9,600 $9,600
Subtotal $12,283 $9,600 $9,600
Public Facilities (No Cap)
Curb Ramp and Sidewalk Improvement Project $56,749 $46,302 $46,302
Subtotal $56,749 $46,302 $46,302
Economic Development (No Cap)
Subtotal $0 $0 $0
Area Benefit (30% Cap - $24,567)
Subtotal $0 $0 $0
Housing Rehabilitation (No Cap)
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Item 11.a.
City Council
Preliminary Approval of Community Development Block Grant Projects for Year
2025
November 26, 2024
Page 2
Project and Category
2024
Allocation
2025
Requested
Proposed
2025
Allocation
$0 $0 $0
Administration (20% Cap - $12,851)
City Administration $0 $0 0
County Administration $10,646 $8,353 $8,353
Subtotal $10,646 $8,353 $8,353
Total $64,255
IMPACT ON FINANCIAL AND PERSONNEL RESOURCES:
The County of San Luis Obispo (the “County”) has estimated that $64,255 in CDBG funds
will be available to the City in the Fall of 2025. This represents a decrease of $17,634
below last year’s allocation. The County will help administer the CDBG program for the
City, which will reduce City staff time involved. County staff will be paid for these
administrative services through the CDBG program funds allocated to the City. Pursuant
to the Cooperation Agreement between the County and the City (Attachment 1), 13% of
the total available CDBG program funds, or $8,353, will be deducted by the County to
meet its obligations under the terms of the agreement for administrative costs. The City
will absorb any administrative costs associated with administering CDBG funds to provide
the greatest program benefits with this funding.
BACKGROUND:
The City Council approved a Cooperation Agreement with the County on June 16, 2023,
for the joint participation in the CDBG Program for Fiscal Years 2024 through 2026
(Attachment 1). The City, as a participant in the Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
designated Urban County program, receives an annual formula -based allocation of
CDBG funds. These funds are available for a variety of Community Development
activities as long as the activities meet at least one of three national objectives , including:
1. Benefit low- and moderate-income persons;
2. Aid in the prevention or elimination of slums or blight; or
3. Address urgent community development needs that pose a serious or immediate
threat to public health or welfare.
The County released a Notice of Funding Availability on September 3, 2024, and notified
the public that the County and participating cities would accept applications for funding
until October 6, 2024. 5 Cities Homeless Coalition (5CHC) was the only organization that
submitted an application requesting funding from the City’s allocation of CDBG funds
(Attachment 2). The request is described in greater detail below.
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Item 11.a.
City Council
Preliminary Approval of Community Development Block Grant Projects for Year
2025
November 26, 2024
Page 3
If the City Council is supportive of staff’s preliminary recommendations, they will be sent
to the County for review to ensure eligibility for CDBG program funding. The County’s
Homeless Services Oversight Council will review applications requesting funding from the
Public Services category in January 2025. The City will be informed of the outcome of
that review and it will be incorporated into staff’s final recommendation to the City Council,
which is tentatively scheduled for March 2025.
ANALYSIS OF ISSUES:
Public Services
As stated in the Cooperative Agreement, only activities that can either individually or
cumulatively receive more than $8,000 in CDBG funding will be considered due to the
staff cost of processing such awards in compliance with federal requirements. The
combination of strict CDBG regulations and reporting and availability of funding
opportunities provided to non-profit organizations serving the Arroyo Grande community
through the City’s Community Service Grant Program (CSGP) have resulted in very few
applications requesting funding from this category.
Only one application was received requesting funding from this category for this program
year. 5CHC’s application seeks funding to bolster its San Luis Obispo County Rapid Re-
Housing/Homeless Prevention Program. This program provides financial assistance to
low-income households and individuals facing homelessness to quickly identify and
resolve barriers to gaining or maintaining housing. Financial assistance includes
emergency rental assistance to households that would otherwise be facing
homelessness, deposit assistance, and case management. The goal of the program is to
help families avoid homelessness and remain in their homes while simultaneously
identifying options for secure, long-term, and stable housing that they can afford to retain.
The program objectives align with the San Luis Obispo Countywide Plan to Address
Homelessness. The total amount of CDBG funds requested by 5CHC from local agencies
is provided in Table 2.
Table 2: 5CHC Funding Requests by Agency
Agency Amount Requested
City of Arroyo Grande $9,600
City of Atascadero $3,600
City of Morro Bay $3,000
City of Paso Robles $17,150
City of Pismo Beach $5,000
City of San Luis Obispo $9,920
County of San Luis Obispo $13,000
Total $61,270
In previous years, the City Council has directed staff to prioritize the City’s available public
service allocation of CDBG funding to support organizations and programs for homeless
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Item 11.a.
City Council
Preliminary Approval of Community Development Block Grant Projects for Year
2025
November 26, 2024
Page 4
services. The request from 5CHC aligns with the San Luis Obispo Countywid e Plan to
Address Homelessness, and therefore, staff recommends funding 5CHC’s request of
2025 funds for $9,600 to support its services for individuals facing homelessness.
Public Facilities
As no additional requests for other project categories were received, staff recommends
allocating the remaining available funding from CDBG allocation to the Public Facilities
category for the Curb Ramp and Sidewalk Improvement project. The total funding
recommendation is $46,302, which is the remaining funding available after fulfilling the
request from 5CHC and the County Administration required by the Cooperative
Agreement. The project will improve curb ramps to ADA standards adjacent to streets
being paved in conjunction with the annual Pavement Management Program. The use of
CDBG funding furthers the objectives of the federal program, eliminating blight and
addressing urgent community needs, while also allowing for the most efficient use of
City’s Pavement Management Program budget.
The project manager of the Pavement Management Program will also administer and
perform the required reporting for CDBG funds, which allows the City’s portion of the
administrative funds to increase the funding for the Public Facilities category. This is
consistent with the use of 2024 CDBG funds.
Administration
Administration funds are limited to a 20% cap of the total CDBG funding available.
Pursuant to the Cooperation Agreement between the County and the City, 13% of the
total available CDBG funds, or $8,353, will be deducted by the County to meet its
obligations under the terms of the agreement for administrative costs. The remaining
$4,498 from this category, is recommended to be allocated to the Curb and Ramp and
Sidewalk Improvement Project.
ALTERNATIVES:
The following alternatives are provided for the Council’s consideration:
1. Approve preliminary funding for the CDBG programs for the Year 2025, as
proposed in Table 1;
2. Modify and approve preliminary funding for the CDBG programs for the Year 2025;
or
3. Provide other direction to staff.
ADVANTAGES:
The recommended 2025 CDBG allocations fund important City priorities and are
consistent with the Cooperation Agreement between the County and City. The City’s
Community Service Grant Program provides an additional funding opportunity, separate
from CDBG, for local public service programs that address unmet needs in the
community.
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Item 11.a.
City Council
Preliminary Approval of Community Development Block Grant Projects for Year
2025
November 26, 2024
Page 5
DISADVANTAGES:
There are no disadvantages identified at this time.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW:
The preliminary approval of allocations from the 2025 C DBG program is exempt from
CEQA on the basis that it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the
activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment. (State CEQA
Guidelines, § 15061, subd. (b)(3).) The allocation of funding itself will have no effect on
the environment and environmental review will be conducted for each of the projects
funding through this program, if necessary.
PUBLIC NOTIFICATION AND COMMENTS:
The Agenda was posted at City Hall and on the City’s website in accordance with
Government Code Section 54954.2.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Cooperation Agreement
2. 5CHC Application
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,,._g
A COOPERATION AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE COUNTY OF SAN LUIS
OBISPO AND THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE FOR JOINT PARTICIPATION
IN THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM, THE
HOME INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIPS PROGRAM, AND THE EMERGENCY
SOLUTIONS GRANT PROGRAM FOR FISCAL YEARS 2024 THROUGH 2026
THIS COOPERATION AGREEMENT is made and entered into on the date and
year last written below, by and between the County of San Luis Obispo, a
political subdivision of the State of California, hereinafter called "County," and
the City of Arroyo Grande, a municipal corporation of the State of California,
located in the County of San Luis Obispo, hereinafter called "City;" jointly
referred to as "Parties".
WITNESS ETH
WHEREAS, in 1974, the U.S. Congress enacted, and the President
signed a law entitled, The Housing and Community Development Act of 1974,
herein called the "Act." The Act is omnibus legislation relating to federal
involvement in a wide range of housing and community development
activities and contains eight separate titles; and
WHEREAS, Title I of the Act is entitled "Community Development" and
governs programs for housing and community development within
metropolitan cities and urban counties or communities by providing financial
assistance annually for area-wide plans and for housing, public services, and
public works programs; and
WHEREAS, the Community Development Block Grant Program
(hereinafter referred to as "CDBG"), the HOME Investment Partnerships Act
Program (hereinafter referred to as "HOME"), and the Emergency Solutions
Grant Program (hereinafter referred to as "ESG") are consolidated under Title
I of the Act; and
WHEREAS, the County has requested of the federal Department of
Housing and Urban Development, hereinafter referred to as "HUD,"
designate the County as an "urban county;" and
WHEREAS, the County needs to requalify as an urban county and will
be eligible to receive CDBG funds provided that the County's entitled cities
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ATTACHMENT 1
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Overview
Completed by janna.nichols@5chc.org on 10/3/2024 3:55 PM
Case Id: 30246
Name: 5Cities Homeless Coalition - 2025
Address: 100 S 4TH ST, GROVER BEACH, CA 93433
Overview
Please provide the following information.
County of San Luis
Obispo
Public Service Grants
Program
Department of Social Services
Adult and Homeless Services Branch
PO Box 8119
San Luis Obispo, CA 93403-8119
SS_HomelessGrants@co.slo.ca.us
For each Public Services (including Minor Home Repair) funding source, an overview is available that includes program
description, federal award information, eligible applicants, eligible activities, eligible beneficiaries, and reporting in the
County of San Luis Obispo Notice of Funding Availability, 2025 Action Plan:
Section II.C for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Overview
Section II.D for Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) Overview
Section II.E for HOME-TBRA Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) Overview
Section II.F for Permanent Local Housing Allocation (PLHA) Overview
Section II.H for General Fund Support (GFS) Overview
ATTACHMENT 2
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A. Applicant Information
Completed by janna.nichols@5chc.org on 10/6/2024 1:16 PM
Case Id: 30246
Name: 5Cities Homeless Coalition - 2025
Address: 100 S 4TH ST, GROVER BEACH, CA 93433
A. Applicant Information
Please provide the following information.
PRIMARY APPLICANT INFORMATION-LEAD AGENCY
A.1. Organization Name
5Cities Homeless Coalition
A.2. Type of Organization
Non-Profit
A.2.b. Please upload the following documentation:
Attachment A - Proof of Active SAM.gov Registration *Required
**No files uploaded
A.3. UEI Number: For more information, visit SAM.GOV
KR8JGGKBKEP9
A.4. Address
100 S 4TH ST GROVER BEACH, CA 93433
A.5. Is the organization faith based?
No
A.6. Date of Incorporation
03/03/2009
A.6.a. Please upload the following documentation:
Attachment B – Incorporation Documents *Required
**No files uploaded
Attachment C – Organization Mission Statement *Required
**No files uploaded
A.7. Required Acknowledgement of Insurance Requirements. Has your organization read and understood the
insurance requirements listed in “Example Exhibit D – General Conditions” in the Library?
Yes
A.8. Annual Operating Budget
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$7,360,000.00
A.9. Number of Paid Staff
52
A.10. Number of Volunteers
200
CONTACT INFORMATION
A.11. Contact Person Name
JANNA NICHOLS
A.12. Contact Person Title
Executive Director
A.13. Phone Number
(180) 547-1740
A.14. Email
janna.nichols@5chc.org
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B. Applicant Capacity
Completed by janna.nichols@5chc.org on 10/6/2024 1:20 PM
Case Id: 30246
Name: 5Cities Homeless Coalition - 2025
Address: 100 S 4TH ST, GROVER BEACH, CA 93433
B. Applicant Capacity
Please provide the following information.
B.1. Describe the organization’s history of receiving and managing grants from County/State/Federal sources.
Currently 5CHC is contracted through 44 local, federal and state grants to provide nearly $7 million in services. Through
multiple grant monitoring activities to review 5CHC program and expenditure compliance for all local, state and federal
grants, 5CHC has consistently received high praise for program quality and outcomes; reporting; compliance; and
timeliness; and has never received a significant finding in an audit. Through CARES Act CV funds, 5CHC expended more
than $5 Million in services and facility development since 2021, including subcontracting with multiple other providers
and ensuring their compliance. 5CHC is timely in providing required reports and its billing process, meeting all required
expenditure deadlines. 5CHC's outcomes consistently exceed agreed upon program metrics.
B.2. Describe how the organization participates in HMIS, Coordinated Entry, and the San Luis Obispo County
Continuum of Care.
5CHC has participated in HMIS since 2014 and has staff dedicated to this fulfill this activity in addition to program staff.
In the past year more than 5 of the Coalition’s staff have worked with the County to assess and invest in a new HMIS
system, including the on-going HSOC Data Workgroup. 5CHC Executive Director is a member of the HMIS Project
Steering Committee. The agency’s Executive Director is currently an active member of HSOC, the Continuum of Care
oversite body. 5CHC staff regularly participate in all standing committees and work groups. 5CHC is an engaged HSOC
member, far exceeding the meeting attendance threshold of the HSOC bylaws, for both committee and full HSOC
meetings. Historically 5CHC’s Executive Director volunteered to serve as chair of both the Data/Finance and Service
Coordination committees, and volunteered on the steering committee for the County's Homeless Services Strategic Plan.
Beginning in 2019 5CHC joined with CAPSLO to participate in Coordinated Entry as a key intake partner. Annually 5CHC
has far exceeded the number of CE's completed per contract requirements. 5CHC staff are among the most active
members of the HSOC Coordinated Entry Advisory Committee, and the various workgroups addressing Coordinated
Entry reform efforts. 5Cities Homeless Coalition has been a regional lead in every Point in Time Count conducted in the
county since 2013, helping to both plan for the count as well as ensure effective regional volunteer recruitment and
implementation. In each count, 5CHC has dedicated 10 or more staff members to assist in the count. Recently 5Cities
Homeless Coalition, working with the CoC, has re-initiated a Transitional-Age Youth Advisory Board. The Youth Board
held its inaugural meeting, under 5CHC’s leadership, in September. The group is working to define it’s role, processes for
YAB participation and membership, work plan topics and calendar, with the intent of presenting some recommendations
to HSOC in the Spring of 2025.
B.3. Briefly describe your organization’s auditing requirements, including those for the proposed project.
As outlined in 2 CFR § 200.500 and 24 CFR § 5.801
5CHC complies with all applicable federal laws, statutes, and regulations including the uniform financial reporting
standards (24 CFR § 5.801) and the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for
Federal Awards (2 CFR Part 200). 5CHC annually engages multiple monitoring reviews for various government contracts.
5CHC has never received a significant finding in any monitoring review. 5CHC also contracts for an independent audit
annually. For the past two years, since 2021-22 (due to increased federally sourced income) 5CHC has contracted for a
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more rigorous “Single Audit”. 5CHC's Single Audit for 2022-23 is attached; as in the prior year, there were no significant
findings by the auditor. 5CHC has engaged a local accounting firm, Glenn-Burdette, to undertake an audit for our most
recent fiscal year 2023-24. This audit is expected to be completed by February 2025.
B.3.a. Please upload the following documentation:
Attachment D - Most Recent Audit *Required
**No files uploaded
B.4. Describe the organization’s experience delivering related programs/projects.
Through three interim housing navigation centers and one drop-in access service center, 5Cities Homeless Coalition
(5CHC) assists people experiencing homelessness and those at risk of homelessness to obtain and retain housing by
offering a spectrum of wrap-around supportive services including coordinated entry and diversion (including funding for
immediate needs and relocation); street outreach; emergency shelter and interim housing; and housing stabilization
services to obtain or retain housing (including application fees, deposit, rent, past rent, utility assistance and case
management). 5Cities Homeless Coalition began offering services in 2012, initially at a single office location. Since that
time, 5CHC has expanded with a multi-service access center and three navigation centers. 5CHC’s programs have
expanded in partnership with our community to include a comprehensive array of services to meet the needs of the
continuum. 5CHC has built its program looking at best practices from multiple providers; including a special focus of
hiring those with lived experience as homeless and/or incarcerated. 5CHC endeavors to build trust, develop a sense of
community, and respect. We serve as a client advocate, reducing barriers to services, follow evidence based-models of
care, motivational interviewing. See 5CHC's year-end service report (2023-24), and examples of recently submitted
program reports (by funding source) in the supplemental documents.
B.5. How will you document and maintain income status or presumed benefit status of each beneficiary in compliance
with regulations?
5CHC has several methods for verifying income. Initial steps include self-certification of income by the client during
intake assessment. This is followed by documentation collection, in which clients provide proof of income (e.g.
employment pay stubs, Cash-Aid report, child support, SSA Benefits award letter, etc.). If a client is working a cash-only
job, we allow them to submit an employment verification form signed by their employer with appropriate contact
information. Once documents are collected, case managers complete the Income Calculation sheet which calculates
gross income for the household; calculations are then approved by the program supervisor. Annual gross income is used
to determine AMI level based on household size. 5CHC understands documentation collection may be a barrier to some
households and assists in whatever ways possible to obtain necessary documentation. Those verified to be currently
homeless with no income documentation are presumed to be low-income. Re-determination for program eligibility
occurs every 3 months for homelessness prevention clients and annualLY for rapid re-housing clients.
B.6. Briefly describe your agency’s record keeping system with relevance to the proposed project.
In keeping with our policies and procedures for this program, all client files are compiled and maintained according to a
detailed program activity checklist, utilizing standard forms for all services. Included in this are reference notes for any
required periodic updates or re-certifications. All applicable information is entered in HMIS at program entry, exit, and
as appropriate for the project. 5CHC has staff dedicated to reviewing all client files regularly for accuracy and
completeness. All payment requests include a detail of the client info, activity, funding source, and purpose. These
requests for financial assistance become part of the client file and are cross referenced for appropriate documentation
in the invoicing process. 5CHC also maintains a client walk-in and call log at our Access Center, noting the purpose of the
call/visit. This is updated daily and is maintained by 5CHC’s Coordinated Entry, Resource and Referral Specialists. Data
from this log is often used to cross-referenceprior contact with an individual who was not previously entered into a
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project in HMIS by 5CHC. All files are maintained electronically on 5CHC’s secure server, which is securely backed up
daily off-site.
B.7. Identify all budgeted funds for project related costs. Include leveraged funding to exhibit financial sustainability
of the project beyond the grant term if awarded.
It should be noted that the sustainability of this program is wholly determined by funding levels. As the majority of fund
are spent on direct financial assistance, averaging approximately $3,000 per household, the success of the program and
its future sustainability, are dependent on funding support for which there are limited sources. Sources: CDBG, HOME,
and CalAIM (HHIP 3). Additionally in-kind matching funds will be provided through case management services by
Consortium members. The impact of CalAIM’s soon to roll-out “Transitional Rent” Community Support is not yet clear,
as eligibility and guidelines are yet to be finalized.
B.8. Does your organization comply with the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles?
As outlined in 2 CFR § 200
Yes
Required Acknowledgement for Federal Grants or Contracts
B.9. Does your organization certify that, if awarded funds, it will comply with the requirements as shown as Example
Exhibit D-General Conditions and Example Exhibit E- Special Conditions?
Yes
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C. Proposed Project & Project
Details
Completed by janna.nichols@5chc.org on 10/6/2024 1:48 PM
Case Id: 30246
Name: 5Cities Homeless Coalition - 2025
Address: 100 S 4TH ST, GROVER BEACH, CA 93433
C. Proposed Project & Project Details
Please provide the following information.
C.1. Name of Proposed Project
Homeless Prevention – Countywide Services
C.2. Project/Program Address
100 S 4TH ST GROVER BEACH, CA 93433
C.3. Areas Served-Select all that apply
City of Arroyo Grande
City of Atascadero
City of Grover Beach
City of Morro Bay
City of Paso Robles
City of Pismo Beach
City of San Luis Obispo
Unincorporated Community
Name of Unincorporated Community:
All eligible communities in San Luis Obispo County.
Countywide
C.4. Provide a brief narrative of the proposed project, including projected outcomes:
5CHC seeks to continue its highly successful Homeless Prevention program to help families at-risk of homeless remain
in their home, with an anticipated 165 households receiving assistance. 5CHC's track record has demonstrated that
less than 2% of those served in the prior 24 months have fallen into homelessness after receiving assistance.
Attachment E – If applicable, attach most recent annual performance report
**No files uploaded
C.5. What is the level of need for this activity within SLO County? Please include data to support your answer.
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It is abundantly documented that stable housing, health and self-sufficiency are the keys to addressing the challenges
of homelessness. 5CHC is a community leader in providing these services to residents of San Luis Obispo County who
are experiencing homelessness or who are at-risk; however, we are seeing an alarming spike in requests for
assistance. According to a 2022 data analysis by Porch, an online home improvement and home-buying advice
website, the San Luis Obispo area is the now second least affordable small metro area in the entire United States. It is
estimated that, just since the on-set of COVID, that area rental rates have increased more than 30%. The high cost of
housing here in San Luis Obispo County is approximately 53% higher than the national average, according to Zillow
with the median rental rate having increased $400 One of the six policy recommendations made in the UCSF study,
California Statewide Study of People Experiencing Homelessness, is to “expand targeted homelessness prevention
(e.g., financial support, legal assistance) at service settings (e.g., social service agencies, healthcare settings, domestic
violence services, community organizations) for both leaseholders and non-lease holders. Expand prevention and
transition services at institutional exits (jails, prisons). Expand and strengthen eviction protections.” More than 80% of
participants in this study, who were experiencing homelessness, believed receiving a one-time payment of $5,000-
$10,000 would have prevented their homelessness. Those experiencing homelessness who lack rental history, have
poor credit, lower income, or criminal history are especially challenged in the current housing market. 5CHC has
utilized landlord incentives in prior projects and it has proved to be a vital component to secure housing for this
population. 5CHC has assisted 77 individuals re-gain housing, who would not have otherwise been able to secure
housing, with the landlord incentive program. Beyond assisting with rental assistance to prevent eviction, 5CHC also
puts considerable resources towards utility assistance, car repairs, food assistance, etc. that are often symptomatic of
growing financial instability. Without early intervention these issues can easily compound and lead to increased
housing instability and risk of homelessness. For the current year these requests have skyrockets, as several utility
assistance programs were cut (both federally and by the State). In fiscal year 2023-24, 5CHC invested more than
$500,000 in direct financial assistance, plus case management services, to help 479 residents (206 households)
throughout San Luis Obispo County to keep their home and not fall into homelessness (see 5CHC’s year-end report fy
23-24). The average investment per household is less than $2,800. In tracking the outcomes of this program, less than
2% of those served in the last 24 months have fallen into homelessness. 5CHC attempted to include multiple
hyperlinks in this response to provide requested data. These hyperlinks are available upon request.
C.5.a. Please upload the following documentation:
Attachment F – Timeline: Attach a timeline for key steps of project implementation. *Required
**No files uploaded
C.6. Is this effort new, continuing, or expanding? Please describe.
While this is a continuing program, 5CHC is seeking increased support. For the current fiscal year (24-25) funding for
homeless prevention services was reduced by more than $200,000. This equates to approximately a reduction in
5CHC’s ability to assist approximately 75 families.
C.7. Describe how the project will align with a (or multiple) Line(s) of Effort to support the San Luis Obispo
Countywide Plan to Address Homelessness (2022-2027).
The proposed project is directly aligned with Line of Effort 2 and Line of Effort 3 in the plan. Line of Effort 2: Focus
efforts to reduce or eliminate the barriers to housing stability for those experiencing homelessness or at risk of
homelessness, including prevention, diversion, supportive services, and housing navigation efforts. In particular this
program addresses Line of Effort 2.D. which calls for preventing “homelessness through expanded diversion efforts
(also known as housing problem solving or family reunification) and homeless prevention capacity.” In order to stem
the flow of those falling into homelessness in our county, and reach the County’s goal of reducing homelessness by
50%, additional resources are necessary to ensure fewer people enter the homeless services system. Homeless
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prevention is one of the most cost-effective strategies to reduce the incidence of homelessness in a community.
According to the 2023 study by Notre Dame University’s Wilson Sheehan Lab for Economic Opportunities (LEO), in
addition to helping individuals and families maintain their housing, the LEO study suggests this community-wide
prevention program is cost-effective and yields benefits to the broader community. Researchers estimated that the
Homelessness Prevention System produces $2.47 in estimated benefits for every $1 dollar spent on emergency
financial assistance. 5CHC attempted to include multiple hyperlinks in this response to provide requested data. These
hyperlinks are available upon request.
C.8. Select all population(s) expected to be served through this project:
Adults with children
Adults without children
Elderly/Senior
Parenting Youth
Persons Experiencing Chronic Homelessness
Persons At Risk of Homelessness
Veterans
Domestic Violence Survivors
Persons with Disabilities
Unaccompanied Youth (under 25 years of age)
Individuals with Co-occurring Disorders (Substance Use and Mental Health)
Low – Moderate Income Persons or Households
C.9. How does your program/service complement and collaborate with existing efforts in the County? Describe how
the program/project will increase capacity of services/housing for persons experiencing homelessness and at-risk
persons in the County.
5CHC Homeless Services program is integrated in the local Continuum of Care (CoC), focusing on collaboration and
strategic action. Homeless Prevention strategies are one of the initial efforts provided, throughout the compendium
of services. 5CHC receives referrals from agencies across the service continuum, not solely those who provide
Coordinated Entry assessments. In an effort to build core competencies of service providers within the CoC, 5CHC
collaborates with area partners on evidence-based trainings (Mental Health First Aid, Trauma-Informed Care,
Motivational Interviewing, etc.) 5CHC also has a program of providing staff trainings monthly with other service
professionals and partner agencies. 5CHC seeks to streamline services through collaborative work with service
providers throughout the County. By coordinating efforts and providing consistent services throughout the County,
5CHC ensures the ability to maximize resources and prevent duplication of services and benefits.
C.10. Describe any consultation with local jurisdictions to gain support for the project. Describe any support you
have from local jurisdictions.
Please see the attached letters of support from South County cites of Grover Beach, Pismo Beach and Grover Beach.
While 5CHC works most closely with these jurisdictions, 5CHC homeless prevention efforts have been provided
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county-wide, as demonstrated in the table below. 2023-24 Homeless Prevention Assistance Per Jurisdiction Arroyo
Grande Households: 33 Total: $134,173 % of Dollars Spent in this Jurisdiction: 26% Pismo Beach Households: 8 Total:
$20,920 % of Dollars Spent in this Jurisdiction: 4% SLO Households: 23 Total: $83,169 % of Dollars Spent in this
Jurisdiction: 16% Morro Bay Households: 5 Total: $22,423 % of Dollars Spent in this Jurisdiction: 4% Atascadero
Households: 10 Total: $30,292 % of Dollars Spent in this Jurisdiction: 6% Paso Robles Households: 38 Total $144,665 %
of Dollars Spent in this Jurisdiction: 28% County Households: 18 Total: $75,500 % of Dollars Spent in this Jurisdiction:
15%
Attachment G – Letters of Support: Please attach any letters of support or commitment from local
governments or community partners.
**No files uploaded
C.11. Describe how you will ensure that the proposed project is accessible to communities of color which are
disproportionately impacted by homelessness, particularly Black, Latinx, Asian, Pacific Islander, and Native and
Indigenous communities. If you have previously received a grant to serve any of the affected communities, please
provide a brief description of those grant activities and the outcomes you achieved.
5CHC has a policy of promoting inclusiveness and diversity to enrich its programmatic effectiveness, which is reflected
in the composition and language skills of our staff. 5CHC has received multiple awards through UnDocuSupport, and
worked extensively on the 2020 Census to survey hard-to-reach populations. 5CHC is a member of the Diversity
Coalition San Luis Obispo County. 5CHC maintains strong partnerships with other members of the UndocuSupport
Coalition and fosters relationships with new and emerging efforts to serve the immigrant population, such as
Immigrant Hope – Arroyo Grande.
C.13. Indicate the predicted, unduplicated performance outcome listed below:
Population Number of Individuals
Served
Number of Households
Served
Number of unsheltered persons to become sheltered
Number of people experiencing homelessness to be
entering permanent housing
Number of people experiencing Chronic Homelessness
served
Number of persons At-Risk of Homelessness served 426 165
Number of Unaccompanied Youth served
Number of Youth At-Risk of Homelessness served
Number of persons in families with children served
Total 426 165
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D. Funding & Eligible Activities
Completed by janna.nichols@5chc.org on 10/6/2024 2:07 PM
Case Id: 30246
Name: 5Cities Homeless Coalition - 2025
Address: 100 S 4TH ST, GROVER BEACH, CA 93433
D. Funding & Eligible Activities
Please provide the following information.
D.1. Total Funding Requested
$881,049.00
D.1.a. Please upload the following documentation:
Attachment H – Budget , Leveraged-Funds, and Budget Narrative: Attach a Budget and Budget Narrative for
the project for which you are applying. The budget narrative should include FTEs to be provided. Please include the
value of any matching funding. *Required
**No files uploaded
D.2. Are you requesting HOME-TBRA funds?
Yes
D.2.a. Amount of HOME-TBRA funds requested:
$769,779.00
D.2.b. Estimated number of unduplicated persons to benefit from HOME-TBRA funds:
372
D.2.c. Estimated number of unduplicated households to benefit from HOME-TBRA funds:
144
D.2.d. Provide proposed funding amounts and approximate number of households to be served:
Funding Type Amount Approximate Households Served
Rental Subsidy $0.00 371
Utility Deposit Subsidy $0.00
Security Deposit Subsidy $0.00
Total $0.00 371
D.2.e. Please describe your organization’s client application, intake, and preliminary assessment process.
5CHC is a member of the Coordinated Entry collaborative, a system utilized by Homeless Service Providers throughout
the County that provides a standardized intake assessment and referrals to ensure a more consistent and streamlined
experience for those seeking services. During this initial intake, clients complete a comprehensive needs assessment,
identify barriers to employment or housing, and develop an immediate action plan. Additionally, this assessment
provides an opportunity to identify what services or resources a client is already connected to in an effort to reduce
duplication of services. Clients are screened for homeless status (homeless certification forms) and income eligibility.
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D.2.f. Describe your organizational collaboration with other local organizations to assist TBRA income eligible
households.
5CHC engages with a broad spectrum of community partners to provide housing assistance, working extensively with
the more than 20 member organizations of the Supportive Housing Consortium. In particular 5CHC partners with
ECHO and CAPSLO, as part of the coordinated entry system. Additionally, 5CHC has built an even more extensive
referral network with the Legal Assistance Foundation, and Family Resource Centers throughout the County, and
Familiy Care Network. 5CHC has become the hub for Rapid Re-housing and Homeless Prevention services, serving
clients from San Miguel to Cambria to Nipomo with the help of our partners. This referral network has allowed us to
maximize our resources, coordinate efforts, and prevent duplication of services and benefits.
D.2.g. HOME-TBRA Matching Funds
Funding Source Amount
In-Kind Case Management - Supportive Housing Consortium Estimate $38.57/hour
(including fringe) X 500 Hours
$192,445.00
Total $192,445.00
Please upload the following documentation:
Attachment I – Match Certification Letter: 25% match required for HOME TBRA *Required
**No files uploaded
Attachment J – HOME-TBRA Policies and Procedures
**No files uploaded
D.3. Are you requesting CDBG funds?
Yes
D.3.a. Amount of CDBG funds requested:
$9.00
D.3.b. Please indicate the amount you are requesting for each jurisdiction:
Jurisdiction Amount
Arroyo Grande $9,600.00
Atascadero $3,600.00
Morro Bay $3,000.00
Paso Robles $17,150.00
Pismo Beach $5,000.00
San Luis Obispo $9,920.00
County $13,000.00
Total $61,270.00
D.3.c. Estimated number of unduplicated persons to benefit from CDBG funds:
30
D.3.d. Estimated number of unduplicated households to benefit from CDBG funds:
11
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D.3.e. Please select the national objective that best applies to the proposed project.
Please refer to "Basically CDBG" or the "CDBG Guide to National Objectives and Eligible Activities" for more
information regarding CDBG national objectives.
Low Moderate Income
LOW/MODERATE INCOME: Select which criteria the proposed project intends to qualify under to meet the
Low/Moderate Income objective.
Limited Clientele
D.3.f. Identify all eligible activities that apply to the proposed project:
Public Services -General
Operating Costs of Homeless/AIDS Patients Programs
Senior Services
Handicapped Services
Legal Services
Youth Services
Transportation Services
Substance Abuse Services
Services for Battered and Abused Spouses
Crime Awareness or Neighborhood Cleanups
Fair Housing Activities
Tenant/Landlord/Housing Counseling
Child Care Services
Health Services
Services for Abused and Neglected Children
Mental Health Services
Job Training and Job Placement Services
Subsistence Payments, Homeless Assistance, Rental Housing Subsidies or Security Deposits
Assistance to microenterprises (technical assistance, business support services, and other similar services to
owners of microenterprises or persons developing microenterprises)
Minor Home Repair
D.3.g. Explain how the proposed project meets the selected National Objective:
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Assistance will be provided to benefit a clientele who are generally presumed by HUD to be principally L/M income
persons - those who are homeless. This population is among those who are currently presumed by HUD to be made
up principally of L/M income persons: Reference: §570.208(a)(2)(i)(A) Additionally, as some assistance will be
provided to those of imminent threat of homelessness, 5CHC's program additionally requires information on family
size and income so that it is evident that at least 51% of the clientele are persons whose family income does not
exceed the L/M income limit. Reference: §570.208(a)(2)(i)(B) and (C)
D.3.h. Will the services offered by your organization increase or expand as a result of CDBG assistance?
Yes
Explain how your services will increase or expand as a result of CDBG assistance:
While this is a continuing program, 5CHC is seeking increased support. For the current fiscal year (24-25) funding for
homeless prevention services was reduced by more than $200,000. This equates to approximately a reduction in
5CHC’s ability to assist approximately 75 families.
D.3.i. Describe how the project will directly benefit the populations identified.
Funding will be used to provide short-term rental assistance, coupled with supportive services, to enable low-income
families to remain in their home and not fall into homelessness. 5CHC has documented that less than 2% of those
served in the last 24 months in this program have fallen into homelessness.
D.4. Are you requesting PLHA funds?
No
D.5. Are you requesting ESG funds?
No
D.6. Are you requesting General Fund Support funds?
No
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E. Required Documents
Completed by janna.nichols@5chc.org on 10/6/2024 2:08 PM
Case Id: 30246
Name: 5Cities Homeless Coalition - 2025
Address: 100 S 4TH ST, GROVER BEACH, CA 93433
E. Required Documents
Please provide the following information.
Documentation
Attachment L – Supplemental Documentation
**No files uploaded
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Submit
Completed by janna.nichols@5chc.org on 10/6/2024 2:08 PM
Case Id: 30246
Name: 5Cities Homeless Coalition - 2025
Address: 100 S 4TH ST, GROVER BEACH, CA 93433
Submit
Please provide the following information.
The applicant certifies that all information contained in this application, and supporting documentation, given
for the purpose of obtaining assistance, is true and complete to the best of the applicant’s knowledge.
I 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.
I hereby certify that the organization is fully capable of fulfilling its obligation under this application, as stated
herein.
I further certify that the information provided in this Funding Application is correct, accurate, and complete.
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.
Authorized Representative Signature
Janna Nichols
Electronically signed by janna.nichols@5chc.org on 10/6/2024 2:08 PM
Authorized Representative Title
Executive Director
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