Submitted by: Patrick Paschall
Submitting Department: Finance
Agenda Section: Action
Item Title:
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Household Emergency Relief Program Allocation and End Date
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Suggested Action:
recommendation
I move that the Mayor and Council increase the allocation for the Household Emergency Relief Program by an additional $2,000,000, bringing the total allocation for the Household Emergency Relief Program awards, administration, and outreach expenses to $3,700,000; and establish an end date for the program of May 31, 2023.
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Summary Background:
In May 2022, the Council allocated $1.2 million for the establishment of a Household Emergency Relief program to provide financial support to Hyattsville residents who experienced negative economic consequences as a result of the pandemic. In January 2023, the Council allocated another $500,000 to the program, for a total allocation to-date of $1.7 million, including administrative costs.
Applications opened on October 31, 2022, and community interest has been significant. As of a December 23 report from the Hyattsville CDC, there have been over 400 applicants from the geographically eligible boundaries of the City of Hyattsville. Award amounts have averaged approximately $4,380 per eligible household, with around 97% of applicants from within the City being deemed eligible for funding so far.
Accordingly, the expected cost to serve all applications received at this time is more than $1.75 million, plus administrative and outreach expenses. With 20-40 applications submitted each week, the need in our community is clearly significant.
In order to provide predictability to the program and the ability to make other spending plans for the remaining ARPA funds, the staff recommend establishing a final program allocation and establishing an end date for the program.
Next Steps:
Update budget allocations and public-facing materials regarding the total program allocation.
Fiscal Impact:
Increases the existing $1,700,000 allocation for the Household Emergency Relief Program by $2,000,000, bringing the total allocation to $3,700,000 out of the American Rescue Plan award to the City.
City Administrator Comments:
Recommends approval.
Community Engagement:
Continued engagement activities include a city-wide door knocking/flyer campaign to inform residents of the program, as well as the City’s channels indicating available funding.
Strategic Goals:
Goal 3 - Promote a Safe and Vibrant Community
Legal Review Required?
N/A