Information

Type: Deliberation

Department: PHSS - Public Health & Social Services

Directors' Update: July 26, 2023

Business Meeting: Aug. 1, 2023

Summary:

The Department of Commerce contracts with Lewis County through the Consolidated Homeless Grant to oversee the administration of grant money to subcontractors for services provided to those who are literally homeless or at imminent risk of homelessness in Lewis County.

This subcontract provides funding for Equity Institute to help mitigate potential evictions by paying rents/utilities direct to landlords or utility agencies for eligible households. Equity Institute is a By and For agency specializing in services to non-English or limited English-speaking renters. Eligible households must be within the boundaries of Lewis County, currently reside within the rental unit, and have an income no higher than 80% of the area median per Housing and Urban Development 2023 income limits.

Publications:

Cover Letter To: Vincent Perez Vincent.perez@equity.institute.com (360) 259-3035

Additional Copies To: Kendra Garrison, Justia Madrigal, Coleman Rogers, Jill Nielson, Bryan Hall, Grace Jimenez, Michelle Sauter, Sherri Dokken

Resolution

WHEREAS, the Lewis County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) has reviewed Contract #E03-0199-23 between Equity Institute and Lewis County; and

WHEREAS, the Department of Commerce contracts with Lewis County through the Consolidated Homeless Grant to oversee the administration of grant money to subcontractors for services provided to those who are literally homeless or at imminent risk of homelessness in Lewis County; and

WHEREAS, Equity Institute is a "By and For" agency specializing in services to non-English or limited English-speaking renters; and

WHEREAS, the purpose of this subcontract is to provide funding for Equity Insitute to help mitigate potential evictions by paying rents/utilities direct to landlords or utility agencies for eligible households; and

WHEREAS, eligible households must meet the following requirements: (1) be within the boundaries of Lewis County, (2) currently reside within the rental unit, and (3) have an income no higher than 80% of the area median per Housing and Urban Development 2023 income limits; and

WHEREAS, the contract duration is July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2025; and

WHEREAS, the total maximum consideration of this contract is $735,638; and

WHEREAS, it appears to be in the best public interest to authorize the execution of said contract.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the BOCC hereby approves Contract #E03-0199-23 to provide funding up to $735,638 for the purpose of subcontracting with Equity Insitute to help mitigate potential evictions by paying rents/utilities direct to landlords or utility agencies for eligible households; and authorizes the Director of Public Health & Social Services to sign the same.

DONE IN OPEN SESSION this 1st day of August, 2023.