The Housing and Community Development Department (HCDD) recommends approval of a contract between the City of Houston and SEARCH Homeless Services to fund the operational costs of its Care Hub and Outreach Services Program, which provides emergency assistance to Houston’s homeless population living on the streets.

The City will grant SEARCH $133,883 to provide services to 475 individuals, including outreach and stabilization to 175 homeless individuals and essential services in its Care Hub to 300 homeless individuals. SEARCH’s essential services include information and referral, bus passes, lunches, clothing, blankets, hygiene supplies, computer access to obtain work and communicate. Other services provided by SEARCH include referring homeless individuals for employment, substance abuse counseling, HIV education and testing, and medical and dental assistance. General Funds are used to leverage other grants and provide a comprehensive service package. Most of these activities are not eligible for federal dollars under US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) program regulations.

Category	Total Contract Services	Percent
Administrative	-	0%
Program Services	$133,883	100%
Total	$133,883	100%

HCDD conducted a Request for Proposals (RFP) for program year 2016.  SEARCH Homeless Services was one of the providers selected.  The term of this contract is from August1, 2016 through July 31, 2017.  SEARCH Homeless Services has received various funding through the City of Houston since 2000.

 This item was reviewed by the Housing and Community Affairs Committee on June 14, 2016.

 

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Tom McCasland, Interim Director