The Housing and Community Development Department (HCD) recommends Council approval of an Ordinance authorizing a First Amendment to the Agreement between the City of Houston (City) and Fundacion Latinoamericana de Accion Social, Inc. (FLAS), providing up to $750,000.00 in Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) funds to continue to continue a program that will serve a total of 58 eligible households affected by HIV/AIDS with Supportive Services, Permanent Housing Placement (PHP) Services, and Tenant-Based Rental Assistance (TBRA). The TBRA program will continue to provide rental assistance and housing stability case management services to 28 existing HOPWA-eligible households to maintain permanent housing.

FLAS’s Behavioral Health Program will provide comprehensive clinical case management, which includes outpatient treatment for substance-use disorders, crisis intervention, psychotherapy, and psychoeducation. Eligible households will increase self-sufficiency, improve their mental health wellness, and overcome substance use disorders. A licensed professional will conduct a thorough assessment to identify and address social determinants and environmental barriers that are consistent with an individual’s stability plan. This personalized approach will assist at least 58 HOPWA-eligible households with mental health disorders to regain resilience and maintain permanent housing.

HCD conducted a Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for HOPWA services in September 2022 with the option to renew in up to a one-year increment, at the City’s discretion. FLAS was one of the agencies selected. The initial agreement period was from May 23, 2023 to May 31, 2024 and was extended to November 30, 2024. This First Amendment will extend the term and provide funding through May 31, 2025.

As of October 2024, FLAS has served 34% of their client goal and expended approximately 77% of their total funds. FLAS had no findings during their most recent annual compliance monitoring review.