Subject:
Title
Approval, Re: Granting Signature Authority to Board Chair to sign the Community Needs Assessment (CNA) for the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) Funding.
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Fiscal Impact:
Fiscal Years 2020-2022 - No impact to the General Fund. Community Services Block Grant estimated CARES Act funding is $378,860.
Fiscal Year 2020-2021 - No impact to the General Fund. Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program estimated CARES Act funding is $558,383.
Dept/Office:
Housing and Human Services Department
Requested Action:
Recommendation
It is requested that the Board of County Commissioners authorized the Board Chair to sign the Community Needs Assessment (CNA) for the Community Service Block Grant CARES Act funding after it has been completed by the Department Director, and grant authorization for the Chair to sign all subsequent CNA’s once approved by the Department Director.
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Summary Explanation and Background:
On April 30, 2020, the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) advised that Brevard County will be receiving funding from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) for Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) and Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) activities and services. DEO informed the Brevard County Housing and Human Services Department (HHS) that as a requirement to receive these funds a new CARES Act specific Community Action Plan (CAP) and Community Needs Assessment (CAN) be returned to them no later than June 1, 2020. The Board of County Commissioners previously (November 7, 2019) gave authorization for the Chair to sign Community Action Plans; however, in the past, Community Needs Assessments have not required Board Chair signatures. This action allows HHS to complete the CNA and meet the deadline imposed by DEO.
CSBG and LIHEAP are federally funded programs that are passed through DEO to our local Community Action Agency (CAA). Each has specific rules and regulations regarding what the funds can be used for. CSBG is designed for the reduction of poverty, the revitalization of low-income communities, and the empowerment of low-income families and individuals to become self-sufficient. Services include job training, education, case management, financial management, and other supportive services. LIHEAP provides an avenue to keep low income families safe and healthy through assistance with energy costs and is prioritized locally for the elderly, disabled, and families with children under 5 years of age. It is estimated that CSBG will receive $378,860 and LIHEAP will receive $558,383 from the CARES Act.
Clerk to the Board Instructions:
None.