Minutes 05/23/2017 - Laserfiche WebLink

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May 23, 2017  The National Board selects jurisdictions for funding. Local Boards are convened in those qualifying jurisdictions to determine the highest need and best use of funds and to select Local Recipient Organizations (LROs) that will provide emergency food and shelter services. The National Board encourages Local Boards, or decision-making local bodies, to place special emphasis on identification of and assistance to the elderly, families with children, Native Americans, and veterans. Each year, needs are to be assessed in an effort to respond to changes in the community.  The Portsmouth Department of Social Services (PDSS) has been selected as a Local Recipient Organization to participate in Phase 33 of the Emergency Food and Shelter Program. Discussion:  The grant provides $12,135 to assist Portsmouth citizens who have emergency shelter or utility needs.  Individuals must meet established program criteria and have income that does not exceed 200% of the Federal Poverty Level. Financial Impact  There is no financial impact to the city because the program is funded 100% by the grant. Recommended Action:  Adoption of the ordinance. Next Steps Following Council Action:  Finance will complete the necessary budget adjustment. Motion by Mr. Moody, and seconded by Ms. Lucas-Burke, to adopt the following ordinance, and was adopted by the following vote: ORDINANCE ACCEPTING AN EMERGENCY FOOD AND SHELTER NATIONAL “ BOARD PROGRAM GRANT IN THE AMOUNT OF $12,135 FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY AND APPROPRIATING SAID FUNDS IN THE FY 2017 GRANTS FUND FOR USE BY THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE TO PORTSMOUTH CITIZENS WHO HAVE EMERGENCY SHELTER OR UTILITY NEEDS. ” Ayes: Cherry, Clark, Lucas-Burke, Moody, Psimas, Whitaker, Rowe Nays: None 17 - 223 - Adoption of an ordinance accepting a Title IV-E Grant in the amount of $4,500 from the Virginia Department of Social Services and appropriating said funds in the FY 2017 Social Services Fund for use by the Department of Social Services to fund the cost of an international home study. Background:  Title IV-E is a program, under the Commonwealth of Virginia, that allows for reimbursement of certain Foster Care and Adoption expenses authorized under Title IV- E of the Social Security Act.  Title IV-E covers expenditures incurred for international home studies conducted for children in foster care. This expenditure is necessary to establish the safety and suitability of such homes. Discussion:  Portsmouth Department of Social Services (PDSS) has identified a relative placement for a child in foster care. The relative resides in Canada. Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) policy requires a completion of home study prior to a child’s placement. PDSS partnered with International Social Services to complete the home study in Canada.