Sponsor: Veterans Services
Title
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Amendment to the Joint Powers Agreement with the Minnesota Department of Veteran Affairs for the Homelessness Mission - Functional Zero Project
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Recommendation
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1. Approve an amendment to the Joint Powers Agreement with the Minnesota Department of Veteran Affairs, 435 Wabasha Street North #120, Saint Paul, MN 55102, for the Homelessness Mission - Functional Zero Project for the period of November 1, 2022 through June 30, 2025, in the not-to-exceed amount of $300,000 in accordance with the rates established in the agreement.
2. Authorize the Chair and Chief Clerk to execute the agreement.
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Background and Rationale
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Minnesota aims to be one of four states in the nation to end veteran homelessness by reaching a statewide goal of Functional Zero for Homeless Veterans. Functional Zero is a milestone that demonstrates success when fewer people are experiencing homelessness than are routinely exiting homelessness at any given time. The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs understands that Minnesota’s two most populous areas, Hennepin and Ramsey Counties, will require significant effort and resources to achieve the state of Minnesota’s Functional Zero goal.
Funding from this agreement supports one intermittent Full Time Equivalent (FTE) position in Ramsey County. Currently, the position and funding are included in Housing Stability complement and budget but are being transferred to Veterans Services. This position collaborates with internal and external partners to identify veterans in the county and connect them to the Homeless Veteran Registry, which helps veterans get connected to specific housing and services. As part of their duties, the staff member attends the weekly Functional Zero collaboration meetings that includes representation from Minnesota Department of Veteran Affairs and Ramsey County Veterans Services department. The amendment to this agreement is to extend the time of the agreement through June 30, 2025 and add $100,000 for the time period July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025.
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County Goals (Check those advanced by Action)
☒ Well-being ☒ Prosperity ☐ Opportunity ☒ Accountability
Racial Equity Impact
Currently, there are 50 homeless veterans in Ramsey County. Of that total, 10 identify as chronic or long-term homeless. In addition, 28 of the 50 are eligible for Veteran Affairs services.
Community Participation Level and Impact
The Functional Zero collaborative meets weekly and is made up of many community representatives including Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans, Veterans Affairs, Ramsey County Housing Stability and Veterans Services departments, and various street outreach staff.
☒ Inform ☒ Consult ☐ Involve ☐ Collaborate ☐ Empower
Fiscal Impact
The $100,000 from the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs covers compensation for the intermittent position, expenses and administrative costs associated with the Functional Zero project. The intermittent position and grant funding will be transferred from Housing Stability to Veterans Services. This transfer will result in a decrease for Housing Stability and an increase for Veterans Services, respectively, in the total complement count and grant revenue and expenditures budget for the period of July 2024 through June 2025.
Last Previous Action
On August 1, 2023, the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners approved an amendment to the Joint Powers Agreement with the Minnesota Department of Veterans for the period of June 30, 2023 through June 30, 2024, in the not-to-exceed amount of $100,000 (Resolution B2023-124)
Attachments
1. Amendment Three to Joint Powers Agreement with the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs