Sponsor: Property Management and Housing Stability
Title
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Second Amendment to the Lease Agreement with Face to Face Health & Counseling Services, Inc.
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Recommendation
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1. Approve the Second Amendment to the Lease Agreement with Face to Face Health & Counseling Services, Inc., 1165 Arcade Street, Saint Paul, MN 55106 for space in the Annex of the Metro Square Building, 121 East Seventh Place, Saint Paul, Minnesota, 55101, from January 1, 2022 through June 30, 2022, at no additional rental cost.
2. Authorize the Chair and Chief Clerk to execute the lease amendment.
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Background and Rationale
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Face to Face Health & Counseling Service, Inc. ("Face to Face"), a non-profit organization dedicated to the needs of youth ages 11 to 24, has been providing drop-in center services for youth in the Metro Square building since October 1, 2015. These services include assistance with food, clothing and finding shelter for those experiencing homelessness and those at risk for homelessness for ages 14 to 21. The lease, as previously amended, expired on December 31, 2021 and Face to Face continues its occupancy by holding over as authorized under the terms of that lease. Recognizing the importance of these services, especially with consideration of the extraordinary challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, Face to Face and the county wish to extend the lease for six months through June 30, 2022.
As part of the terms of the six-month lease extension, no rent will be charged for the extension period. Under the terms of the First Amendment to the Lease dated January 12, 2021, no rent was charged for the period from June 1, 2020 through December 31, 2021.
A zero-dollar lease extension through June 2022 constitutes a public purpose expenditure within the county’s authority. The services provided by Face to Face will: benefit the public health, safety, general welfare, security, prosperity, and contentment of the whole community as a body; relate directly to Ramsey County’s governmental functions; and will not have the primary objective of benefitting a private interest.
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County Goals (Check those advanced by Action)
☒ Well-being ☐ Prosperity ☒ Opportunity ☐ Accountability
Racial Equity Impact
The issue of unsheltered homelessness was significant before the outbreak of COVID-19 and has been a growing issue in the community for some time. The pandemic has increased the need for such assistance services due to social distancing requirements and a growing number of homeless. Homelessness has disparate racial impacts. Recent data for Ramsey County indicate African American and American Indian residents are over ten times more likely per capita to be homeless than White residents.
According to the National Coalition for the Homeless, providing assistance to youth impacted by homelessness is especially challenging. Causes include family problems, economic problems, and residential instability. Homeless youth face severe challenges in obtaining an education and supporting themselves emotionally and financially. Having community resources focused on the specific challenges of youth experiencing homelessness is especially valuable in the community.
Community Participation Level and Impact
There is no community engagement for this lease amendment.
☒ Inform ☐ Consult ☐ Involve ☐ Collaborate ☐ Empower
Fiscal Impact
Funding of $42,000 for rent through June 30, 2022 will be provided to Property Management from the Housing Stability department’s operating budget. The same funding was used for the 2021 rent. Property Management utilized fund balance to offset the rental income forgiven in 2020.
County Manager Comments
No additional comments.
Last Previous Action
On January 12, 2021, the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners approved the first amendment to the Lease Agreement with the Face to Face Health & Counseling Service, Inc for the Annex of the Metro Square Building (Resolution B2021-011).
Attachments
1. Second Amendment to Lease Agreement