PURPOSE

The purpose of this memorandum is to request the Redevelopment Agency Board (Agency) consider an agreement between the Agency and Jewish Family Services (JFS) to continue contracting with JFS� Home Secure Program (Program) as a component to the Agency�s Residential Rehabilitation Program.

BACKGROUND

The Home Secure Program (Program) is a non-sectarian program administered by the JFS, a non-profit organization that has operated this program within Los Angeles County for over twenty years.  The Program�s purpose involves installing security and safety devices such as window and door locks, peepholes and bathroom grab bars for lower-income homeowners and renters, as well as promoting self-sufficiency and home protection. The Program entails educating residents about crime prevention and home safety measures, services particularly in demand by senior citizens and other income-qualified households, especially those with certain medical conditions and physical limitations.  Since initially funding the Program on September 10, 1996, the Agency has continued to contract with JFS, using the Agency�s Low and Moderate Income Housing Fund (LMI). Over the course of the Program, 872 Burbank lower income households (71 percent being very low-income) have been provided one or more safety devices at no cost to secure doors, windows and/or bathrooms.  

By virtue of its successful history in marketing the Program, JFS was authorized on January 26, 1999 also to implement an Earthquake Gas Shut-Off Valve Program (GSV) for the Agency.  Installation of GSVs reduces the risk of fire by closing off natural gas supply once activated by seismic motion or high gas flow.  A GSV is, for instance, beneficial if a natural gas supply line broke under a dwelling during an earthquake or a gas water heater overturned.  To date, 237 lower income households (57 percent of whom are very low-income) have had earthquake gas shut-off values installed.

The Blue Ribbon Task Force on Affordable Housing recognized the importance of the Program in promoting affordable and accessible housing to special needs populations by including it amongst the recommendations adopted by the Agency and City Council.

Objective:  Financial assistance to property owners and tenants for accessibility improvements in existing rental housing.

The Task Force noted that only a small proportion of Burbank�s rental housing is accessible to persons with physical disabilities, limiting housing options for many disabled persons and resulting in others residing in housing that inadequately meets their physical needs. The Task Force also mentioned that, relative to accessibility improvements to existing housing, the Agency currently funds the Home Secure Program that provides free home safety and security services to homeowners and renters on fixed incomes, including grab bars, hand-held shower hoses, and adjustable shower chairs.[1] 

ANALYSIS

The Program has historically been funded with the Agency�s LMI funds.   During the six years of funding, the Council has approved a resolution finding [Health and Safety Code Section 3334.2 (g)] the use of Set-Aside funds outside a project area will benefit all the redevelopment project areas.  The Agency, in turn, has previously found that improvements are necessary [Health and Safety Code Section 3334.2 (e) 2 (B)] to remove a condition jeopardizing health and safety of low and moderate-income residents.  Consequently, previous Agency resolutions found that:

The use of the housing funds for the Home Secure Program�will benefit all of the redevelopment project areas of the City by improving and preserving the supply of affordable housing and by eliminating a specific condition (i.e., lack of home security features/lack of gas shut-off valves) that jeopardizes the safety of existing low or moderate-income residents.

The Agency approved as part of the Fiscal 2003-04 budget an allocation of $70,000 with JFS to continue administering the Program, inclusive of the Earthquake Gas Shut-Off Valve (GSV) component.    As in the past, the scope of work includes these fundamental components.

A number of revisions have occurred in Redevelopment Law following a wave of recent housing bills in the State legislature.   One of the enacted bills, Assembly Bill 637, eliminated the aforementioned Section 33334.2 (e) as a justification for allowing LMI funds to be used on improvements that eradicated a condition threatening the health and safety of lower income residents and imposed additional standards in using LMI funds for improvements.  

Unable to make a finding under the aforementioned section, the justification for the use of LMI funds for the Program was revised this year, so that it is eligible as a rehabilitation activity.   In redefining the basis of eligibility, though, it was determined that a professional service agreement or PSA was not an adequate instrument, and that an agreement analogous to those used in the Residential Rehabilitation Program was more appropriate.  

Consequently, tonight�s proposed action serves as a corrective administrative action.  By approving the Agreement, the Agency will continue to fund the JFS� Program under the umbrella of the Agency�s Residential Rehabilitation Program.  JFS will carry out the same scope of work as it has provided in past years and will continue in the capacity as an independent contractor implementing Agency funded rehabilitation services.    

FISCAL IMPACT

There is no fiscal impact associated with the proposed action. Funds were appropriated and approved during the Fiscal 2003-04 budget process and are available in the Low and Moderate Income Housing Fund budget (account 305CD23A- 62085).

RECOMMENDATION

Staff recommends that the Redevelopment Agency Board approve an Agreement with Jewish Family Services to continue the Home Secure Program.