(a) In order to apply for a round 1 program allocation, an applicant shall submit an application pursuant to the timeline specified in Section 50220 and provide the following, in the form and manner prescribed by the agency:
(1) A demonstration of how the jurisdiction has coordinated with other jurisdictions to identify their share of the regional need to address homelessness, and how the requested funds will help meet the jurisdiction’s share of that need.
(2) Identification of all funds currently being used by the applicant to provide housing and homeless services for the homeless populations in the jurisdiction, including all federal, state, and local funds, and information on programs supported by the identified funds.
(3) An assessment of existing programs to address homelessness and an identification of gaps in housing and homeless services for the homeless populations in the jurisdiction, as identified by the continuum of care pursuant to paragraph (7), including those provided by entities other than the applicant.
(4) Identification of how funds requested in the application will complement the funds described in paragraph (2), close the gaps identified pursuant to paragraph (3), and serve the homeless populations identified pursuant to paragraph (7).
(5) An outline of proposed uses of funds and explanation of how proposed use of funds meets each of the requirements described in paragraph (4).
(6) A list of measurable goals including but not limited to the number of individuals served and percentage of individuals successfully placed in permanent housing.
(7) If an applicant is a continuum of care, data on the demographics and characteristics of the homeless populations in the jurisdiction and on current programs providing housing and homeless services in the jurisdiction, as reported to the federal government through Homeless Management Information Systems and point-in-time counts.
(8) For a city applying for funds available pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (a) of Section 50218 or a county applying for funds available pursuant to paragraph (3) of subdivision (a) of Section 50218, a plan demonstrating how these funds will complement the regional needs described in the continuum of care’s plan for a coordinated housing and service system that meets the needs of individuals, unaccompanied youth, and families experiencing homelessness, as defined in Section 578.7(c) of Title 24 of the Code of Federal Regulations.
(9) Evidence of connection with the continuum of care’s coordinated entry system.
(10) An agreement to participate in a statewide Homeless Management Information System, when it becomes available, and provide data elements to the system in accordance with Section 50220.6.
(b) The agency may request additional documentation and information from the applicant with respect to round 1 program allocations consistent with the requirements of subdivision (a).
(c) Except as provided in subdivisions (d) and (e), a recipient of a round 1 program allocation shall expend funds on evidence-based solutions that address and prevent homelessness among eligible populations including any of the following:
(1) Rental assistance and rapid rehousing.
(2) Operating subsidies in new and existing affordable or supportive housing units, emergency shelters, and navigation centers. Operating subsidies may include operating reserves.
(3) Incentives to landlords, including, but not limited to, security deposits and holding fees.
(4) Outreach and coordination, which may include access to job programs, to assist vulnerable populations in accessing permanent housing and to promote housing stability in supportive housing.
(5) Systems support for activities necessary to create regional partnerships and maintain a homeless services and housing delivery system, particularly for vulnerable populations including families and homeless youth.
(6) Delivery of permanent housing and innovative housing solutions such as hotel and motel conversions.
(7) Prevention and shelter diversion to permanent housing.
(8) New navigation centers and emergency shelters based on demonstrated need. Demonstrated need for purposes of this paragraph shall be based on the following:
(i) The number of available shelter beds in the city, county, or region served by a continuum of care.
(ii) Shelter vacancy rate in the summer and winter months.
(iii) Percentage of exits from emergency shelters to permanent housing solutions.
(iv) A plan to connect residents to permanent housing.
(d) Up to 5 percent of an applicant’s round 1 program allocation may be expended for the following uses that are intended to meet federal requirements for housing funding:
(1) Strategic homelessness plan, as defined in Section 578.7(c) of Title 24 of the Code of Federal Regulations.
(2) Infrastructure development to support coordinated entry systems and Homeless Management Information Systems.
(e) The applicant shall not use more than 7 percent of a round 1 program allocation for administrative costs incurred by the city, county, or continuum of care to administer its program allocation. For purposes of this subdivision, “administrative costs” does not include staff or other costs directly related to implementing activities funded by the program allocation.
(f) A recipient of a round 1 program allocation shall comply with Housing First as provided in Chapter 6.5 (commencing with Section 8255) of Division 8 of the Welfare and Institutions Code.
(g) Notwithstanding Section 27011 of the Government Code, or any other statute governing the deposit of funds in the county treasury, a county may accept or deposit into the county treasury funds from any source for the purpose of administering a project, proposal, or program under this chapter.
(h) For purposes of Section 1090 of the Government Code, a representative of a county serving on a board, committee, or body with the primary purpose of administering funds or making funding recommendations for applications pursuant to this chapter shall have no financial interest in any contract, program, or project voted on by the board, committee, or body on the basis of the receipt of compensation for holding public office or public employment as a representative of the county.
(i) The council shall post submitted final applications to its internet website.
(Amended by Stats. 2020, Ch. 15, Sec. 11. (AB 83) Effective June 29, 2020.)