SUBJECT:
Title
Request Approval of the Marion County Standard Professional Services Agreement Challenge Grant with Neighborhood Housing and Development Corporation (Budget Impact - Neutral; not to exceed $264,500)
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INITIATOR: |
DEPARTMENT: |
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Cheryl Butler, Director |
Community Services |
DESCRIPTION/BACKGROUND:
On July 15, 2025, the Marion County Board of County Commissioners approved a three (3) year contract with the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) to distribute state and federal funds, administered through the Ocala/Marion Joint Office on Homelessness Continuum of Care (CoC) FL-514, to support local homeless service providers. Funding awarded under this contract is provided on a reimbursement basis for eligible expenses incurred by subrecipients in accordance with the grant requirements.
Total funding anticipated to Marion County:
• Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG): $242,339.34
• Challenge Grant: $800,664.84
• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Grant: $31,574.33
• Total: $1,074,578.51
As part of the approved CoC plan, nonprofit organizations were invited to apply for funding for projects that meet community priorities. Neighborhood Housing and Development Corporation (NHDC), a local non-profit, requested $264,500 of challenge grant funds. These funds will provide approximately 60 households, or 120-180 eligible Marion County residents, with rental assistance, move-in costs associated with rapid re-housing, utility assistance, and other financial assistance. The funding will also provide housing navigation and case management services to help clients become stably housed and remain self-sufficient.
Subrecipients must spend and request reimbursement for at least 50% of awarded-funds by January 15, 2027. If this benchmark is not met, the County may review progress and reallocate unspent funds to another approved provider. The agreement runs from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, and has been awarded $264,500 in challenge grant funds.
BUDGET/IMPACT:
Neutral; not to exceed $264,500
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Recommended action
Motion to approve and authorize the Chairman and Clerk to execute the agreement between Marion County and NHDC to include all necessary documents associated with this agreement.