SUBJECT:
Request Approval of the Marion County Standard Professional Services Agreement Challenge Grant Between Marion County and Project Hope of Marion County (Budget Impact - Neutral; not to exceed $128,775)
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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 renewable 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:
Challenge Grant: $800,664.84
Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG): $242,339.34
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF): $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. Project Hope of Marion County, a local nonprofit serving women and children, was awarded $128,775 from the challenge grant. These funds will provide case management, supportive services and transitional housing for women and children experiencing homelessness in Marion County to aid them in becoming stably housed. The program is anticipated to serve approximately 100 individuals during the grant period. 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.
BUDGET/IMPACT:
Neutral; not to exceed $128,775.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Motion to approve and authorize the Chairman and Clerk to execute the agreement between Marion County and Project Hope of Marion County to include all necessary documents associated with this agreement.