SUBJECT:
Title
Request Approval of the Marion County Standard Professional Services Agreement Challenge Grant with Ocala Housing Authority (Budget Impact - Neutral; not to exceed $33,000)
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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. Ocala Housing Authority, a local non-profit, requested $33,000 of challenge grant funds. This funding will support Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) services for approximately 16 Marion County individuals with at least one qualified disabled household member. The funding will be used for rental assistance, program operations, and case management to help participants maintain stable housing.
Subrecipients must spend and request reimbursement for at least 50% of the funds awarded 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 $33,000 in challenge grant funds.
BUDGET/IMPACT:
Neutral; not to exceed $33,000.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Recommended action
Motion to approve and authorize the Chair and Clerk to execute the agreement between Marion County and Ocala Housing Authority to include all necessary documents associated with this agreement.