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Milpitas council approves $361,322 PLHA application to fund homeless outreach
Summary
The Milpitas City Council on Feb. 3 authorized a 2022–23 Permanent Local Housing Allocation (PLHA) application to direct $361,322 to homeless outreach services, authorizing staff to pursue an RFP for outreach/case management and certifying program compliance with state requirements.
Milpitas — The City Council voted unanimously Feb. 3 to approve the city’s 2022–23 application to the Permanent Local Housing Allocation program, directing the remaining $361,322 in entitlement funding to homeless outreach services.
Staff recommended allocating 100% of the remaining PLHA funds to homeless outreach rather than rental assistance, citing administrative simplicity and the program’s fit under PLHA activity 6, which assists people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. “Staff is recommending investing a 100% of the funds to homeless outreach,” Sarah Belchak, senior administrative analyst in the Office of Housing, told the council.
Why it matters: The approved funding would shore up outreach capacity while staff pursues additional or alternative sources for rental assistance. The city currently contracts with We Hope for two full‑time homeless outreach case managers at a cost of about $203,033; staff said that PLHA monies could fund multi‑year outreach contracts or supplement other rental programs.
What the council approved: Councilmember Chua moved to authorize the 2022–23 PLHA application, authorize receipt of the grant and certify the city’s compliance with California Department of Housing and Community Development requirements; the motion was seconded and passed on a roll-call vote with all members present voting “aye.” The council did not adopt a different allocation split at the meeting; staff said they could revisit program choices for future PLHA entitlements.
Details and next steps: Staff said the remaining PLHA funds — roughly $361,322 for the two years — would be used to continue or expand homeless outreach services while staff issues a request for proposals to solicit case‑management providers and scope options (two days/week, three days/week or full five days/week) based on bids. Staff noted the city also has other funding sources under consideration, including a pending state HOME grant application and unallocated state earmark funds previously sponsored by Assemblymember Alex Lee.
Community reaction: Speakers during public comment supported continued outreach and asked that staff coordinate with faith‑based partners and report back on program outcomes and client satisfaction. Councilmembers asked staff to provide more detailed contract and reporting information as part of upcoming budget discussions.
The council’s action authorizes staff to submit the PLHA application and proceed with procurement; staff will return with RFP results and a recommended scope of outreach services for council consideration.
