Sec. 111.270. - Homelessness Diversion Special Revenue Fund.

There is hereby created a permanent Special Revenue Fund of the City to be known as the Homelessness Diversion Special Revenue Fund (hereinafter the "Fund") into which shall be deposited all payments, contributions, or donations of money, including gifts and grants, received for the purpose of assisting first-time homeless individuals or families to obtain temporary or permanent housing and other basic necessities (e.g. rent and/or utility assistance, security and other housing deposits, food, personal hygiene items, transportation vouchers, etc.). Funds shall be allocated to Duval County residents only who are at immediate risk of becoming homeless. Individuals/families qualified to receive this funding may receive a one-time payment of up to a maximum of $1,500 per calendar year from this Fund. All sums placed into the Fund, which shall include any interest earned or accrued thereon, shall be appropriated by the Council prior to expenditure, and shall be utilized for funding consistent with the purposes of this Fund. These funds shall be appropriated at a minimum on an annual basis in conjunction with the annual budget in an amount not-to-exceed 20 percent of the available balance within the Fund as of September 30 of the immediately preceding fiscal year. Any entity receiving funds from the Fund for the provision of services to Duval County residents as outlined herein may use up to ten percent of the total funds disbursed to said entity for administrative costs to provide the services. The City Council may authorize an amount of less than ten percent for administrative costs in any appropriation. Monies deposited in the Fund shall not lapse but shall carry over to the next fiscal year. This Fund shall be overseen and administered by the Grants and Contract Compliance Division of the Finance and Administration Department. An annual report of expenditures from this Fund shall be provided to the Council on or before November 30 each year. (Ord. 2023-671-E , § 1; Ord. 2023-804-E , § 1)