FROM:
Housing
SUBJECT:
Title
Authorization to Apply for the Board of State and Community Corrections Proposition 47, Cohort 5 Grant Program
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RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
1. Authorize the Fontana Housing Department to apply for State and Community Corrections (BSCC) Proposition 47, Cohort 5 Grant Program.
2. Authorize the City Manager, or City Manager’s designee, to execute and transmit any documents necessary or desirable to ensure the City's timely submittal and execution of the State and Community Corrections Proposition 47, Cohort 5 Grant Program.
3. Adopt Resolution No. 2025-023, delegating the City Manager with signing authority to execute the State and Community Corrections Proposition 47, Cohort 5 Grant Program grant agreement, if awarded.
4. Approve and authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to execute a lease agreement with River’s Edge Ranch for the property located at 16000 Dorsey Ave (APN: 0232-191-10-0000).
5. Approve and Authorize the City Manager, or City Manager’s designee, to make non-material changes to these agreements and execute any future amendments to the lease agreement.
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COUNCIL GOALS:
• Practice sound fiscal management by pursing grant opportunities.
• Provide a diverse range of housing types and levels of affordability while addressing homelessness in the community by promoting diverse range of housing projects and levels of affordability.
• Concentrate on Inter-governmental relations by pursuing financial participation from county, state and federal governments.
DISCUSSION:
The Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) released a Request for Proposals on April 11, 2025, making $127 million available for the Proposition 47 Grant Program (Prop 47).
This program provides funding to projects aimed at supporting mental health treatment, substance abuse treatment, and diversion programs for people in the criminal justice system, with an emphasis on programs that reduce recidivism of people convicted of less serious crimes, such as those covered by this measure, and those who have substance abuse and mental health problems.” (Gov. Code, § 7599.2, subd. (a)(3)).
Prop 47 grant funds must be used for one or more of the following:
• mental health services, and/or
• substance use disorder (SUD) treatment, and/or
• diversion programs
The Prop 47 program requires that the applicant partner with Community-Based Organization that will provide the direct services to the community. The City’s proposed three-year program will partner with River’s Edge Ranch who currently provides a three-phased recovery program focused on transforming the lives of men battling addiction, homelessness, and incarceration. A significant portion of the organization’s participants have ties to the City of Fontana.
Rooted in structure, accountability, hard work, animal therapy, their program is designed to restore men to their families, communities, and purpose. Phase One introduces participants to a structured daily routine that includes ranch and animal work, group studies, counseling, and recovery meetings. After 30 days, participants move onto Phase 2 where they begin to take on leadership roles and help guide newer ranchers. This stage includes more focused mentorship, increased responsibilities, and opportunities to serve at community events. Lastly, Phase Three focuses on preparing men for successful reentry into society. Case Management assist program participants with job placement, financial planning, transportation, and help them secure reliable vehicles. Through this partnership, the City intends to expand the program to allow for reunification of successful participants and their families. Previously, River’s Edge has been limited to only providing Phase 3 housing to individuals through congregate-style housing. This new component will allow for families and children, the opportunity to start the healing process through various types of family-specific counseling and support services.
Additionally, the City currently owns the three-unit multifamily property located 16000 Dorsey Ave (APN: 0232-191-10-0000) which has been identified as “graduate units” for the City’s Pathway to Housing program. In collaboration with River’s Edge, these units will provide wrap-around supportive services for successful participants that are moving into Phase Three of their program.
The City would contingently apply for the appropriate amount of funding that aligns the eligible funding categories with the City’s current homeless programming. If funding is awarded, staff will request City Council approval for acceptance.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The fiscal impact associated with the approval of this item is an increase in Board of State and Community Corrections Proposition 47, Cohort 5 Grant Program funds in the amount of the application submitted which is expected to be between $2 million and $8 million. Currently, the budget is being finalized as part of the application process. There is no match required for this grant. The required budget adjustments will be included in the first available quarterly budget report after grant award in Fund 301, if received.
MOTION:
Approve Staff Recommendation.