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1 r.,u/ "~?Jr NEW 8USINESS e un~j ~IM c7faiumal d~m~im4m STAFF REPORT CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF DECEMBER 12, 2017 To: From: Re: Honorable Mayor and Councilmembers Nancy Kerry, City Manager Discussion and Possible Direction/Action Regarding Request by Tahoe Coalition for the Homeless to Lease City Property Located at 1195 Rufus All~n Blvd from December 2017 through April 15, RECOMMENDATION: Hear Staff Report; Receive Public Input; Receive Council Comments; Provide Direction/Action Regarding Request for Short-Term Lease of 1195 Rufus Allen Blvd. BACKGROUND: The Tahoe Coalition for the Homeless is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit based in South Lake Tahoe. The core project for the Tahoe Coalition was to establish and operate The South Lake Tahoe Warm after it was identified that the homeless population in South Lake Tahoe was on the rise. The Warm Room provides overnight refuge from the harsh winter elements for those who are experiencing homelessness, in a safe and warm environment. In , The South Lake Tahoe Warm Room was open 137 nights, served 148 individuals, and provided 3741 shelter bed nights. ISSUE AND DISCUSSION: The South Lake Tahoe Warm Room is entering its third season of operation and are currently in the process of identifying potential sites for the upcoming winter. The Warm Room had been previously operating out of a location that will not be available to them for the season due to circumstances beyond their control. This item is before the City Council at the request of the Tahoe Coalition for the Homeless (Attachment 1) to request a one-time seasonal rental and enter into a lease agreement from December 2017 through April 15, 2018 at the property located at 1195 Rufus Allen Blvd. CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES & VISION: "We will reflect the National Treasure in which we live. " Providing shelter for our homeless population during the winter months promotes sense of community and public service which is in line with our Business Plan Priority of Quality of Life. FINANCIAL AND/OR POLICY IMPLICATIONS: Revenue from Rental of the Building to be determined. Attachment 1: Proposal from Tahoe Coalition for the Homeless

2 Attachment 1 Proposal from Tahoe Coalition for the Homeless

3 Proposal by Tahoe Coalition for the Homeless to Enter into Negotiations for Lease of 1195 Rufus Allen Boulevard Introduction Tahoe Coalition for the Homeless (TCH) is a 50l(c)(3) nonprofit based in South Lake Tahoe, California. The core of our operations is the South Lake Tahoe Warm Room, an emergency overnight winter shelter for homeless individuals. We are currently in the process of identifying potential sites for the Warm Room for the upcoming winter. As a part of that process, 1195 Rufus Allen Boulevard (Site) came to our attention as a potentially suitable location. Because the Site is owned by the City of South Lake Tahoe (the City), TCH submits this proposal to enter into negotiations for lease of the Site. Warm Room Background The Warm Room provides a safe and warm environment for adult men and women who are experiencing homelessness. It is hard to be homeless, but especially during the winter in an alpine environment like South Lake Tahoe. Our cold and snowy winters are not only uncomfortable but also life threatening. The Warm Room is a safety net, providing reprieve for people in crisis. Guests find food and shelter at the Warm Room, where they also meet with social workers and case managers to connect to local resources, find employment, obtain long-term housing, and schedule appointments for medical and mental health services. Prior to the Warm Room opening, a wintertime evening shelter option did not exist. Since opening two winters ago in December 2015, the Warm Room has served 217 unduplicated individuals, provided over 5500 shelter-bed nights, and offered support and referral services to countless guests. ln doing so, TCH not only gave Warm Room guests hope, it also reduced the burdens placed on our local infrastructure. During our most recent season, the winter of , the Warm Room: Was open 137 nights Provided 3741 shelter bed nights Served 148 individuals (108 men and 40 women) Averaged 27 guests nightly Provided emergency motel housing for 7 families with children Served 5 veterans Of our guests, 26.3% were employed while staying in the Warm Room and 87% listed a last permanent address that was local. Lack of affordable housing, living wages, and steady employment contribute to homelessness. The average stay was 25 nights and only 26 individuals were seen in the Warm Room in both operating seasons. The Warm Room is used by our community members as a safety net during hard financial times. But statistics alone do not tell the human stories. Through connections with volunteers, one woman gained employment and found affordable housing. When motel room rates spiked during the holiday season, a disabled gentleman, unable to afford the higher rates, stayed in the Warm Room for two weeks. Unable to find housing with his minimum wage pay, a young man who worked for a local ski resort was able to rest at night at the Warm Room. Working closely with our social workers, a couple was able to find permanent housing and employment our first season; last season, they volunteered regularly. The

4 Warm Room has seen Lake Tahoe Community College students as guests, an 18 year old South Tahoe High School student, a caregiver, a cook, and other members of our local working force. For anyone facing the harsh winter without shelter, the Warm Room provides it. Tenant History When TCH first approached the City about partnering for space in 2015, our organization was new, and, as a result, did not have a history as a tenant. Now, with two years' experience operating the Warm Room, TCH has an established track record as a conscientious tenant that is responsive to landlord and neighborhood concerns. We actively solicit feedback and tailor our operations to address and mitigate issues. Speaking to our success in doing so, annexed to this proposal please find letters of reference written by the landlord of each oftch's prior Warm Room lease sites. Proposal for Lease Negotiations TCH proposes that the City enter into negotiations with TCH for lease of the Site on a month-to-month or other suitable basis for the Warm Room's winter operating season at a rate similar to that paid by the Site' s prior lessee. 2

5 Landlord Reference: Lake Tahoe Blvd. Location ANNEX A

6 PACMED 143 LAS AST AS DR LOS GATOS, CA NOVEMBER 07, 2017 To Whom It May Concern, I rented my commercial building at 2179 Lake Tahoe bl to the warm room last winter. It was an amazing experience to watch the community at work with all the volunteers that chipped in to help their community. The place was delivered back to me in better shape than I had given them. They acted responsibly and paid on time sometimes in advance. Due to Caltrans blocking entrance to my building, I am not able to accommodate them this year. Please call if you have any questions or concerns. Best regards, Naji Raad CEO, Pacmed

7 Landlord Reference: Silver Dollar Ave. Location ANNEXB

8 Star Lake Investments P. 0. Box 7313 South Lake Tahoe, CA June To Whom It May Concern: Last winter from December 2015 through March 2016 we leased our facility located at 981 Silver Dollar Avenue to the Tahoe Coalition for the Homeless. They operated a Warm Room for people who needed nightly shelter. We had a very pleasant and professional relationship with Marissa Muscat and her staff. We all felt that the Warm Room Program was a success, not only for those in need, but also for the community. Maris a and her staff of volunteers were very professional. When they vacated the premises in April 2016, the facility was left in as good condition, if not better, than when they took occupancy in December If our facility is available for the winter, we will be happy lo again lease to the Tahoe Coalition for the Homeless. Please contact us if you need any further information. t&k~ Ar;:-~ Pete Patten and Don Kortes