Title
Adoption of Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Execute Required Documents with the Office of Justice Programs to Accept $963,000 for the 2024 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program Funding for Operational Costs of the City of Alameda Community Assessment Response and Engagement (CARE) Team and to Amend the Fiscal Year 2024-25 Fire Grants Fund (Fund 220) Operating Budget by Increasing Appropriations by $963,000. (Fire 220G12080)
Body
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Jennifer Ott, City Manager
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The City of Alameda's (City) Fire Department (AFD) was awarded a Fiscal Year 2024-25 Office of Justice Program grant to partially fund the City's Community Assessment Response & Engagement (CARE) Team, led by AFD, to provide a 24/7 alternative response to nonviolent individuals facing a mental health crisis. Staff seeks City Council approval to accept the grant funds and adopt the attached resolution to accept $963,000 in funding.
BACKGROUND
The Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) program provides vital federal funding to state and local jurisdictions, enabling them to support a wide range of critical initiatives. These include mental health services, behavioral programs, and crisis intervention teams. This grant is the administrative process required to access the federal earmark received earlier for the CARE Team. These grant funds will support the uninterrupted delivery of 24/7 alternative response for nonviolent individuals experiencing mental health crises.
In July 2021, City Council approved the CARE Team as a pilot program designed to address mental health emergencies within the community through an innovative and compassionate approach. The CARE Team prioritizes specialized assistance to individuals facing mental health challenges, aiming to reduce dependence on traditional law enforcement and emergency room interventions.
By providing direct financial support, ...
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