SUBJECT
title
Authorizing City Manager to execute contract with Bethany House of Laredo, Inc. for FY 2025-2026 in the amount of $400,000.00. This public service project is part of the approved activities in our 2025-2026 Annual Action Plan and is part of the approved 5-year agreement with Bethany House of Laredo and the City to ensure the success and sustainability of the proposed shelter expansion project. These funds are available from the Community Development Fund- 50th Action Year Community Development Block Grant (CDBG).
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PREVIOUS COUNCIL ACTION
Resolution 2025-R-172 approved On July 21, 2025, City Council approved the submission of the 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan and the 2025-2026 One Year Action Plan to HUD.
Resolution 2022-R-132 approved on August 1, 2022.
BACKGROUND
The City of Laredo received a proposal from Bethany House for the development of a Homeless low barrier shelter. Bethany House has requested a long-term commitment from the city in order to ensure the continued operational success of the shelter expansion project.
This low barrier shelter would double the number of beds available to the homeless and expand on homeless services provided. This contract with Bethany House of Laredo Inc for Fiscal year 2025-2026 in the amount of $400,000.00 would ensure the success and sustainability of the homeless low barrier shelter proposed. The proposed funding would be from CDBG federal funds. The funding would be used to pay labor, supplies, and material as well to operate and/or maintain the portion of the new Bethany House facility expansion of a homeless shelter in which the public service is located, this includes the lease of a facility, equipment, and other property needed for the public service.
LEVEL OF ALIGNMENT:
STRONG
• Goal 7.10 - Prevent homelessness and reduce chronic homelessness.
"Implement policies to prevent homelessness and support services for the chronically homeless population."
(Viva Laredo Comprehensive Plan, p. 7.28)
Relevance: This goal is directly addressed through the funding and operational support of a low-barrier shelter to expand bed capacity and services for the homeless population.
• Policy 7.10.1 - Support transitional housing and homeless shelters.
"Support transitional housing and homeless shelters that help individuals move from crisis to stability."
(Viva Laredo Comprehensive Plan, p. 7.28)
Relevance: The shelter expansion project explicitly aims to increase shelter capacity and services, thereby assisting individuals to transition from crisis to stability.
• Policy 7.10.3 - Collaborate with regional partners to address homelessness.
"Work with service providers, public agencies, and advocacy groups to coordinate and enhance services for the homeless."
(Viva Laredo Comprehensive Plan, p. 7.28)
Relevance: This agreement exemplifies inter-agency collaboration with a trusted non-profit to deliver enhanced homeless services through a long-term public-private partnership.
• Goal 6.8 - Enhance equity and access to services.
"Provide equitable access to housing, public services, and social support for vulnerable populations."
(Viva Laredo Comprehensive Plan, p. 6.32)
Relevance: The low-barrier nature of the shelter expansion promotes inclusive access to essential services for Laredo’s most vulnerable populations.
Summary of Alignemnt
This agenda item exhibits strong alignment with the Viva Laredo Comprehensive Plan’s housing and social services policies, particularly Goal 7.10 and its associated policies. By funding a low-barrier shelter expansion through a multi-year CDBG-supported agreement, the City is actively working to increase capacity and sustainability in its homelessness response network. The proposal is a clear execution of Policy 7.10.1, enhancing the city’s infrastructure for transitional housing and supportive services. It also reflects Goal 6.8 by prioritizing equity in access to services for underserved populations. This initiative strengthens public health, housing stability, and social equity-all vital elements of Laredo’s long-range comprehensive planning vision.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
N/A
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
For City Council to approve this motion.
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Fiscal Impact
Fiscal Year: 2025-2026
Budgeted Y/N?: Y
Source of Funds: CDBG
Account #: 211-9750-533-5579
Change Order: Exceeds 25% Y/N: N
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Funding is available in the Community Development Fund- 50th Action Year Grant. Account 211-9750-533-5579