HomeMy WebLinkAboutOshkosh ARPA Application 2024 final with attachments 1
American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)
Funding Application for
Non-Profit Entities, Community Groups, and Neighborhood Associations
Due Date: March 1, 2024, 4:30 PM
Application must be completed in full to be considered.
Submit complete application & budget sheet electronically to citymgr@oshkoshwi.gov -or-
Mail - City Manager’s Office, 215 Church Ave – PO Box 1130, Oshkosh WI 54903-1130 -or-
Place in City Hall Dropbox
Attachments, brochures or other materials may be included as part of the application packet.
Application Review Criteria
The electronic version (including email message and all attachments) cannot exceed 10 MB
GENERAL INFORMATION
1. Name of Project/Program:
2. Organization Name:
3. Address:
4. Primary Contact Person:
5. Title: Phone:
6. E-mail
7. If applicable: Federal Tax Identification Number:
8. If applicable: DUNS number:
Provide Mission Statement/Purpose:
PROPOSAL OVERVIEW – must match Budget Overview sheet
Funds Requested Total Project Cost Annual Organizational Budget
$ $ $
Infrastructure Investment for COTS Oshkosh Transitional Shelter
COTS, Inc.
1158 N. Koeller St, Oshkosh, WI 54902
Cindy Sahotsky
Executive Director 920-205-6128
csahotsky@appletoncots.org
39-1913179
200,000 200,000
N/A
580,340
COTS' missions is to end homelessness in the Fox Valley. We provide transitional shelter to men, women, young adults aging out of foster care, and veterans experiencing homelessness.Our goal is to end homelessness by enabling individuals to transition to self-sufficiency and stable independent living. COTS bridges the gap between emergency/crisis care and indepen-dent housing. Our focus is to prevent another incidence of homelessness.
2
PROPOSAL DETAILS
(Please limit to 700 words)
1. PROGRAM/PROJECT APPROACH – include the following details, as applicable:
a) Briefly describe the program/project you are requesting funds for.
b) Describe the need for your program/project.
c) Identify any other organizations in Oshkosh that address this need.
d) Describe your level of collaboration with other agencies on this project.
e) Is this a new, existing, or changed program?
f) Specifically, what will you use ARPA funds for?
g) Who will benefit and how?
h) How will you prevent the duplication of benefits to end users?
i) How many individuals/families will be served by this program/project?
j) How will these funds help you respond to, or recover from COVID-19?
k) For existing programs: How many people were served during the last program
year? How many were from the City of Oshkosh?
l) If existing, describe measurable impact has the program achieved to date (with
examples)
2. PROJECT OUTCOMES
a) If this is a continuing activity, describe a measurable outcome of your previous
year's work regardless of funding source.
b) Describe two anticipated measurable outcomes for your proposed
project/program.
c) Describe (if applicable) how proposed use of funds may achieve sustainability
objectives as described in the City’s Sustainability Plan.
d) Describe (if applicable) how project and proposed use of funds will benefit
underrepresented or marginalized individuals/groups, and/or achieve objectives
contained in the City’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Plan.
3. DESCRIBE THE AGENCY'S AUDITING AND FISCAL CONTROLS
a) Briefly describe your agency's fiscal oversight / internal controls to minimize
opportunities for fraud, waste and mismanagement.
b) How does your agency plan to segregate ARPA funds from other agency funds
for purposes of identification, tracking, reporting and audit?
4. CONTINGENCY PLAN
a) If your grant request is not fully funded, what adjustments are you prepared to
make?
5. PROJECT BUDGET
a) Briefly explain project revenues and expenses related to this proposal. This
should match with the Budget Overview sheet.
b) Be specific about how ARPA dollars would be spent.
c) Provide details about how funds would be used by December 31, 2024.
PLEASE COMPLETE THE ATTACHED BUDGET OVERVIEW AND SUBMIT
WITH YOUR APPLICATION.
3
BUDGET OVERVIEW / INCOME AND EXPENSES
ORGANIZATION NAME: ____________________________________________________
REVENUE SOURCE PROJECTIONS
Estimated
Funding for this Project/Program
Proposed ARPA Funding
Other Government Grants - list:
OACF Funding
OAUW Funding
Donations/Other Fundraising
Internal/Self-Funding
Other – list:
TOTAL REVENUES $
EXPENSES
REGULAR OPERATING
EXPENSES
Project/Program
Budget
(PROPOSED)
Salaries/Benefits
Occupancy
Professional Fees/
Contracted Services
Program/Office Materials
Marketing/Printing
Professional Development
Supplies/Materials
Other – list:
Other – list:
Other – list:
COVID RELATED EXPENSES
(please identify)
Other
Other
Other
TOTAL EXPENSES $
NOTE: Revenues and Expenses must balance
200,000
200,000
COTS, Inc.
Oshkosh COTS Expansion
Living Room Electrical - $25,000
Living Room Furniture - $20,000
Van - $25,000
Fencing/Security Cameras - $10,000
Bike garage/cement pad - $15,000
Kitchen Appliances - $20,000
Kitchen Electrical/Plumbing - $55,000
Kitchen Renovation - $30,000
200,000
PROPOSAL DETAILS (Please limit to 700 words) 1. PROGRAM/PROJECT APPROACH – include the following details, as applicable:
In 2019, the Oshkosh Area Community Foundation requested that the Appleton COTS program expand its transitional shelter services to Oshkosh. The shelter, housed in a former Father Carr building, opened in 2022 to serve 10 Winnebago county residents experiencing homelessness. In 2023, COTS expanded the capacity to serve 20 residents. The current plan for 2024 is to update the
building and double its current capacity to serve 40 Winnebago county residents. This expansion
requires renovations to the current facility including electrical and plumbing improvements, new furnishings, additional appliances, and an additional vehicle. Oshkosh COTS is a transitional shelter serving single men experiencing homelessness. COTS is the
bridge from crisis care to permanent independent housing. Individuals experiencing homelessness
have multiple barriers preventing independent living. We facilitate a path to self-sufficiency through whole person care and programming focused on four key areas: housing stability, employment/education, well-being (medical, dental, and behavioral health), and prosocial activities. COTS collaborates with several local agencies for referrals and human services.
Residents can live at COTS for up to two years. They receive housing, food, basic needs, and life skills training, while addressing the barriers that lead them to homelessness. The goal is to strengthen their ability to obtain and maintain independent housing. Residents who obtain independent housing are followed for three years to encourage their success. Currently, 90% of the
residents who leave our Appleton COTS location have maintained independent housing and
contributed as taxpayers in their community. There are currently over 400+ adults experiencing homelessness in the Oshkosh community. Oshkosh continues to see a steady increase of people living in poverty since the COVID-19
pandemic. Current economic conditions, including prohibitive housing and rental costs, exacerbate
the barriers to finding affordable shelter. While the Oshkosh community has services for temporary housing, an emergency shelter, and domestic abuse services, COTS is the only transitional shelter program in the area to serve individuals who need help to make the leap to independent housing.
According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, the average cost to taxpayers for a person
experiencing homelessness is $35,000. The expansion to 40 residents would result in a cost avoidance of $1,400,000 to the Oshkosh Community. To expand the Oshkosh COTS program to serve 40 residents, the current facility requires renovations
and updates. The building is sufficiently constructed and equipped to serve 20 residents. Oshkosh
COTS is requesting $200,000 from the ARPA funds to renovate the current COTS shelter to meet the growing needs of the community. The funds would be used for:
• The kitchen requires new/additional appliances, including three large-capacity refrigerators,
stoves, microwaves, and dishwashers. Electrical and plumbing need to be enhanced to
safely support the increased loads.
• Living rooms on the first and second floors require electrical modifications to install overhead lighting. This is a safety concern, as there is currently no overhead lighting in
these areas. Furnishings are needed including furniture, lamps, task/office furniture, and additional televisions.
• A van to transport residents to community resources and activities. A garage is needed to store bicycles that many residents use as transportation to their jobs and community
resources. Fencing around the property and security cameras are necessary to ensure the
safety and security of our residents.
2. PROJECT OUTCOMES
This project will allow Oshkosh COTS to increase capacity to 40 residents in 2024. It will provide safe
and stable temporary housing, food, and basic needs for more of our community’s most vulnerable,
including those in underrepresented and marginalized groups. Oshkosh COTS serves approximately
60 individuals each year as they work to obtain independent housing and self-sufficiency.
Our goal is for 65% of residents to leave the COTS program and move into safe and stable housing.
This goal is high for transitional housing outcomes compared to national levels. Oshkosh COTS is
currently at 43%.
COTS aftercare program provides follow-along services for three years post-discharge to provide
case management, assistance, and ongoing barrier removal as well as coordination of preventative
care and connections needed to ensure self-sufficiency. Our goal is that 90% of those that graduate from our program remain in stable and independent housing. COTS Oshkosh currently has four individuals in the aftercare program, all of whom are maintaining independent housing.
3. DESCRIBE THE AGENCY'S AUDITING AND FISCAL CONTROLS
COTS is audited by an independent accounting firm each year. Standard accounting principles and measures are in place and followed to minimize opportunities for fraud, waste, and mismanagement. If we are fortunate enough to receive ARPA funds from this grant, they would be restricted to this
project. Restricted funds and expenses are tracked separately via accounting software. 4. CONTINGENCY PLAN
If this grant request is not fully funded, there will be a delay in our ability to double capacity and
provide additional services to individuals experiencing homelessness in the Oshkosh community. COTS is funded through a combination of resident program fees, private donors, and grant opportunities to support our programming efforts. COTS does not participate in United Way or
Federal Funding. Funds for the project would need to be secured through additional fundraising
efforts from individual and corporate donors, many of whom already support our programming efforts. 5. PROJECT BUDGET
Oshkosh Expansion Column1
Kitchen Renovation $ 30,000
Kitchen Electrical Upgrade $ 25,000
Kitchen Plumbing Upgrade $ 30,000
Kitchen Appliances $ 20,000
Bike Garage and Cement Pad $ 15,000
Fencing $ 5,000
Security Cameras $ 5,000
Van $ 25,000
Living Rooms Electrical $ 25,000
Living Rooms Furniture $ 20,000
Total $ 200,000
COTS OSHKOSH
BASIC AND OPERATIONAL NEEDS BUDGET
2024
REVENUE SOURCE AMOUNT
Program Fees $43,933
Projected Contributions $336,401
ARPA Funds $200,000
TOTAL REVENUE $580,334
EXPENDITURES AMOUNT
Salaries $187,245
Benefits $24,364
Program Supplies & Equipment $228,080
Facility Maintenance & Repairs $41,700
Utilities/Insurance $53,000
Facility Rent $36,000
Professional fees, Software, & Licenses $7,905
Barrier Removal $2,040
TOTAL EXPENDITURES $580,334
Impact
Report
2023
Ending
Homelessness
in the Fox Valley
Our Mission
Our mission
is to end homelessness
in the Fox Valley.
We approach our mission by helping individuals
to transition to self-sufficiency and independent living.
We accomplish this by focusing on 4 areas key to leaving
homelessness for good: stable housing, employment/
education, pro-social connections, and well-being
(physical, dental, and behavioral health).
~ Former Resident
Sch
F
83,139
Employment
Hours Volunteering,
DOORS, Church,
Group Activities
2,197 16,484
Well-Being Social
Hours Medical, Connections
Our Impact
90%
Remain Stably Housed
3 Years+ Follow Along Services
Dental & Behavioral
Health Services
18,145
Safe Transitional
Shelter Nights
Hours Work,
ool, Living Skills,
inancial Literacy
55,432
Meals
Provided
Residential Programs
Individuals who struggle with homelessness in the Fox Cities often
experience multi-faceted barriers to independence, such as mental health
issues, unemployment, substance use issues, social isolation, and high
housing costs. Other housing providers serve emergency, crisis needs or
permanent, subsidized rentals. Many people experiencing homelessness
struggle to move from emergency shelter to independent housing.
We are the “bridge” from crisis care to permanent independent living.
We provide transitional shelter to over 85 individuals on a daily basis with
programs focused on serving men, women, young adults and veterans. Our
goal is to end homelessness by assisting individuals to transition to self-
sufficiency and independent living.
COTS has 5 programs that focus on addressing the root causes of
homelessness:
• Single Men - Appleton Campus
• Single Women - Appleton Campus
• Single Men - Oshkosh Campus
• Young Adults (ages 18-24) / Veterans
• Monroe House - “next step” transition for graduate residents who still
face multiple barriers to market rate housing
COTS collaborates with over 30 other
agencies to identify potential residents,
remove barriers to homelessness and
assist people to move forward with
ongoing success plans.
A Holistic Approach
We accomplish our mission by focusing on four key areas to leaving
homelessness for good.
personal responsibility
obtaining/maintaining
employment
decision making for self
management
money management
connection to
higher education
personal care
food, shelter, hygiene products,
furnishings, household products
. residents can live at COTS
for up to 2 years, with an
additional 3 years of
up
schedule 40 hours
of meaningful/
healthy activity
each week including
volunteer work
church and spirituality
connections
community building; DOORS
dental & behavioral
health services
AODA recovery and relapse
prevention
assist with obtaining health
insurance
Positive Placement Focus
COTS Positive Placement (aftercare) Program is designed with a focus to
prevent another incident of homelessness for each resident at COTS. The key
areas – stable housing, employment and education, pro-social connections,
and well-being (physical, dental, and behavioral) are essential to providing a
holistic program for each individual.
Comprehensive safety/exit planning ensures smooth transition and stability
for residents prior to leaving COTS. For 3 years, periodic check-ins are
provided for case management, assistance, and ongoing barrier removal as
well as coordination of preventative care and connections needed to ensure
self-sufficiency.
56%
56% of residents moved
out of COTS and into safe,
stable and independent
housing
90%
90% of former residents
in our 3-year Aftercare
Program maintain safe,
stable and independent
housing
Our Story
2024 COTS Oshkosh Expansion
COTS Oshkosh program expanding to serve up to 40 community members
2018
Monroe House
Provides housing for former residents who continue to face multiple barriers to market-rate housing
2016
On-site Health Clinic
Launched in collaboration with
Partnership Community Health
Center to provide primary care, dental care and behavioral health services
2012
Young Adults (18-24) Program
Created to reach youth aging out of foster care and other juvenile systems
2005
Introduced Women’s Program
Women’s Program added
2020
COTS Oshkosh
Established COTS Oshkosh Campus to serve individuals in Winnebago and Green Lake Counties
2017
Expanded Positive Placement Program
Expanded from 2 to 3 years to
support residents and improve recidivism rates
2014
Veterans Program
Veterans’ housing combined with Young Adults (18-24) housing— provides opportunities to mentor younger residents
2010 Positive Placement Program
Support residents transitioning to permanent housing by providing case management, assistance, and ongoing barrier removal
1998 COTS Founded
Men’s Program founded by the late Reverend Orville Janssen
819 S. West Avenue Appleton, WI 54915
(920) 734-3609
info@apppletoncots.org
www.appletoncots.org