title
Authorization to execute an Intergovernmental Agreement with the Chicago Department of Family and Support Services.
presenter
Presenter: Mary Howard, Chief Administrative & Resident Services Officer
end
Recommendation
The Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) of the Chicago Housing Authority (“CHA”) recommends that the CHA Board of Commissioners (“Board”) approve an Intergovernmental Agreement (“IGA”) with Chicago Department of Family and Support Services (“DFSS”) for a two-year base term from January 1, 2027, through December 31, 2028, for an approximate value of $11,291,840 to provide support services for Chicago Housing Authority residents.
The requested action complies in all material respects with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, and CHA policies. CHA staff has completed all necessary due diligence to support the submission of this initiative.
Funding
MTW Funds
Background
Since 2008, CHA has partnered with DFSS to deliver a wide range of supportive services to CHA households. This collaboration enables both agencies to strategically enhance senior services and strengthen youth programming by aligning operations, resources and service delivery.
Through the Golden Diners Program, senior residents enjoy nutritious meals and social connection at community dining sites throughout Chicago. Specific to this IGA, DFSS provides free meals at 20 CHA senior buildings. During the current IGA term (2025-2026), more than 228,000 Golden Diners meals have been served. These services will continue through the 2027-2028 IGA term, which includes funding support for DFSS staff to oversee congregate meal sites located within CHA senior buildings.
The IGA with DFSS also offers an opportunity to streamline Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) services. SYEP is part of the Mayor’s Chicago Youth Works initiative, which brings together government institutions, community-based organizations, and companies to offer over 30,000 employment and internship opportunities to youth and young adults. SYEP is a six-week program that typical operates from late June through early August, offering meaningful, paid work and skill development for youth ages 16 - 24.
Rather than administering a separate SYEP program for CHA youth, CHA will leverage DFSS’ existing SYEP infrastructure. This coordinated approach provides a clear, unified enrollment process for CHA youth and connects them to DFSS delegate agencies with demonstrated experience delivering high-quality summer employment opportunities to tens of thousands of young people each summer.
Expected Outcomes Under New IGA
|
Metric |
Annual Goal |
|
Number of Golden Diners Meals Served |
170,000 |
|
Number of CHA Youth Participating in Summer Youth Employment Program |
1,600 |
Respectfully Submitted:
______________________
Keith Pettigrew
Chief Executive Officer