Label
Code Blue
Department of Housing and Community Development
Rosalyn Clemens (x3647)
Revised
Title
Authorizing the expenditure of $80,000 from the General Fund to provide funding support for Code Blue Cold Weather Response Initiative; authorizing the Mayor to enter into a donation agreement with the Toledo Lucas County Homelessness Board; and declaring an emergency.
Body
SUMMARY & BACKGROUND:
During the coldest months, Toledo’s most vulnerable populations, including families with young children, face severe risks from exposure to extreme cold. Toledo has witnessed a rise in homeless encampments, mothers and children sleeping in vehicles, and overwhelming requests for emergency housing assistance, many of which go unmet. It is expected that the need will only increase due to the cutting of many federal programs. In fact, local shelters are experiencing a 100% occupancy rate during summer months. The Code Blue Cold Weather Response Initiative aims to mitigate these risks by providing overnight Warming Centers along with transportation to these centers through the Ride United program. This program will operate from December 15, 2025, through April 15, 2026, targeting critical cold weather months. Code Blue will be activated by the City of Toledo or the Toledo Lucas County Homeless Board when outside temperatures reach 15⁰. This Ordinance authorizes the expenditure of $80,000 to support the initiative during the upcoming 2025-2026 winter.
Summary
NOW THEREFORE Be it ordained by the Council of the City of Toledo:
SECTION 1. That the expenditure of $80,000 is authorized from the General Fund Account Code 1001-16100-5632005STDSTD to provide funding support for the Code Blue Cold Weather Response Initiative.
SECTION 2. That the Mayor is authorized to enter into a donation agreement with the Toledo Lucas County Homelessness Board for the purposes authorized in Section 1, upon terms and conditions acceptable to the Director of Housing and Community Development and the Director of Law.
SECTION 3. That the Finance Director is authorized to draw their warrant or warrants against the above-mentioned Account Code in an amount not to exceed $80,000 in payment of the above-authorized obligations upon presentation of the proper voucher or vouchers.
SECTION 4. That this Ordinance is declared to be an emergency measure and shall be in force and effect from and after its passage. The reason for the emergency lies in the fact that it is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, safety, and property, and in order for the City to timely provide funding support to Toledo’s most vulnerable populations during the winter of 2025-2026.
Vote on emergency clause: yeas _____, nays _____.
Passed: _________________, as an emergency measure: yeas _____, nays _____.
Attest: ________________________ __________________________________
Clerk of Council President of Council
Approved: _____________________ __________________________________
Mayor
I hereby certify that the above is a true and correct copy of an Ordinance passed by Council ________________________.
Attest: ________________________
Clerk of Council