Title
a. Approve and authorize the Director or Assistant Director of the Department of Social Services to sign amendment #1 to Agreement #5010-197 with the City of Salinas to provide non-congregate shelter, wrap around services, and rapid re-housing to individuals experiencing homelessness, extending the term through June 30, 2023, and adding $2,062,293 for a revised total contract amount of $3,858,925; and
b. Authorize the Director or Assistant Director of the Department of Social Services to sign up to three (3) amendments to this Agreement where the total amendments do not exceed 10% ($385,892) of the contract amount and do not significantly change the scope of work.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Approve and authorize the Director or Assistant Director of the Department of Social Services to sign amendment #1 to Agreement #5010-197 with the City of Salinas to provide non-congregate shelter, wrap around services, and rapid re-housing to individuals experiencing homelessness, extending the term through June 30, 2023, and adding $2,062,293 for a revised total contract amount of $3,858,925; and
b. Authorize the Director or Assistant Director of the Department of Social Services to sign up to three (3) amendments to this Agreement where the total amendments do not exceed 10% ($385,892) of the contract amount and do not significantly change the scope of work.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The proposed amendment would continue Project Roomkey (PRK) in Monterey County in collaboration with the City of Salinas (City) for one additional year, and add unspent County American Rescue Plan (ARPA) funds originally intended for Project Roomkey in FY2020-21 to roll over into FY 2022-23 operations. The project began November 2021 and is currently operating as a scattered site motel model with locations in Salinas and Marina. The City is providing program oversight by coordinating procedures, enforcing program guidelines and providing any other administration of daily operations. Services are subcontracted to the same experienced partners involved in the previous program and include intensive case management and housing navigation for those staying in the motel rooms. Case management services are provided by California State University Monterey Bay (CSUMB) Community Health and Engagement (CHE) and include engagement, housing preparation, stabilization, and crisis planning. The CHE case managers also serve as the point of contact between the households and Central Coast Center for Independent Living (CCCIL), who provides rapid rehousing services to transition from a motel room to permanent housing or an alternative housing project.
The Project Roomkey initiative was created to provide non-congregate shelter options (e.g., hotels, motels, trailers) to individuals experiencing homelessness. Priority is given to those who are COVID-positive or known to have been exposed to COVID but who do not require hospitalization, and those with high-risk factors for severe illness such as being over 65 years of age and/or having chronic health conditions. The goal of this effort is to protect human life and minimize strain on health care system capacity. The County of Monterey successfully operated a Project Roomkey program under County oversight, as well as a version under contract with the Coalition of Homeless Services Providers (CHSP). Due to capacity concerns, CHSP declined to continue management of the operation and program ended on August 31, 2021.
Due to the significant emergency shelter need, Monterey County has almost no vacant beds in the shelter system. For example, the Salinas Housing Advancement, Resources and Education (SHARE) Center has a waiting list of over 500 individuals. The homeless situation has worsened during the pandemic, especially with continued limitations on congregant living in shelters. This is particularly concerning for those at high risk for medical complications were they to become infected with COVID-19.
The City of Salinas will continue to commit City American Rescue Plan Act funding as well as newly awarded Encampment Resolution Grant funds towards this project. This collaboration is essential as Monterey County’s sole contribution would not be able to sustain the costs of operating the program at the capacity at which community demand has indicated. The program maintains an ongoing waitlist of vulnerable residents seeking this crucial non-congregate shelter opportunity. By combining resources, greater program sustainability can be achieved.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Department of Social Services has collaborated with the City of Salinas, CSUMB Community Health and Engagement, Central Coast Center for Independent Living, the Coalition of Homeless Services Providers, the Office of Emergency Services, and the Health Department to establish and support this program. The Auditor-Controller and Purchasing have reviewed and approved this Agreement. County Counsel has approved the Agreement as to form.
FINANCING:
This Amendment is funded through County American Rescue Plan Act funds. Sufficient appropriations and estimated revenues are included in the Community Programs 001-5010-SOC004-8258 FY2022-23 Recommended Budget.
The Governor’s May Revised proposes additional Homeless funding that may become available in the upcoming budget if adopted, and there are also State discussions around rolling over unspent Project Roomkey funding to the next fiscal year. For Project Roomkey, it is estimated that Monterey County may have approximately $500,000 of unspent State funds that could potentially roll over to FY 2022-23. The Board of Supervisors, during the Budget Hearings, requested that if additional funding becomes available for Project Roomkey activities, the Department will utilize those funds and free up the more flexible ARPA funds.
The City of Salinas originally committed $3 million of American Rescue Plan Act funding towards this project and, due to a slow ramp-up period, will continue using funds into the next FY. Additionally, a portion of the City’s newly awarded Encampment Resolution Grant funds will also be used to support motel rooms served under this program strategy.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
This agreement correlates to the Public Safety, Health & Human Services, and Administration Strategic Initiatives adopted by the Board of Supervisors by providing access to non-congregate shelter to reduce the risk and spread of COVID-19 to high-risk individuals experiencing homelessness.
Mark a check to the related Board of Supervisors Strategic Initiatives
__Economic Development
X Administration
X Health & Human Services
__Infrastructure
__Public Safety
Prepared by: Lauren Suwansupa, Community Affiliation Manager, x8492
Approved by: Lori A. Medina, Director, x4430
Attachment: Original Agreement
Proposed Amendment #1
Proposed amendment is on file with Clerk to the Board as an attachment to this Board Report.