Title
a. Approve and authorize the Director or Assistant Director of the Department of Social Services to sign an agreement with Orphan Productions to administer the Safe Parking and Supportive Services Program, with a contract total $220,330 for the period of July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023; and
b. Authorize the Director or Assistant Director of the Department of Social Services to sign up to (3) amendments to this agreement where the total amendments do not exceed 10% ($22,033) 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 an agreement with Orphan Productions to administer the Safe Parking and Supportive Services Program, with a contract total $220,330 for the period of July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023; and
b. Authorize the Director or Assistant Director of the Department of Social Services to sign up to (3) amendments to this agreement where the total amendments do not exceed 10% ($22,033) of the contract amount and do not significantly change the scope of work.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
This agreement provides for the continued operation of the Monterey County’s Safe Parking Program, which provides safe parking and case management supportive services for individuals living in their vehicles. Increasing numbers of homeless individuals in the County are living in their vehicles as a last resort form of housing. Vehicles provide a sense of security for persons experiencing homelessness, as they help alleviate fears that are commonly associated with living on the streets or in a shelter. Vehicle dwelling by persons experiencing homelessness is scattered throughout the County, with limited locations to park their vehicles and/or RV’s.
The Monterey County Safe Parking Program opened in December 2017 at a County owned parking lot in Marina in response to concerns/complaints of overnight parking occurring in neighborhoods and County roads. Use of the Safe Parking and Supportive Services Program has been continuous.
The program expanded to a church parking lot in Seaside in April 2020. Because the Seaside site is small and cannot accommodate R.V.’s, a site in Marina was located and continues to be utilized until an alternative location can be confirmed. The contractor is actively seeking locations in Monterey County that are appropriate and receptive to hosting a safe parking site, while the Monterey County Public Works, Facilities and Parks Department has been assisting in the location search.
Safe Parking and Supportive Services Program administrators have worked towards bringing the current service structure into compliance with specific state funding sources that require “Housing First” practices and utilization of the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) such as the Homeless Housing Assistance and Prevention (HHAP) program. Additionally, full-time on-site security during the program hours at the Marina site is included in the contract to deter unauthorized vehicles, loitering, and safe egress from the fenced program space. However, this program structure requires over 50% of the contract budget go towards security costs. When an alternative parking site is identified, the goal is to reinvest some of the security budget into optimizing program needs. Portable hygiene and garbage facilities are provided at both locations.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Department of Social Services (DSS) has collaborated with County Counsel and Public Works, Facilities and Parks. The Auditor-Controller and Purchasing have reviewed and approved this Agreement. County Counsel has approved the Agreement as to form.
FINANCING:
This Agreement is funded with Homeless, Housing Assistance and Prevention (HHAP) Program Round 1 ($45,330) and Round 3 ($175,000) County allocations. Sufficient appropriations and estimated revenues in SOC004 are included in the FY22-23 Recommended Budget.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
This program correlates to the Health & Human Services Strategic Initiative adopted by the Board of Supervisors by working towards the goals of improving the health and quality of life outcomes for individuals and families experiencing homelessness.
Mark a check to the related Board of Supervisors Strategic Initiatives:
__Economic Development
__Administration
X Health & Human Services
__Infrastructure
__Public Safety
Prepared by: Lauren Suwansupa, x8492
Approved by: Lori A. Medina, Director, x4430
Attachment: Agreement
The proposed agreement is on file with the Clerk of the Board as an attachment to this Board Report.