Title
a. Approve and authorize the Director of the Department of Social Services or designee to sign an agreement with the Housing Resource Center of Monterey County to provide housing case management, program housing search, placement support, and rental subsidies for California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs) customers referred by the Department of Social Services for the period of July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027, in the amount of $1,600,000; and
b. Authorize the Director of the Department of Social Services or designee to sign up to three amendments to this Agreement where the total amendments do not exceed 10% ($160,000) of the amended contract amount, do not significantly change the scope of work, and do not exceed the maximum aggregate amount of $1,760,000.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Approve and authorize the Director of the Department of Social Services or designee to sign an agreement with the Housing Resource Center of Monterey County to provide housing case management, program housing search, placement support, and rental subsidies for California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs) customers referred by the Department of Social Services for the period of July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027, in the amount of $1,600,000; and
b. Authorize the Director of the Department of Social Services or designee to sign up to three amendments to this Agreement where the total amendments do not exceed 10% ($160,000) of the amended contract amount, do not significantly change the scope of work, and do not exceed the maximum aggregate amount of $1,760,000.
SUMMARY:
The purpose of this agreement is to provide temporary housing subsidy funding to the Housing Resource Center of Monterey County (HRC) to support CalWORKs customers referred by the Department of Social Services (DSS). Services include housing case management, housing search and placement support, and rental subsidies through the Housing Support (HSP) and Family Stabilization (FS) programs. These efforts aim to assist vulnerable families in securing and maintaining stable housing while working toward self-sufficiency.
DISCUSSION:
The Department of Social Services (DSS) provides intensive case management under the Family Stabilization (FS) program to ensure families achieve a basic level of stability prior to, or alongside, participation in Welfare-to-Work (WTW) activities. The FS program is designed to increase client success within the flexible WTW 24-Month Time Clock by offering enhanced support services that address barriers to self-sufficiency. These services include housing assistance, behavioral health services, domestic violence intervention, legal support, child welfare services, and employment resources.
DSS placements are further supported by HRC through monthly intensive case management, housing search, and landlord engagement provided by experienced Case Managers and Housing Specialists. The program has demonstrated success in helping vulnerable families overcome barriers to achieve stable, permanent housing, including both subsidized and unsubsidized rentals, room shares, and other supportive housing options. HSP specifically promotes housing stability for CalWORKs families as they work toward long-term self-sufficiency.
From July 2025 through March 2026, the HSP and FS programs served a total of 1298 individuals, including 803 children and 495 adults, and successfully transitioned 361 families into permanent housing. During this same period, HRC administered $1.042,761 in direct financial assistance to support rent, security deposits, utilities, moving costs, and other housing-related needs.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT/COMMITTEE ACTIONS:
The Office of County Counsel has reviewed and approved the Agreements as to form, as has the Auditor-Controller’s Office as to financial provisions.
FINANCING:
This agreement is funded by the CalWORKs Housing Support Program and Family Stabilization Program. Sufficient appropriations and estimated revenues for SOC005 are included in the FY 2026-27 Recommended Budget.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS:
This agreement correlates to the Well-Being and Quality of Life Strategic Plan Goal adopted by the Board of Supervisors by supporting the infrastructure for programs that serve the most vulnerable and low-income residents of the Community through Community Action programs.
Mark a check to the related Board of Supervisors Strategic Plan Goals:
_X_ Well-Being and Quality of Life
____ Sustainable Infrastructure for the Present and Future
____ Safe and Resilient Communities
____ Diverse and Thriving Economy
____ Dynamic Organization and Employer of Choice
____ Administrative
Prepared by: Adriana Narez-Tapia, Management Analyst III, x4447
Approved by: Roderick W. Franks, Director, x4430
Attachments: Agreement
The proposed agreement is on file with Clerk of the Board as an attachment to this Board Report.