Title
a. Approve and authorize the Public Defender, Assistant Public Defender, or designee to execute a Standard Agreement with Step Up on Second Street, Inc. for $1,000,000 to provide Board of State and Community Corrections Proposition 47 Cohort IV grant funded housing services in Monterey County, with a term of July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2028; and
b. Authorize the Public Defender, Assistant Public Defender, or designee to execute up to five (5) future amendments to this Agreement, where the amendments do not alter the not-to-exceed of $1,000,000 and do not significantly alter the scope of work.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Approve and authorize the Public Defender, Assistant Public Defender, or designee to execute a Standard Agreement with Step Up on Second Street, Inc. for $1,000,000 to provide Board of State and Community Corrections Proposition 47 Cohort IV grant funded housing services in Monterey County, with a term of July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2028; and
b. Authorize the Public Defender, Assistant Public Defender, or designee to execute up to five (5) future amendments to this Agreement, where the amendments do not alter the not-to-exceed of $1,000,000 and do not significantly alter the scope of work.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
On November 12, 2024, per Board Order No. A-17152, the County of Monterey Board of Supervisors authorized the Office of the Public Defender to accept an $8,000,000 Proposition 47 Cohort IV Grant (Prop. 47) award from the Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) and authorized execution of the associated grant agreement to fund mental health services, substance use disorder services, housing related assistance, community-based supportive services, and additional prevention/early intervention diversion services to Prop. 47 eligible adults and juveniles.
Step Up on Second Street, Inc. (Step Up) is a nonprofit organization providing compassionate support to individuals experiencing serious mental health issues and chronic homelessness. Step Up offers a range of housing and support services to help individuals stabilize, reintegrate into the community, and thrive in recovery. With their proven track record of working with the Prop. 47 target population-and navigating the significant housing barriers facing this population-Step Up is an ideal partner to amplify impact of Prop. 47 funding throughout Monterey County.
This Agreement with Step Up establishes the framework for delivering comprehensive housing services-including rental assistance, rehousing, temporary housing costs, housing search and placement assistance, and housing case management-for eligible Prop. 47 participants. It directly addresses critical housing gaps and improves access for a historically underserved population that is often excluded from traditional housing resources. With the provision of stable housing and wraparound support for eligible justice-impacted individuals, this Agreement directly advances the County’s goals of reducing recidivism, enhancing public safety, and fostering long-term stability and recovery for the Prop. 47 population.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
County Counsel and the Auditor-Controller’s Office have reviewed and approved as to form.
FINANCING:
There will be no impact to the General Fund from this action. This Agreement is funded by Proposition 47 Cohort IV Grant funding. The Proposition 47 Cohort IV Grant does not require matching funds.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
Economic Development
X Administration
X Health and Human Services
Infrastructure
X Public Safety
Prepared by: Ashley English, Management Analyst III, x5543
Approved by: Susan E. Chapman, Public Defender, x5806
Attachments:
Attachment A: Agreement with Step Up on Second Street, Inc.
Attachment B: Completed Board Order No. A-17152