Title
a. Authorize the Department of Social Services to negotiate an agreement with the Franciscan Workers of Junipero Serra to extend operations of the Dorothy’s Place Drop-In Center and case management services from 4 hours per day, 5 days per week to 10.5 hours per day, 7 days per week at a cost not to exceed $114,129 for extended hours through March 31, 2016;
b. Authorize the Department of Social Services to support Outreach Unlimited in expanding the Interfaith Homeless Emergency Lodging Program (I-HELP) on the Monterey Peninsula by up to 50 beds through March 31, 2016 in an amount not to exceed $38,000;
c. Authorize $76,065 of General Fund Contingencies to fund these extended homeless services during the inclement weather period through March 31, 2016;
d. Authorize the Auditor-Controller to amend the FY 2015-16 adopted budget for the Department of Social Services (001-5010-SOC004-8258) by increasing appropriations by $152,129 (4/5ths vote);
e. Authorize the Auditor-Controller to amend the FY 2015-16 adopted budget for the County Administrative Office by decreasing appropriations of $76,064 for the Department of Social Services General Assistance Unit 001-5010-SOC002-8253 (4/5ths vote required);
f. Authorize the Auditor-Controller to amend the FY 2015-16 adopted budget for the County Administrative Office by decreasing appropriations for General Fund Contingencies 001-1050-CAO020-8034 by $76,065 (4/5ths vote required); and,
g. Authorize the Department of Social Services to work with other local jurisdictions and private funders to match the $76,065 allocation of General Fund Contingencies for these programs. (ADDED VIA ADDENDUM)
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Authorize the Department of Social Services to negotiate an agreement with the Franciscan Workers of Junipero Serra to extend operations of the Dorothy’s Place Drop-In Center and case management services from 4 hours per day, 5 days per week to 10.5 hours per day, 7 days per week at a cost not to exceed $114,129 for extended hours through March 31, 2016;
b. Authorize the Department of Social Services to support Outreach Unlimited in expanding the Interfaith Homeless Emergency Lodging Program (I-HELP) on the Monterey Peninsula by up to 50 beds through March 31, 2016 in an amount not to exceed $38,000;
c. Authorize $76,065 of General Fund Contingencies to fund these extended homeless services during the inclement weather period through March 31, 2016;
d. Authorize the Auditor-Controller to amend the FY 2015-16 adopted budget for the Department of Social Services (001-5010-SOC004-8258) by increasing appropriations by $152,129 (4/5ths vote);
e. Authorize the Auditor-Controller to amend the FY 2015-16 adopted budget for the County Administrative Office by decreasing appropriations of $76,064 for the Department of Social Services General Assistance Unit 001-5010-SOC002-8253 (4/5ths vote required);
f. Authorize the Auditor-Controller to amend the FY 2015-16 adopted budget for the County Administrative Office by decreasing appropriations for General Fund Contingencies 001-1050-CAO020-8034 by $76,065 (4/5ths vote required); and,
g. Authorize the Department of Social Services to work with other local jurisdictions and private funders to match the $76,065 allocation of General Fund Contingencies for these programs.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
On November 17th, your Board approved recommendations to fund a Coordinated Assessment and Referral System for Homeless Services in Monterey County. During Board comments direction was provided to explore options to expand the availability and hours of operation for warming services. In partnership with local homeless services providers and the Coalition of Homeless Services Providers three short term options have emerged:
1. Expand the hours of operation for Dorothy's Place Drop-In Center (day shelter and case management) from 4 hours/day, 5 days/week to 10.5 hours/day, 7 days/week. This supports opening at 7:30 am until 6:00 pm (one hour before Women Alive Emergency Shelter opens in the same space) all week, instead of operating only from 9:00 am until 1:00 pm, 5 days per week. This extension of hours through March 31, 2016 will provide for a warm, dry shelter during the day with meals, showers, restrooms, laundry, mail, phone, clothing, and hygiene supplies in the same facility. It also provides for expanded case management services with the goal of using the inclement weather as motivation for some to seek a way out of encampment living. The estimated cost of this is $114,129.
2. Work with the Interfaith Homeless Emergency Lodging Program (I-HELP) on the Monterey Peninsula operated by Outreach Unlimited to pursue an expansion of capacity by 50 beds for the period February 1, 2016 through March 31, 2016.
3. Expand the hours of operation for the Salinas Winter Warming Shelter by two hours in the morning so that shelter is open from 6:00 pm to 8:00 am. On December 4th, the City of Salinas amended their contract with Community Homeless Solution to achieve this extension. Department of Social Services will share in the increased cost ($4,800) with a 50/50 split. No further action from the Board of Supervisors is necessary to implement these extended hours for the Salinas Warming Shelter.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Department of Social Services and the County Administrative Officer have been partnering with the Coalition of Homeless Services Providers and local jurisdictions impacted by homelessness to expand shelter and warming options during the inclement weather season.
FINANCING:
The estimated total cost for implementing these contracts with the Franciscan Workers of Junipero Serra and Outreach Unlimited is $152,129. A County General Fund discretionary contribution of $76,065 from Contingencies is requested to fund these service expansions. The Department of Social Services will work with other local jurisdictions and private funders to match these funds. In the event matching funds are not available, funding from the County’s General Assistance entitlement budget will be used to assure a balanced budget.
General Fund Operational Contingencies are sourced with one-time funding. Any use of General Fund Contingencies may require reductions in other programs to continue the program. FY2015-16 budgeted General Fund Contingencies are $5,399,351. Thus far, transfers in the amount of $4,316,535 from the General Fund Contingencies have been approved by the Board in FY 2015-16. With this requested action and the Monterey County Water Resources Agency Interlake Tunnel Project approved, the remaining General Fund Operational Contingencies would be $35,751.
Approved by: Elliott Robinson, Director Social Services, x4434