Title
a. Approve and authorize the Director of the Department of Social Services to sign Amendment 4 to the agreement with United Way Monterey County for administration of the Housing for the Harvest Program to encourage isolation of agriculture and food workers exposed to COVID-19 by adding $224,423 for a total contract amount of $319,368 for the period of May 15, 2021 through April 30, 2022; and
b. Approve and authorize the Director of the Department of Social Services to sign up to (3) amendments to the agreement where the total amendments do not exceed 10% ($31,936) of the total 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 of the Department of Social Services to sign Amendment 4 to the agreement with United Way Monterey County for administration of the Housing for the Harvest Program to encourage isolation of agriculture and food workers exposed to COVID-19 by adding $224,423 for a total contract amount of $319,368 for the period of May 15, 2021 through April 30, 2022; and
b. Approve and authorize the Director of the Department of Social Services to sign up to (3) amendments to the agreement where the total amendments do not exceed 10% ($31,936) of the total contract amount and do not significantly change the scope of work.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
Housing for the Harvest (H4) is a state-wide program for individuals working in the food processing and agriculture industries. The program offers support for safe isolation in the home or at any designated site for those exposed to COVID-19 and may include an incentive of up to $1,000.
Intakes have surged for the program and it is issuing incentives at an increased rate. There are an average of more than 20 guests each day, with a high of up to 30.
The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) offered a County-by-County request to extend the H4H program through April 30, 2022, and Monterey County’s submission of interest was accepted. This request is to amend the current contract so that the safe isolation incentives will continue and provide essential COVID-19 support to the most vulnerable in our communities.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Department of Social Services (DSS) is partnering with the Monterey County Health Department and the Office of Emergency Services (OES). The Auditor Controller and Purchasing have approved this Agreement. County Counsel has approved the Agreement as to form. Due to late submission of this Board Report, the CAO Budget and Analysis Division was not provided adequate time to fully review for potential fiscal, organizational, policy, or other implications to the County of Monterey.
FINANCING:
This Agreement is funded by the CDSS Housing for the Harvest allocation. The Department will be returning to request appropriations at a later date after going to the Budget Committee.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
This action correlates to the Health & Human Services Strategic Initiative adopted by the Board of Supervisors, improving the health of the community by providing support and incentives enabling essential workers to isolate when exposed to COVID-19.
Mark a check to the related Board of Supervisors Strategic Initiatives
__ Economic Development
__ Administration
X Health & Human Services
__ Infrastructure
__ Public Safety
Prepared by: Debra McAlahney, MAIII, x4478
Approved by: Lori A. Medina, Director, x4430
Attachment: Original Agreement
Amendment 1
Amendment 2
Amendment 3
Proposed Amendment 4
The proposed Amendment is on file with the Clerk of the Board as an attachment to this Board Report.