Title
Approve and authorize the Director of the Department of Social Services to sign the Housing and Disability Income Advocacy Program Funding Request Certification for the period January 1, 2018 through June 30, 2020, for $2,502,000 to assist disabled individuals experiencing homelessness apply for benefit programs while also providing housing assistance.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Approve and authorize the Director of the Department of Social Services to sign the Housing and Disability Income Advocacy Program Funding Request Certification for the period January 1, 2018 through June 30, 2020, for $2,502,000 to assist disabled individuals experiencing homelessness apply for benefit programs while also providing housing assistance.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) recently launched the Housing and Disability Income Advocacy Program (HDAP) pursuant to Assembly Bill (AB) 1603 (Chapter 25, Statutes of 2016). The 2017-18 California State Budget appropriated $43,461,000 for the program over a three- year period. Monterey County is guaranteed an allocation of $568,670, if the County meets all program requirements including a dollar-for-dollar county match of the state funding. The CDSS is encouraging counties to apply above the allocation amount based on need and ability to meet all requirements.
The HDAP will assist the County of Monterey in addressing homelessness for individuals who may be eligible for disability benefits. Outreach, case management, advocacy and housing assistance are the four program components required to be offered to all program participants. The Department of Social Services (DSS) will collaborate with other county departments and community partners to administer the HDAP.
The Department has identified $2,502,000 as potential match funding from existing programs between Social Services, the Health Department, and community partners, with no additional county general fund contributions required. The Department is recommending an application be submitted for $2,502,000 in funding.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Monterey County Health Department has been a key partner in the planning process
FINANCING:
The Department is recommending the HDAP application is submitted for $2,502,000 which is a state allocation with a dollar-for-dollar county match requirement. Matching funds of $834,000 per year have been identified from existing programs and consist of: $389,000 DSS Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Advocacy Program, $200,000 from the Health Department’s Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) revenues, $185,000 from the Community, and $60,000 from General Assistance payments. Once the State notifies counties on the total amount of HDAP state funding, the Department will return to the Board of Supervisors to make budget modifications.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
This agreement correlates to the Health & Human Services Strategic Initiative adopted by the Board of Supervisors by allowing the Department to improve the quality of life for individuals who are disabled and 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: Margaret Huffman, Program Manager, x4435
Approved by: Elliott Robinson, Director, x4430