Title
a. Approve and authorize the Director or designee of the Department of Social Services to sign an agreement with Community Human Services for operation of an emergency shelter for homeless women and families with children for the period July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026, in the amount of $100,000; and
b. Authorize the Director or designee of the Department of Social Services to sign up to three amendments to this Agreement where the total amendments do not exceed 10% ($10,000) of the amended contract amount, do not significantly change the scope of work, and do not exceed the maximum aggregate amount of $110,000.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Approve and authorize the Director or designee of the Department of Social Services to sign an agreement with Community Human Services for operation of an emergency shelter for homeless women and families with children for the period July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026, in the amount of $100,000; and
b. Authorize the Director or designee of the Department of Social Services to sign up to three amendments to this Agreement where the total amendments do not exceed 10% ($10,000) of the amended contract amount, do not significantly change the scope of work, and do not exceed the maximum aggregate amount of $110,000.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The purpose of this agreement is to provide supplemental funding towards the operations of the Shuman HeartHouse (SHH) homeless shelter operated by Community Human Services (CHS). The SHH emergency shelter is located in the City of Monterey and serves single women and families with children in the Monterey Peninsula region that are experiencing homelessness.
CHS received initial capital funds for the SHH in 2021 from local businessman and philanthropist Mark Shuman but the program has ongoing need for operational support which CHS actively generates through collaborations with their local Joint Powers Authority, fundraising opportunities, and other direct grant awards. In addition to the county, CHS also receives support for ongoing operations from the City of Monterey and other Peninsula cities, and philanthropic organizations. This agreement for SHH is for the County of Monterey’s contribution of ongoing operational support for the period of July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026.
SHH residents receive wrap-around services such as enrollment in coordinated assessment, assistance with mainstream program applications, meals, housing services assistance, and comprehensive case-management for families. CHS also operates emergency shelters in the cities of Seaside and Salinas, that are consistently full and have an ongoing waitlist. SHH brings much needed emergency shelter beds to the Monterey Peninsula region.
This agreement is brought to the Board for approval as this vendor has three other agreements with the Department of Social Services (DSS) in the amounts of $100,000 for emergency shelter services at Casa De Noche Buena with a term ending June 30, 2026, $120,000 for youth shelter operations with a term ending June 30, 2026, and $220,000 for the SHARE Center with a term ending June 30, 2025. DSS is negotiating with CHS on a new SHARE Center agreement for a term ending June 30, 2026.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
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 with County General Funds. Sufficient appropriations are included in the SOC004 FY 2025-26 Recommended Budget.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
The agreement correlates with the Health & Human Services Strategic Initiative adopted by the Board of Supervisors by working towards the goals of the Lead Me Home 5-Year Plan to Reduce Homelessness by providing shelter and services to individuals and families experiencing homelessness.
Check the related Board of Supervisors Strategic Initiatives:
Economic Development
Administration
_X_Health & Human Services
Infrastructure
Public Safety
Prepared by: Alex Soltero, Management Analyst II, x3584
Approved by: Roderick W. Franks, DSS Director, x4430
Attachment: Agreement
The proposed agreement is on file with Clerk of the Board as attachment to this Board Report.