Title
a. Approve the submission of the Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention Program (Round 4) Application to the California Interagency Council on Homelessness on behalf of Monterey County; and
b. Authorize the Director or the Assistant Director of Social Services to execute all documents (standard funding agreements, amendments, etc.) required to be awarded the Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention Program (Round 4) allocation.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Approve the submission of the Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention Program (Round 4) Application to the California Interagency Council on Homelessness on behalf of Monterey County; and
b. Authorize the Director or the Assistant Director of Social Services to execute all documents (standard funding agreements, amendments, etc.) required to be awarded the Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention Program (Round 4) allocation.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
On September 30, 2022, the State of California, Homeless Coordinating and Financing Council (HCFC) announced the availability of a fourth round of Homeless Housing, Assistance, and Prevention (HHAP) Program funding. Round One of funding was authorized by AB 101 in 2019, Round Two of funding was authorized by AB 83 in 2020, and Round Three of funding was authorized by AB 140 in 2021.
HHAP Round 4 is a $1 billion block grant program authorized by AB 178 Budget Act of 2022 and approved by Governor Gavin Newsom on June 30, 2022, of which 28 percent will be awarded to counties. However, specific funding allocations for jurisdictions have not been announced. HCFC will determine allocations following Housing and Urban Development” (HUD) certification of the 2022 “Point-in-Time” Count. Allocation announcements are expected sometime in January 2023.
The HHAP-4 application process requires all eligible applicants to agendize required information and submit applications by November 29, 2022. Per Health and Safety Code Section 50220.7(b)(2), the application includes the jurisdiction’s local homelessness action plan [HSC §50220.7(b)(3)(A)] and outcome goals [HSC §50220.7(b)(3)(C)]. The application template streamlines the presentation of information that is required to be on the agenda of a local governing board meeting and available for public comment as stated in Health and Safety Code Section 50220.7(b)(2). Statute does not require local governing boards to take action on or formally adopt the agendized content. The attachments include eligible uses for HHAP funding (Attachments A) and each section of the application, which include: the landscape analysis (Attachment B) and outcome goals and strategies (Attachment C) prepared for this application, as well as the projected funding plan (Attachment D) pending the announcement of Monterey County’s allocation.
The general purpose of the Program is to continue to build on the regional coordination developed through previous Cal ICH (previously known as HCFC) grant funding to support local jurisdictions in their unified regional response to reduce and end homelessness. The program provisions for the eligible use of the funding are listed in Attachment A. Staff representatives from the County Department of Social Services, San Benito County Health and Human Services Agency, Central Coast Alliance for Health, and the Coalition of Homeless Services Providers collaborated closely to prepare the landscape analysis, goals and strategies, and community program priorities for the HHAP-4 allocation to ensure alignment with the board adopted “Lead Me Home, 5-Year Plan to Reduce Homelessness in Monterey and San Benito Counties.”
Approval of the recommended actions allows the Director or the Assistant Director of Social Services to apply for the HHAP, Round 4 allocation and execute all documents (standard funding agreements, amendments, etc.) required for the award.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
County Department of Social Services, San Benito County Health and Human Services Agency, Central Coast Alliance for Health and the Coalition of Homeless Services Providers have collaborated in this effort.
FINANCING:
The Department is recommending the submission of the HHAP, round 4 application based upon the attached Funding Plan (Attachment D). Governor Gavin Newsom authorized a $1 billion block grant (AB 178) on June 30, 2022, of which 28 percent ($240 million) will be awarded to counties. The State of California, Homeless Coordinating and Financing Council (HCFC) will issue out the awards January 30, 2023. The State has indicated that it will be less funding than what was received for Round 3 ($3,381,924) because the County’s “Point-in-Time” Census reflected an improvement in homelessness. The application is due by November 29, 2022.
If awarded, 50 percent of the award will be disbursed initially. The second disbursement will be issued after obligating 75% and expending 50% of the first disbursement. There is an administrative cap of seven (7) percent and ten (10) percent of the funds must be set aside for services for homeless youth populations. Funds must be fully expended by June 30, 2027.
The Department will take a report to the Budget Committee and then to the Board to increase appropriations/revenues in the Community Program 001-5010-SOC004 FY 2022-23 Adopted Budget. In addition, appropriations/revenues will be incorporated in the next budget process for FY 2023-24. There is no change to the existing General Fund Contributions in this budget unit.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
This application correlates to the Health & Human Services Strategic Initiative adopted by the Board of Supervisors by working collaboratively to develop and address a plan for ending homelessness.
Mark a check to the related Board of Supervisors Strategic Initiatives
__Economic Development
__Administration
X Health & Human Services
__Infrastructure
__Public Safety
Prepared by: Denise Vienne, MA III, x4484
Approved by: Lori A. Medina, Director, x4430
Attachments:
Attachment A, HHAP-4 Eligible Use List
Attachment B, HHAP-4 Landscape Analysis: Needs & Demographics, Services Provided, and Funding Analysis
Attachment C, HHAP-4 Outcome Goals and Strategies
Attachment D, HHAP-4 Anticipated Funding Plan