Title
a. Approve and authorize the Director or Assistant Director of the Department of Social Services to sign an agreement with Housing Resource Center of Monterey County to provide housing case management, program housing search, placement support, and rental subsidies for California Work Opportunity and Responsibility for Kids customers referred by County of Monterey Department of Social Services, effective July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2025, in the amount of $3,500,000; and
b. Authorize the Director or Assistant Director of the Department of Social Services to sign up to three future amendments where the total amendments do not exceed 10% ($350,000) of the original contract amount and do not significantly change the scope of work, not to exceed maximum of $3,850,000.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Approve and authorize the Director or Assistant Director of the Department of Social Services to sign an agreement with Housing Resource Center of Monterey County to provide housing case management, program housing search, placement support, and rental subsidies for California Work Opportunity and Responsibility for Kids customers referred by County of Monterey Department of Social Services, effective July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2025, in the amount of $3,500,000; and
b. Authorize the Director or Assistant Director of the Department of Social Services to sign up to three future amendments where the total amendments do not exceed 10% ($350,000) of the original contract amount and do not significantly change the scope of work, not to exceed maximum of $3,850,000.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The purpose of this agreement is to provide temporary housing subsidy funding to Housing Resource Center of Monterey County (HRC) to provide housing case management, housing search, placement support, and rental subsidies for CalWORKs customers referred by Monterey County Department of Social Services (DSS) for the Housing Support (HSP) and Family Stabilization (FS) programs.
The Department of Social Services provides intensive case management and services to clients under the FS program to ensure a basic level of stability within a family prior to, or concurrently with, participation in Welfare-to-Work (WTW) activities. The goal of the FS program is to increase client success, in consideration of the flexible WTW 24-Month Time Clock, through more intensive case management and the assignment of clients to additional activities and services that remove barriers necessary to ultimately achieve self-sufficiency. Comprehensive case management services include housing support, behavioral health services, domestic violence intervention support, legal services child welfare support, and employment resources.
Additionally, DSS placements are supported by intensive case management, housing search, and landlord engagement services provided each month by experienced Case Managers and Housing Specialists. The program has made considerable progress in assisting vulnerable families overcome barriers to attain stable, permanent housing and continues to work toward the goal of ending homelessness for California Work Opportunity and Responsibility for Kids (CalWORKs) families in Monterey County. This agreement continues the scope from previous years, and it is anticipated that there will be continued success. Permanent Housing includes subsidized rentals, unsubsidized rentals, room shares, and other supportive housing options as available. The HSP program promotes housing stability for families in the CalWORKs program by assisting families working toward achieving self-sufficiency.
From July 2022 thru April 2023, the HSP program provided services to a total of 489 individuals consisting of 297 children and 192 adults and moved 61 families into permanent housing. During this same timeframe, HRC administered $1,446,111.00 in direct financial assistance through the HSP and FS programs. Direct financial assistance supports costs for rent, security, utilities, and moving.
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 by the CalWORKs Single Allocation and Housing Support Program funds. Sufficient appropriations and revenues of $1,750,000 in SOC005 are included in the FY 2023-24 Recommended Budget and FY 2024-25 will incorporate total appropriations/revenues of $1,750,000 in the corresponding budgets.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
This agreement correlates with the Health & Human Services Strategic Initiative by providing services that support families in obtaining stable and permanent housing and ultimately better health and quality of life.
Check the related Board of Supervisors Strategic Initiatives:
Economic Development
Administration
XHealth & Human Services
Infrastructure
Public Safety
Prepared by Denise Vienne, Management Analyst II, X4484
Approved by: Lori A. Medina, Director, x4430
Attachments: Agreement
The proposed agreement is on file with Clerk of the Board as an attachment to this Board Report.