Title
a. Approve and authorize the Director of the Department of Social Services, or his designee, to sign Amendment #1 to PSA #962 with Housing Resource Center of Monterey County, adding $925,190, for programs to start effective November 1, 2014, to expand the Family Stabilization Program and add a Housing Support Program for CalWORKs recipients, increasing the total contract amount to $1,000,000, and extending the contract term through June 30, 2016; and
b. Authorize the Director of the Department of Social Services, or his designee, to sign up to three (3) amendments to this agreement, where the total amendments do not exceed 10% of the original contract amount, and do not significantly change the scope of work; and
c. Approve and authorize the Auditor-Controller to amend the FY 2014-15 Adopted Budget, Fund 001, Appropriation Unit SOC005-8262 to increase appropriations and estimated revenues by $376,625. (4/5ths Vote Required)
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Approve and authorize the Director of the Department of Social Services, or his designee, to sign Amendment #1 to PSA #962 with Housing Resource Center of Monterey County, adding $925,190, for programs to start effective November 1, 2014, to expand the Family Stabilization Program and add a Housing Support Program for CalWORKs recipients, increasing the total contract amount to $1,000,000, and extending the contract term through June 30, 2016; and
b. Authorize the Director of the Department of Social Services, or his designee, to sign up to three (3) amendments to this agreement, where the total amendments do not exceed 10% of the original contract amount, and do not significantly change the scope of work; and
c. Approve and authorize the Auditor-Controller to amend the FY 2014-15 Adopted Budget, Fund 001, Appropriation Unit SOC005-8262 to increase appropriations and estimated revenues by $376,625. (4/5ths Vote Required)
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The California Legislature and the Governor, recognizing the critical importance of stable housing, appropriated $20 million from the State General Fund to address homelessness and housing instability in the CalWORKs population as part of the 2014-15 State Budget. Monterey County Department of Social Services (DSS) submitted a proposal for these funds to build a county-wide program that will offer rapid re-housing and homeless prevention services to CalWORKs participants, as well as provide case management to address employment opportunities, income, financial independence and sustainability. Monterey County DSS was allocated $376,625 for support services and administrative activities for the Housing Support Program (HSP) for Fiscal Year 2014-15.
Monterey County DSS is proposing to expand an existing $74,810 Agreement with the Housing Resource Center of Monterey County (HRC) that provides for administration of the housing component of the CalWORKs Family Stabilization Program (FSP). The FSP serves CalWORKs Welfare-to-Work recipients with comprehensive case management services including housing support, behavioral health services, domestic violence support, child welfare support, legal services and employment resources. HRC is the Department's housing resource partner in this effort.
The amended contract will allow HRC to also provide services for the HSP. Additionally, the amendment.s transfer responsibility for payment of move-in expenses and rental subsidies from DSS to HRC in order to promote stronger relationships for landlord outreach, recruitment and engagement by HRC. By combining the HSP and FSP resources, Monterey County DSS will be able to provide support for a more robust and comprehensive housing program for CalWORKs customers in Monterey County whether or not they receive Welfare-to-Work services. If the amendment is approved, the expansion of these programs will be effective November 1, 2014, utilizing the above referenced $376,625 grant and an additional $548,565 which is currently budgeted in the DSS CalWORKs program for payment of move-in expenses and rental subsidies, increasing the total contract amount to $1,000,000.00.
HRC will collaborate with local resources to provide:
· Landlord outreach, recruitment, and engagement
· Housing search, placement, and retention
· Progressive ongoing case management including monthly office visits and home visits
· Financial literacy education, budgeting and money management services.
· Direct financial assistance including rental application fees, rent arrears (up to three months), credit reports, moving expenses, rental payments, security deposits, unexpected financial burdens (emergency car repairs, etc.), utility deposits, and utility payments.
A combined HSP and FSP in Monterey County will help fill a vital gap in housing resources for homeless families.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Auditor-Controller and Purchasing have reviewed and approved this amendment. County Counsel has approved the amendment as to form.
FINANCING:
For FY 2014-15, the increase in appropriations of $376,625 in 5010-8262-SOC005 will be funded by CalWORKs Housing Support Program funds. The remaining $548,565 included in the contract amendment is currently included in the DSS approved budget and set aside for the FSP housing services. Both funding sources are 100% state and federally funded with no County share of cost. Approval of this action has no impact on County General Fund contributions.
Prepared by: Lauren Miller, MA II, x3584
Approved by: Elliott Robinson, Director, x4434
Attachments: Housing Resource Center, Amendment #1
Proposed amendment is on file with Clerk of the Board as an attachment to this Board Report