Title
a. Receive a presentation on the operations and outcomes of the SHARE Center, a low-barrier emergency shelter and housing navigation center for individuals and families located in Salinas, CA.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Receive a presentation on the operations and outcomes of the SHARE Center, a low-barrier emergency shelter and housing navigation center for individuals and families located in Salinas, CA.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The intent of this presentation is to provide an update on service goals and outcomes achieved since The Salinas Housing Advancement, Resources & Education (SHARE) navigation center opened doors in May 2021.
The County and City of Salinas partnered to build the housing navigation center at 845 E. Laurel Drive in Salinas. The SHARE Center took months of planning and development beginning in September 2017, when the County and the City of Salinas approved a Memorandum of Understanding to develop a permanent shelter. In May 2019, the County and City were awarded $6 million in Homeless Emergency Aid Program (HEAP) funding, which went toward the construction of the building. The City of Salinas have additionally placed three trailers on-site that accommodates the large families residing at the SHARE Center.
SHARE Center can serve up to 128 individuals and families experiencing homelessness and provides services in a housing navigation center model including emergency shelter and wraparound services with a Housing First approach. The target population is single women, single men, and families with children. Pets are accepted accompanying their owners.
Bay Area Community Services (BACS) was selected to operate the SHARE Center through a competitive process and with community input. Bay Area Community Services (BACS) has extensive history working with the chronic homeless population. Their mission is to uplift under-served individuals and their families by doing “whatever it takes.” Through January 2022, the SHARE Center has served 126 individuals, including 36 persons transferred from the Salinas Warming shelter. The program consistently operates at capacity and maintains a waiting list that presently stands at over 300. Due to the recent COVID surge, intakes are temporarily paused.
SHARE Center staffing is now full at 20 staff persons on site and one pending. Referrals are received from all areas of the county. Staff has been successful in navigating several persons into permanent housing, in addition to assisting many in obtaining employment. Monterey County Office of Education provides after-school programs and activities for children at the SHARE Center.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Monterey County Department of Social Services and City of Salinas share responsibility and oversight of this program operated by BACS and works closely with the Coalition of Homeless Services Providers.
FINANCING:
This is an informational item only. There is no impact to the County General Fund.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
This Agreement correlates to the Health & Human Services and Administration Strategic Initiatives adopted by the Board of Supervisors by working towards the goals of the Lead Me Home, 5 Year Plan by providing services to individuals and families experiencing homelessness.
Check the related Board of Supervisors Strategic Initiatives:
Economic Development
X Administration
X Health & Human Services
Infrastructure
Public Safety
Prepared by: Glorietta Rowland, MA II, x3584
Approved by: Lori A. Medina, DSS Director, x4430
Attachment: Power point presentation