Title
a. Approve and authorize the Director of the Department of Social Services to sign an agreement with Housing Resource Center of Monterey County for $3,400,000 for the period of July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2023 to provide housing case management, program housing search, placement support, and rental subsidies for CalWORKs customers referred by the Monterey County Department of Social Services; and
b. Authorize the Director or the Director of the Department of Social Services to sign up to three (3) amendments to this agreement where the total amendments do not exceed 10% ($340,000) of the original contract amount and do not significantly change the scope of work.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Approve and authorize the Director of the Department of Social Services to sign an agreement with Housing Resource Center of Monterey County for $3,400,000 for the period of July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2023 to provide housing case management, program housing search, placement support, and rental subsidies for CalWORKs customers referred by the Monterey County Department of Social Services; and
b. Authorize the Director or the Director of the Department of Social Services to sign up to three (3) amendments to this agreement where the total amendments do not exceed 10% ($340,000) of the original contract amount and do not significantly change the scope of work.
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 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.
The program and housing support services have not only been critical for overcoming additional COVID-19 related barriers to attaining housing, but also for keeping newly housed families from falling back into homelessness during the COVID-19 pandemic. From July 2019 thru February 2021, the HSP program provided services to a total of 631 individuals consisting of 387 children and 244 adults and moved 91 families into permanent housing. In addition, HRC administered $1,632,876 in direct financial assistance through the HSP and FS programs. Direct financial assistance supports costs for rent, security, and utilities, and moving.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Auditor-Controller and Purchasing have reviewed and approved this agreement. County Counsel has approved the agreement as to form.
FINANCING:
This agreement is funded by the CalWORKs Single Allocation and Housing Support Program funds. Sufficient estimated revenue and appropriations in SOC005 are included in the FY 2021-22 Recommended Budget. Fiscal Year 2022-23 costs will be included in the corresponding budget request.
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.
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, Management Analyst ll, X4484
Approved by: Lori A. Medina, Director, x4430
Attachments: HRC Agreement
The proposed agreement is on file with Clerk of the Board as an attachment to this Board Report