Title
a. Approve and authorize the Director or designee of the Department of Social Services to sign an agreement with Unity Care Group to provide housing navigation and stabilization services to eligible homeless transitional aged youth populations, for the period of July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025, in the amount of $218,193; and
b. Authorize the Director or designee of the Department of Social Services to sign up to three future amendments to this Agreement where the total amendments do not exceed 10% ($21,819) of the contract amount, do not significantly change the scope of work, and do not exceed the maximum aggregate amount of $240,012.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Approve and authorize the Director or designee of the Department of Social Services to sign an agreement with Unity Care Group to provide housing navigation and stabilization services to eligible homeless transitional aged youth populations, for the period of July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025, in the amount of $218,193; and
b. Authorize the Director or designee of the Department of Social Services to sign up to three future amendments to this Agreement where the total amendments do not exceed 10% ($21,819) of the contract amount, do not significantly change the scope of work, and do not exceed the maximum aggregate amount of $240,012.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
This agreement will allow for housing navigation and stabilization services with the intent to locate, apply, and secure affordable housing to eligible homeless youth populations. For purposes of this agreement, “Homeless Transitional Aged Youth” TAY is defined as youth between 18 and 24 years of age, inclusive, who are experiencing homelessness.
The County of Monterey has received funding from several rounds of Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention (HHAP) Grant program. HHAP provides local jurisdictions with funds to support regional coordination and expand or develop local capacity to address immediate homelessness challenges. HHAP requires grant recipients to use at least eight percent of their allocation towards services for homeless youth populations.
Unity Care Group has more than twenty years of experience providing housing services for TAY and is currently providing Transitional Housing Placement Plus (THP-Plus) services for former foster and probation youth under a separate agreement with the Department of Social Services. Under the terms of this agreement, Unity Care Group will provide housing navigation and housing stability services for TAY. Unity Care Group’s service delivery model focuses on meeting the individual needs of TAY clients and meeting with them weekly to collaboratively develop an individualized service plan to identify the supports, activities, and resources required for the client to achieve their housing goals. Unity Care Group also provides life skills training specific to the needs of TAY to transition them into self-sufficiency such as maintaining a household, employment preparation, financial literacy, healthcare navigation, family planning, and parenting skills.
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 through Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention Round 3 (HHAP-3), youth set-aside dollars. Sufficient appropriations and revenues are included in the Social Services - Community Programs Fund 001-SOC004 FY 2024-25 Recommended Budget.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
The agreement correlates with the Health & Human Services Strategic Initiative adopted by the Board of Supervisors by working towards the goals of the Lead Me Home Plan and HHAP-3 service objectives by improving the health and quality of life outcomes of individuals and families experiencing homelessness.
Check the related Board of Supervisors Strategic Initiatives:
Economic Development
_ Administration
X_Health & Human Services
Infrastructure
Public Safety
Prepared by: Alex Soltero, Management Analyst II, x3584
Approved by: Lori A. Medina, DSS Director, x4430
Attachment: Agreement
The proposed agreement is on file with Clerk of the Board as attachment to this Board Report.