Title
a. Adopt a resolution to increase appropriations and estimated revenues of $1,796,632 for the Social Services Community Programs Budget Unit 001-5010-SOC004-8258 FY 2021-22 Adopted Budget to partner with City of Salinas to provide non-congregate shelter, wraparound services, and rapid re-housing to homeless individuals (4/5ths vote required); and
b. Authorize and direct the Auditor-Controller to amend the FY 2021-22 Adopted Budget by increasing appropriations and estimated revenues by $1,796,632 in the Social Services Community Programs Budget Unit 001-5010-SOC004-8258 (4/5ths vote required).
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Adopt a resolution to increase appropriations and estimated revenues of $1,796,632 for the Social Services Community Programs Budget Unit 001-5010-SOC004-8258 FY 2021-22 Adopted Budget to partner with City of Salinas to provide non-congregate shelter, wraparound services, and rapid re-housing to homeless individuals (4/5ths vote required); and
b. Authorize and direct the Auditor-Controller to amend the FY 2021-22 Adopted Budget by increasing appropriations and estimated revenues by $1,796,632 in the Social Services Community Programs Budget Unit 001-5010-SOC004-8258 (4/5ths vote required).
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The Department of Social Services has received a $1.8 million allocation for Project Roomkey (PRK) and therefore budgetary action to increase appropriations and estimated revenues is needed. The PRK initiative was created to provide non-congregate shelter options (e.g., hotels, motels, trailers) to individuals experiencing homelessness. Priority is given to those who are COVID-positive or known to have been exposed to COVID but not requiring hospitalization, and those with high-risk factors for severe illness such as being over 65 years of age and/or having chronic health conditions.
Social Services is partnering with the City of Salinas to re-open the PRK program that ended on August 31, 2021. The project would entail master leasing up to 40 motel rooms within Salinas city limits. The City would provide program oversight by coordinating intake procedures with all new, current, and continuing program participants, enforcing program guidelines and providing any other administration of daily operations. Services would be subcontracted to the same experienced partners involved in the previous program and include intensive case management and housing navigation for those staying in the motel rooms.
The City of Salinas is committing $3 million of American Rescue Plan Act funding towards this project. This collaboration is essential as Monterey County’s sole allocation would not be able to sustain the costs of operating the program beyond a few months. By combining resources, greater program sustainability can be achieved. The County will refer participants to City of Salinas’s program utilizing their established process through the Emergency Operations Center. The City’s funding will cover residents of Salinas, whereas Monterey County’s funding will cover residents from the other areas of the County. The Department is requesting an increase in appropriations and estimated revenues.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The County Administrator’s Office (CAO) has been consulted on the issue and concur with these actions.
FINANCING:
The Department received an allocation to continue operating non-congregate shelters as well as support rehousing exits from the PRK sites. This state one-time funding from California Department of Social Services is available through June 30, 2022. Increased appropriations and estimated revenues of $1,796,632 are required for the Community Programs 001-5010-SOC004-8258 FY 2021-22 Adopted Budget.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
This action correlates to the to the Public Safety, Health & Human Services, and Administration Strategic Initiatives adopted by the Board of Supervisors by providing access to shelter to reduce the risk and spread of COVID-19 to high-risk individuals experiencing homelessness.
Mark a check to the related Board of Supervisors Strategic Initiatives:
___ Economic Development
_X_Administration
_X_Health & Human Services
___ Infrastructure
_X_Public Safety
Prepared by: Becky Cromer, Finance Manager III, x4404
Approved by: Lori A. Medina, Social Services Director, x4430
cc:
Resolution
City of Salinas Agreement-Executed