Title
Authorize Staff to apply for and accept grant funding from the Pet Assistance and Support (PAS) Program in an amount up to $200,000 for the permanent homeless shelter to be built at 855 E. Laurel Drive, Salinas, CA. (ADDED VIA ADDENDA)
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
Authorize Staff to apply for and accept grant funding from the Pet Assistance and Support (PAS) Program in an amount up to $200,000 for the permanent homeless shelter to be built at 855 E. Laurel Drive, Salinas, CA.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The State of California, Pet Assistance and Support (PAS) Program) grant funding application was due March 2, 2020. Staff became aware of this grant a week before it was due and determined collaboratively between the Health Department, RMA, the CAO’s office and DSS that this funding opportunity would assist the building and operations for the pet area of the shelter in construction at 855 E. Laurel Drive, Salinas. The State allowed for accepting Resolutions after submittal of the grant application.
The County is planning for a maximum of 26 pet kennels in the new shelter. The PAS grant has a maximum, one-time funding amount of $200,000. Should the County receive the allocation, funds would be utilized to fund shelter facilities related to pet and service animal crates, food, exercise area, staffing and other equipment and supplies related to providing those services to the pets of people experiencing homelessness who utilize the shelter. Allowing animals to kennel in the shelter removes barriers that might prevent someone from entering the shelter. Many homeless refuse shelter if they cannot bring their pets with them.
Pet Assistance and Support (PAS) Program
On December 31, 2020, the State of California, Department of Housing and Community Development: Division of Financial Assistance, announced the availability of Pet Assistance and Support (Pas) Program grant funding. PAS program is an approximately $5 million grant availability authorized by the Budget Act of 2019 as amended by Section 16 of Senate Bill 109. Funds will be awarded to qualified homeless shelters to provide shelter, food, and basic veterinary services for common household pets owned by individuals experiencing homelessness, as well as staffing and liability insurance related to providing those services. The intent of the program is to reduce barriers for those individuals experiencing homelessness with their common household pet.
According to Pets of the Homeless, a non-profit organization involved in feeding and providing veterinary care for pets that belong to individuals experiencing homelessness, of the 3.5 million Americans who are homeless, 5 to 10 percent have dogs or cats. Many shelters and other assisted housing programs do not permit animals on their property, pushing potential participants to live in locations not meant for human habitation. Abandoning a pet is a major barrier in engaging those who are experiencing homelessness to use services and is emotionally draining to an already vulnerable population. Pets provide warmth, security, companionship, and normalcy. After surrendering a pet, owners reunite with their dogs only 15 percent of the time, while 60 percent or more of animals are left in the animal shelter system and most will die. By making accommodations for pets, more owners who are experiencing homelessness would be inclined to obtain medical, as well as living assistance, and the conditions of their pets would improve.
The intent of the PAS program is to allow homeless shelters to reduce barriers for those individuals experiencing homelessness with their pets. By making accommodations for pets, we bring individuals into shelters who otherwise would not receive services and shelter. The County of Monterey’s new Homeless Shelter is eligible for noncompetitive funds of up to $200,000 in order of receipt of application.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
County Administrative Office (CAO), Department of Social Services (DSS), Resource Management Agency (RMA), and Monterey County Health Department.
FINANCING:
Receiving this report creates no fiscal impact on the General Fund or on revenues.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
The housing program priorities and objectives advance the Board of Supervisors Strategic Initiatives that promote the production of diverse, safe, healthy and affordable housing opportunities for all residents of Monterey County.
Mark a check to the related Board of Supervisors Strategic Initiatives
__Economic Development
__Administration
X Health & Human Services
__Infrastructure
__Public Safety
Prepared by: _____________________________________________________________
Anastacia Wyatt, Housing Program Manager, Ext. 5387
Approved by: _____________________________________________________________
Nicholas E. Chiulos, Assistant County Administrative Officer, Ext. 5145
Attachments:
Board Report
Resolution