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...
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