Title
a. Approve and authorize the Director of the Department of Social Services to sign Amendment No. 2 to Agreement No. A-12810 with Housing Resource Center of Monterey County, adding $587,019, effective October 1, 2015, to continue the Family Stabilization Program and Housing Support Program for CalWORKs recipients, increasing the total contract amount to $1,587,019; and
b. Authorize 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% 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 Amendment #2 to Agreement #A-12810 with Housing Resource Center of Monterey County, adding $587,019, effective October 1, 2015, to continue the Family Stabilization Program and Housing Support Program for CalWORKs recipients, increasing the total contract amount to $1,587,019; and
b. Authorize 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% of the original contract amount, and do not significantly change the scope of work.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The California Legislature and the Governor, recognizing the critical importance of stable housing, appropriated $20 million from the State General Fund to address homelessness and housing instability in the CalWORKs population as part of the 2015-16 State Budget. Monterey County Department of Social Services (DSS) was awarded a share of these funds to continue the CalWORKs Housing Support Program (HSP) that currently offers rapid re-housing services to CalWORKs participants, as well as case management, to address employment opportunities and financial independence. In addition, the CalWORKs program provides a housing component through the CalWORKs Family Stabilization Program (FSP). The FSP serves CalWORKs Welfare-to-Work recipients with comprehensive case management services including housing support, behavioral health services, domestic violence intervention support, legal services, child welfare support and employment resources. By combining the HSP and FSP resources, DSS is able to provide support for a more robust and comprehensive housing program for CalWORKs customers, whether or not they receive Welfare-to-Work services.
Housing Resource Center of Monterey County (HRC) currently administers the contract for these critical services. HRC will collaborate with local resources to provide:
• Landlord outreach, recruitment, and engagement
• Housing search, placement, and retention
• Progressive ongoing case management including monthly office visits and home visits
• Financial literacy education, budgeting and money management services
• Direct financial assistance including rental application fees, rent arrears (up to three months), credit reports, moving expenses, rental payments, security deposits, unexpected financial burdens (emergency car repairs, etc.), utility deposits, and utility payments
The integration of the HSP and FSP in Monterey County will provide a more comprehensive approach to serving homeless families.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Auditor-Controller and Purchasing have reviewed and approved this amendment. County Counsel has approved the amendment as to form.
FINANCING:
This agreement is funded by the CalWORKs Single Allocation and Housing Support Program funds. Sufficient estimated revenue and appropriations in 5010-8262-SOC005 are included in the FY 2015-16 Adopted Budget. Approval of this action has no impact on the General Fund contributions.
Prepared by: Margarita Zarraga, Community Affiliation Manager, x8492
Approved by: Elliott Robinson, Director, x4434
Attachments: Housing Resource Center, Amendment #2
Housing Resource Center, Amendment #1
Housing Resource Center, Orig. Agreement
Proposed amendment is on file with Clerk of the Board as an attachment to this Board Report