Title
a. Approve and authorize the Director of the Department of Social Services to sign Amendment No. 1 to Agreement No. A-13495 with Housing Resource Center of Monterey County, adding $225,000, effective April 10, 2018, to continue the Family Stabilization Program and Housing Support Program for CalWORKs recipients at maximum program capacity, increasing the total contract amount to $1,475,000; and
b. Authorize the Director of the Department of Social Services to sign up to three (3) additional amendments to this agreement, where the total amendments do not exceed 10% ($147,500) of the current amended 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 #1 to Agreement #A-13495 with Housing Resource Center of Monterey County, adding $225,000, effective April 10, 2018, to continue the Family Stabilization Program and Housing Support Program for CalWORKs recipients at maximum program capacity, increasing the total contract amount to $1,475,000; and
b. Authorize the Director of the Department of Social Services to sign up to three (3) additional amendments to this agreement, where the total amendments do not exceed 10% ($147,500) of the current amended 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 $35 million from the State General Fund to address homelessness and housing instability in the CalWORKs population. 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 assist families moving towards 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. The California Department of Social Services is providing an additional $225,000 of HSP funds to Monterey County due to a Statewide redistribution of funding for HSP.
Housing Resource Center of Monterey County (HRC), who was selected through a Sole Source process, currently administers the contract for these critical HSP and FSP services. Through this Agreement, HRC collaborates 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, rental 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.
Service capacity has grown since the initial execution of this Agreement. HRC began services under this agreement with three (3) Case Managers, two (2) Housing Specialists, a Program Director, Finance Director, and an Outreach and Program Analyst with client capacity of 40 active family participants. Services have since been streamlined and more intently focused on client services and now HRC has four (4) Case Managers, four (4) Housing Specialists, and a Program Manager, dissolving several upper management positions in favor of increasing direct program assistance capacity which has grown to 60 active family participants. These changes have led to increased program capacity, service delivery, and successful housing outcomes. This amendment will provide HRC with additional funding to continue services at this increased maximum program capacity through June 30, 2018.
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 100% 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 2017-18 Adopted Budget.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
Homelessness is an issue that has compounding effects on those experiencing it and the average life expectancy for individuals experiencing homelessness is 25 years less than those in stable housing. Services that support families in obtaining stable, permanent housing create a pathway to other systems that can ultimately lead to better health and quality of life.
Check the related Board of Supervisors Strategic Initiatives:
Economic Development
Administration
X Health & Human Services
Infrastructure
Public Safety
Prepared by: Lauren Suwansupa, MAII, x3584
Approved by: Elliott Robinson, Director of Social Services, x4430
Attachments: HRC Agreement, HRC Amendment #1
Proposed amendment is on file with Clerk of the Board as an attachment to this Board Report