Title
a. Approve and authorize the Director of the Department of Social Services to sign Amendment #1 to Agreement #A-14024 with Housing Resource Center of Monterey County, adding $415,930 to continue the Family Stabilization Program and Housing Support Program for CalWORKs recipients at maximum program capacity, increasing the total contract amount to $1,415,930; 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% ($141,593) 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-14024 with Housing Resource Center of Monterey County, adding $415,930 to continue the Family Stabilization Program and Housing Support Program for CalWORKs recipients at maximum program capacity, increasing the total contract amount to $1,415,930; 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% ($141,593) 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. For the 2018-19 fiscal year, the California Department of Social Services increased Monterey County’s allocation through a competitive application process allowing for an additional $415,930 to support both HSP and FSP operations.
Since implementation in 2014, the Housing Support Program (HSP) for homeless CalWORKs families has provided services to over 770 families which include over 1,600 children and over 1000 adults. The HSP has assisted over 213 families move into permanent housing, administering over $1,750,000 in direct financial assistance alone. In the first six months of the current contract, the Housing Resource Center of Monterey County (HRC) has so far placed 35 families into permanent housing.
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.
This amendment will provide HRC with additional funding to continue services at an increased maximum program capacity through June 30, 2019.
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 2018-19 Adopted Budget.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
This proposed program correlates to the Health & Human Services Strategic Initiatives adopted by the Board of Supervisors by working towards the goals of improving health and quality of life outcomes to individuals and families experiencing homelessness.
Mark a check to the related Board of Supervisors Strategic Initiatives
__Economic Development
__Administration
X Health & Human Services
__Infrastructure
__Public Safety
Prepared by: Lauren Suwansupa, Community Affiliations Manager, x8492
Approved by: Henry Espinosa, Acting Director, x4430
Attachments: Original Agreement, Amendment #1