Title
Approve and authorize the Director of the Department of Social Services to sign the Housing and Disability Advocacy Program Funding Request Certification for the periods July 30, 2019-June 30, 2020, for $360,287 to assist disabled individuals experiencing homelessness apply for Social Security while also providing outreach, care management and housing financial assistance.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
Approve and authorize the Director of the Department of Social Services to sign the Housing and Disability Advocacy Program Funding Request Certification for the periods July 30, 2019-June 30, 2020, for $360,287 to assist disabled individuals experiencing homelessness apply for Social Security while also providing outreach, care management and housing financial assistance.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The Housing and Disability Advocacy Program (HDAP) was created in 2016. The 2017-2018 Budget Act appropriated $43,461,000 one-time funds for a demonstration phase of HDAP, with funds available over three years, beginning July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2020. All 58 counties were encouraged to apply. Monterey County received its allocation and has been operating the program during this demonstration phase.
The 2019 Budget Act appropriated $25 million for the HDAP to continue on an on-going basis. An All-County Letter from the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) was released on January 13, 2020 requesting applications for the 2019-2020 Fiscal Year. CDSS utilized a funding formula that resulted in a base amount of $360,287 for Monterey County. Responses to the HDAP Request for Proposals are due by March 9, 2020, at the latest, and CDSS is to inform all awardees within 10 business days of the application. Monterey County is guaranteed this allocation if the County meets program requirements, including a dollar for dollar match of the state funding.
Monterey County’s HDAP opened 66 cases since its start in 2017, providing each individual with specialized case management, benefits advocacy and housing navigation services. To date, the program has housed 17 individuals in permanent housing and 9 individuals in temporary housing. Those in temporary housing continue to receive assistance with locating a more permanent situation. Receiving additional HDAP funding will allow the continuation of the partnership between the Department of Social Services and Central Coast Center for Independent Living (CCCIL) to further provide the four core components: outreach, case management, benefits advocacy and housing financial assistance.
The Department has identified $360,287 as a potential match funding from existing programs between Social Services, and CCCIL, with no additional county general fund contributions required. The Department is recommending an application be submitted for $360,287 in funding.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
CCCIL has been a key partner in the planning, development and implementation of this program.
FINANCING:
The Department is recommending the HDAP application is submitted for $360,287 which is a state allocation with a dollar-for-dollar county match requirement. Matching funds of $360,287 have been identified from existing programs and consists of: $110,287 DSS Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Advocacy Program’s County share of the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) funding and $250,000 from the Central Coast Center for Independent Living. If the State allocates the additional funding to Monterey County, there is sufficient appropriations in Social Services Budget 001-5010-SOC005 FY 2019-20 Modified Budget.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
This agreement correlates to the Health & Human Services adopted by the Board of Supervisors by allowing the Department to improve the quality of life for individuals who are disabled and experiencing homelessness.
Check the related Board of Supervisors Strategic Initiatives:
Economic Development
Administration
X Health & Human Services
Infrastructure
Public Safety
Prepared by: Allison Yant, Program Manager, x7511
Approved by: Lori A. Medina, Director, x4430
Attachments:
Housing and Disability Advocacy Program (HDAP) Certification, Goals and Confirmation of Match: 2019-2020