Title
a. Approve and authorize the Director of the Department of Social Services, or her designee, to sign Amendment #1 with Housing Resource Center of Monterey County for $527,439, for a revised contract total of $3,227,439, to provide housing case management, program housing search, placement support, and rental subsidies for CalWORKs customers referred by Monterey County Department of Social Services for the period of July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2021; and
b. Authorize the Director of the Department of Social Services, or her designee, to sign up to three (3) additional amendments to this agreement where the total amendments do not exceed 10% ($322,744) of the 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, or her designee, to sign Amendment #1 with Housing Resource Center of Monterey County for $527,439, for a revised contract total of $3,227,439, to provide housing case management, program housing search, placement support, and rental subsidies for CalWORKs customers referred by Monterey County Department of Social Services for the period of July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2021; and
b. Authorize the Director of the Department of Social Services, or her designee, to sign up to three (3) additional amendments to this agreement where the total amendments do not exceed 10% ($322,744) of the contract amount and do not significantly change the scope of work.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The purpose of this agreement is to provide temporary housing subsidy funding to Housing Resource Center of Monterey County (HRC) to provide housing case management, housing search, placement support, and rental subsidies for CalWORKs customers referred by Monterey County Department of Social Services (DSS) for the Housing Support (HSP) and Family Stabilization (FS) programs.
The Department of Social Services provides intensive case management and services to clients under the FS program to ensure a basic level of stability within a family prior to, or concurrently with, participation in Welfare-to-Work (WTW) activities. The goal of the FS program is to increase client success, in consideration of the flexible WTW 24-Month Time Clock, through more intensive case management and the assignment of clients to the additional activities or barrier removal services necessary to ultimately achieve self-sufficiency. Comprehensive case management services include housing support, behavioral health services, domestic violence intervention support, legal services child welfare support, and employment resources.
Additionally, DSS placements are supported by intensive case management, housing search, and landlord engagement services provided each month by experienced Case Managers and Housing Specialists. The program has made considerable progress in assisting vulnerable families overcome barriers to attain stable, permanent housing and continues to work toward the goal of ending homelessness for CalWORKs families in Monterey County. This agreement continues the scope from previous years, and it is anticipated that there will be continued success. Permanent Housing includes subsidized rentals, unsubsidized rentals, room shares, and other supportive housing options as available. The HSP program promotes housing stability for families in the CalWORKs program by assisting families working toward achieving self-sufficiency.
In FY 2018-19 a total of 514 individuals were served by the program which comprised 189 adults and 325 children. In addition, HRC administered $572,637 in direct financial assistance through the HSP and FS programs. Direct financial assistance supports monthly rental payments, security deposits, utility payments, and move in costs.
This amendment accounts for additional funding needs related to 1) a high level of housing needs among county residents and increased agency capacity to serve DSS clients and 2) increased costs associated with maintaining housing for current clients due to the COVID19 crisis. Thus, HRC requires $300,000.00 in additional funding to support increased DSS referrals for Housing Support Services through the current contract term ending June 30, 2020. In addition, HRC will need an additional $227,439 to maintain landlord participation and housing support for clients currently housed in the program due unanticipated and unavoidable costs associated with lost income and other economic hardships directly related to the COVID19 shelter in place order.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Auditor-Controller and Purchasing have reviewed and approved this agreement. County Counsel has approved as to form.
FINANCING:
This agreement is funded by CalWORKs Housing Support Program and Family Stabilization funds. Sufficient estimated revenue and appropriations in SOC005 are included in the FY 2019-20 Budget. FY 2020-21 costs will be included in the corresponding budget request.
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: Denise R. Vienne, MAII x3584
Approved by: Lori A. Medina, Director, x4430
Attachments: Amendement #1, HRC 2019, HSP FS Executed Pt. 1, HRC 2019, HSP FS Executed Pt. 2
Attachments on File with the Clerk of the Board