Title
Consider Board Referral 2020.16 regarding the progress made toward a peninsula-based homeless shelter.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
Consider and accept a report on Board Referral 2020.16 regarding the progress made toward a peninsula-based homeless shelter.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
Community Human Services (CHS) and the Gathering for Women (GFW) are partnering to address the homeless crisis on the Monterey Peninsula. Their project, Casa de Noche Buena, will be the only low-barrier shelter on the Peninsula serving single women and families with children, providing short term shelter and long-term solutions to the most vulnerable in our community. The overarching goal of Casa de Noche Buena is to provide women and families with a bridge from homelessness to permanent housing.
The Casa de Noche Buena shelter will have a capacity of 25-30 depending upon the number and ages of the children, with an occupancy of up to 90 days unless a longer stay has been justified. Comprehensive case management services will provide access to health, mental health, and substance abuse services; linkages to income, employment, education and housing; and other services and activities for the children. A Board Referral (2020.16) was received from Supervisor Adams requesting a progress report on the development of the Peninsula-based homeless shelter. CHS and GFW provided an attached PowerPoint for additional information.
In March 2020, CHS and GFW went out to bid for the rehabilitation of the County-owned structure they will lease at no cost for the shelter. Notice of Award was issued to Thayer Construction on April 3, 2020 and a contract with Thayer was entered into on May 5, 2020. The County-owned building in Seaside has been vacant for approximately 10 years. Rehabilitation will entail updating electrical systems, adding a working kitchen, installing a fire sprinkler system, new roof, new HVAC system, adding laundry facilities and bathrooms, updating the entire facility to current ADA standards, and converting old office space into residential rooms, offices and two multi-purpose areas. Work is scheduled to begin May 20, 2020. The shelter is slated to open in November 2020.
The project received $1,287,658 in capital funding and $300,000 in operating funding from Homeless Emergency Assistance Program (HEAP). The total cost of rehabilitation is $1,442,655, leaving a funding gap of $154,997. The cost of the first, partial year of operations is $566,666, leaving a funding gap of $266,666. Annual operating expenses are estimated to be $850,340. Other support has been received from private donors, the Fund for Homeless Women of the Community Foundation for Monterey County, Stevenson School Philanthropy Project, and several local churches and businesses. A special interest fund has been established with the Community Foundation for Monterey County to facilitate and encourage private philanthropy. CHS and GFW have also been meeting with representatives from Peninsula cities and making presentations to their councils. In light of COVID-19’s impact on the economy, CHS and GFW will be revisiting capital and operating cost projections, looking for possible reductions.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
Community Human Services and Gathering for Women has provided information for this report.
FINANCING:
There are no costs associated with this report
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: Becky Cromer, Interim Finance Director, x4404
Approved by: Lori A. Medina, Director, x4430
Attachments:
PowerPoint on Shelter
Copy of the PowerPoint is on file with the Clerk of the Board as an attachment to this Board Report.