Title
Receive an oral report from EOC Care and Shelter Branch regarding Occupancy and Vacancy Data for COVID-19 Incident Housing Programs.
Presenter: Lauren Suwansupa, Community Affiliation Manager, DSS and Debra McAlahney, Management Analyst III, DSS
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Health, Housing, Homelessness and Human Services Committee of the Board of Supervisors receive an oral report from EOC Care and Shelter Branch regarding Occupancy and Vacancy Data for COVID-19 Incident Housing Programs.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The Department of Social Services, through the Care and Shelter Branch of the Emergency Operations Center, has been responsible for staffing and managing the COVID-19 Alternate Housing Sites since April 2020. The Care and Shelter Branch currently supports operations of three distinct COVID-19 related housing programs:
1. Operation Oasis: The local name for our Alternate Housing Site (AHS) program which provides temporary housing for COVID-19 positive and presumed positive/under investigation (PUI) individuals that do not or no longer require hospitalization but need a safe space to isolate at the San Lorenzo Park in King City or unspecified motels in Salinas. This program also serves the COVID-19 positive and PUI populations of Project Roomkey in order to ensure safe separation of the COVID-19 positive and COVID-19 vulnerable populations. Referrals to any AHS must be made by qualifying medical providers or the Monterey County Health Department who can certify the isolation period. This program provides three meals a day, basic medical check-ups, resource referrals, transportation as required, and general accommodations support. The program is fully operated and supported by County staff.
2. Project Roomkey: A state-wide program that encompasses all non-congregate shelter sites established in response to COVID-19 for the purpose of protecting people experiencing homelessness. The Monterey County program is focused on those homeless residents who are presumed COVID-19 negative and are determined medically fragile due to a specific medical diagnosis that makes them at increased risk for complications should they contract COVID-19. Persons who are experiencing homelessness and are recovering from COVID-19 or have been exposed to COVID-19 are served through Operation Oasis. Referrals to Project Roomkey must be made by qualifying medical providers or the Monterey County Health Department who can certify the risk factor. This program has a maximum capacity of 35 motel rooms and maintains a waitlist. Services provided include wrap-around case management, behavioral health referrals, general accommodations support, and intensive housing navigation services. This program is subcontracted to the Coalition of Homeless Services Providers for direct operations.
3. Housing for the Harvest: A state-wide program that mirrors our local Operation Oasis program in service delivery but is specific to individuals working in the food processing or agriculture industries. The program offers temporary hotel housing to agricultural workers who need to isolate due to COVID-19 and helps positive or exposed workers protect their loved ones and coworkers by giving them a space to self-isolate. Referrals to Housing for the Harvest must be made by qualifying medical providers or the Monterey County Health Department who can certify the isolation period. The individual will be asked to attest to their employment eligibility factor. The program leverages motel rooms paid for by the state with wrap around services provided or coordinated by County staff.
Monterey County’s Alternate Housing Sites provide a critical resource to our communities by housing COVID-19 impacted individuals that do not have access to alternative housing arrangements during their self-isolation periods and protect people who are experiencing homelessness and are at high risk for medical complications should they become infected. Providing safe alternatives for self-isolation for individuals mitigates the spread of COVID-19 in the community, protects human life, and minimizes strain on the health care system.
The oral presentation will provide an overview of the programs and data on the number of persons served, program capacity, and outcomes.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVMENT:
Office of Emergency Services (OES), Department of Social Services (DSS), and Human Resources Department.
FINANCING:
There is no effect to the County General Fund resulting from the receipt of this presentation.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
Check the related Board of Supervisors Strategic Initiatives:
Economic Development:
• Through collaboration, strengthen economic development to ensure a diversified and healthy economy.
Administration:
• Promote an organization that practices efficient and effective resource management and is recognized for responsiveness, strong customer orientation, accountability, and transparency.
Health & Human Services:
• Improve health and quality of life through County supported policies, programs, and services; promoting access to equitable opportunities for healthy choices and health environments in collaboration with communities.
Infrastructure:
• Plan and develop a sustainable, physical infrastructure that improves the quality of life for County residents and supports economic development results.
Public Safety:
• Create a safe environment for people to achieve their potential, leading businesses and communities to thrive and grow by reducing violent crimes as well as crimes in general.
Prepared by: Lauren Suwansupa x8492 and Debra McAlahney x3398, Department of Social Services, assigned to EOC Care and Shelter Branch
Approved by:
________________________________ ___________________________________
Gerry Malais Lori Medina
Emergency Services Manager Director of Social Services