Title
a. Approve and authorize the Director of the Department of Social Services to sign an agreement with the City of Salinas to provide non-congregate shelter, wrap around services, and rapid re-housing to individuals experiencing homelessness in the amount of $1,796,632 for the period of November 2, 2021 through June 30, 2022; and
b. Authorize the Director of the Department of Social Services, to sign up to three (3) amendments to this agreement where the total amendments do not exceed 10% ($179,663) of the original 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 an agreement with the City of Salinas to provide non-congregate shelter, wrap around services, and rapid re-housing to individuals experiencing homelessness in the amount of $1,796,632 for the period of November 2, 2021 through June 30, 2022; and
b. Authorize the Director of the Department of Social Services, to sign up to three (3) amendments to this agreement where the total amendments do not exceed 10% ($179,663) of the original contract amount and do not significantly change the scope of work.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
Due to the significant emergency shelter need, Monterey County has almost no vacant beds in the shelter system. For example, the Salinas Housing Advancement, Resources and Education (SHARE) Center has a waiting list of over 200 unsheltered individuals. The homeless situation has worsened during the pandemic, especially with continued limitations on congregant living in shelters. This is particularly concerning for those at high risk for medical complications were they to become infected with COVID-19.
The Project Roomkey (PRK) initiative was created to provide non-congregate shelter options (e.g., hotels, motels, trailers) to individuals experiencing homelessness. Priority is given to those who are COVID-positive or known to have been exposed to COVID but not requiring hospitalization, and those with high-risk factors for severe illness such as being over 65 years of age and/or having chronic health conditions. The goal of this effort is to protect human life and minimize strain on health care system capacity. The County of Monterey successfully operated a Project Roomkey program under County oversight, as well as a version under contract with the Coalition of Homeless Services Providers (CHSP). Due to capacity concerns, CHSP has declined to continue management of the operation and the County program ended on August 31, 2021.
The proposed program would re-open Project Roomkey in Monterey County in collaboration with the City of Salinas. The project would entail master leasing of up to 40 motel rooms within Salinas city limits. The City would provide program oversight by coordinating intake procedures with all new, current, and continuing program participants, enforcing program guidelines and providing any other administration of daily operations. Services would be subcontracted to the same experienced partners involved in the previous program, including intensive case management and housing navigation for those staying in the motel rooms. Case management services will be provided by California State University Monterey Bay (CSUMB) and Community Health and Engagement (CHE) which includes engagement, housing preparation, stabilization, and crisis planning. The CHE case managers will also serve as the point of contact between the households and Central Coast Center for Independent Living (CCCIL), providing rapid rehousing services to transition from a motel room to permanent housing or an alternative housing project.
Financial resources for this project are provided through the California Department of Social Services Project Roomkey funding which is specifically allocated to the County of Monterey for this program and purpose. The City of Salinas is committing $3 million of American Rescue Plan Act funding towards this project. This collaboration is essential as Monterey County’s sole allocation would not be able to sustain the costs of operating the program beyond a few months. By combining resources, greater program sustainability can be achieved.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Department of Social Services has collaborated with the City of Salinas, CSUMB Community Health and Engagement, Central Coast Center for Independent Living, the Coalition of Homeless Services Providers, the Office of Emergency Services, and the Health Department to establish and support this program. The Auditor-Controller and Purchasing have reviewed and approved this agreement. County Counsel has approved the agreement as to form.
FINANCING:
This agreement is funded through the California Department of Social Services Project Roomkey. The Department will return at a later date to increase appropriations after going to the Budget Committee.
The City of Salinas is committing $3 million of American Rescue Plan Act funding towards this project.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
This agreement correlates to the Public Safety, Health & Human Services, and Administration Strategic Initiatives adopted by the Board of Supervisors by providing access to shelter to reduce the risk and spread of COVID-19 to high-risk individuals experiencing homelessness.
Mark a check to the related Board of Supervisors Strategic Initiatives
__ Economic Development
X Administration
X Health & Human Services
__ Infrastructure
X Public Safety
Prepared by: Glorietta Rowland, MA II, x3584
Approved by: Lori A. Medina, Director, x4430
Attachment: City of Salinas Project Roomkey Agreement
Proposed agreement is on file with Clerk to the Board as an attachment to this Board Report