Title
a. Approve and authorize the Director of the Department of Social Services to sign Amendment #1 with United Way Monterey County for the administration of the Monterey County Emergency Rental Assistance Program extending the term through June 30, 2023 and adding $22,434,117 for a new contract total of $50,715,953; and
b. Authorize the Director or 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% ($5,071,595) 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 to sign Amendment #1 with United Way Monterey County for the administration of the Monterey County Emergency Rental Assistance Program extending the term through June 30, 2023 and adding $22,434,117 for a new contract total of $50,715,953 and
b. Authorize the Director or 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% ($5,071,595) of the contract amount and do not significantly change the scope of work.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The Department of Social Services (DSS) seeks to amend the existing Monterey County Emergency Rental Assistance Program (MC ERAP) agreement with United Way Monterey County (UWMC) to incorporate new funding ($22,434,117) and extend the term to June 30, 2023 to allow for continued operation.
The Monterey County Emergency Rental Assistance Program (MC ERAP) began in March 2021 by state and federal Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA1) block grants. Monterey County’s program targets low-income residents adversely impacted by the COVID-19 crisis who are at risk of becoming homeless. The U.S. Consolidated Appropriations Act (2021) and State’s COVID-19 Tenant Relief Act (SB 91) initiated the Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA1) program, meanwhile, the American Rescue Plan Act (2021) enacted March 11, 2021 established ERA2 and, as a result, made a second round of Emergency Rental Assistance funding available through both the U.S. Treasury and the State of California, expiring September 30, 2025. In addition, $150,000.00 in county funds was allocated to DSS for MC ERAP based on your Board’s modifications to the Fiscal Year 2021-22 Recommended Budget. This brings the total County allocation for this Agreement to $50,715,953.
As of October 5, 2021, MC ERAP has obligated $11,106,106 of the Federal Block Grant and $13,360,090 of the State Block Grant and dispersed $10,267,141 in rental and utility assistance. UWMC utilizes existing 2-1-1 infrastructure, which is staffed by trained and certified call specialists. Local partners include Central Coast Energy Services, Goodwill Central Coast, Hartnell College, Housing Resource Center, Monterey Peninsula College, North County Recreation and Park District, Salvation Army and the cities of Gonzales, Greenfield, King, Monterey, Seaside, and Soledad. Awarded funds can used for program administration, direct financial assistance, including rent, rental arrears, utilities and home energy costs, utilities and home energy costs arrears, and other expenses related to housing. Remaining funds are available for housing stability services, including case management and other services intended to keep households stably housed. ERA1 funds expenditure deadline has been extended from December 31, 2021 to September 30, 2022 and ERA2 has various obligation deadlines but must be expended by September 30, 2025. The County General Funds ($150,000) allocated for FY 2021-22 will assist residents who need rental assistance but are otherwise ineligible for the program due to gaps or barriers caused by state and/or federal eligibility and/or documentation requirements.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
Development, administration, and implementation of the MC ERAP requires departmental, intergovernmental, and private sector coordination with the UWMC and network of 2-1-1 service providers, including adherence to state and federal reporting requirements.
The Auditor Controller and Purchasing have reviewed and approved this agreement. County Counsel has approved the agreement as to form. Due to late submission of this Board Report, the CAO Budget and Analysis Division was not provided adequate time to fully review for potential fiscal, organizational, policy, or other implications to the County of Monterey.
FINANCING:
This agreement is funded with $23,094,714 of federal funds from the U.S. Treasury, $27,471,239 from the State of California, and $150,000 from the County General Fund, for an overall total of $50,715.953. The Department will return at a later date to request additional appropriations after determining need and going to Budget Committee.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
This action correlates to the Administration and Health & Human Services Strategic Initiatives adopted by the Board of Supervisors by allowing the Department to continue to receive state and federal funding to provide programs and services to the residents of the County.
Mark a check to the related Board of Supervisors Strategic Initiatives
__Economic Development
X Administration
X Health & Human Services
__Infrastructure
__Public Safety
Prepared by Denise Vienne, Management Analyst II, x4484
Approved by: Lori A. Medina, Director, x4430
Attachments: Original Agreement
Proposed Amendment #1
Proposed agreement is on file with the Clerk of the Board as an attachment to this Board Report