Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Claire Cunningham, Director, Human Services Agency
Subject: Second Amendment to the Agreement with WeHOPE for Homeless Shelter Operation Services
RECOMMENDATION:
title
Measure K: Adopt a resolution authorizing a second amendment to the agreement with WeHOPE for homeless shelter operation services by adding $3,779,176 in funds for a revised total amount of $9,266,914 and extending the term two years for a revised term of July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2028.
body
BACKGROUND:
Homeless shelter services are an essential component of the County of San Mateo’s homeless crisis response system, providing a safe temporary place to stay and supportive services to help clients as they find permanent housing.
On December 21, 2022, the Human Services Agency (HSA) issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for Homeless Shelter Services to identify shelter operators beginning in July 2023. Based on the evaluation criteria in the RFP, WeHOPE was selected to provide adult shelter services at the WeHOPE Shelter located in East Palo Alto.
On June 13, 2023, this Board by Resolution No. 079756(d) authorized an agreement with WeHOPE for the purpose of providing homeless shelter services and inclement weather beds during San Mateo County Inclement Weather program activations in the amount of $5,487,738 for the term of July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2026.
On October 23, 2024, HSA amended this agreement to increase the availability of beds without any change to the term or funding.
DISCUSSION:
HSA is requesting the Board authorize an amendment for WeHOPE to add $3,779,176 in funds to extend the term of the agreement two years for a revised term of July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2028, for a revised total amount of $9,266,914.
WeHOPE will continue to operate the shelter as a low-barrier shelter program and will provide 24/7 staffing and services to each client. This contractor will also oversee shelter operations, shelter facilities, and maintain the health and safety of clients.
The shelter provides housing-focused case management to each client, connects them with supportive services, and assists clients with their plan to locate and move into permanent housing. Shelter case managers offer support to connect clients to relevant, available resources in the community, based on each client’s specific situation, needs, and resources.
The shelter accepts referrals via the County’s Coordinated Entry System (CES), which is accessed at any of the eight Core Service Agencies located throughout the County. When community members in need contact a Core Service Agency, they receive an assessment based on their individual situation, program eligibility, and program availability. They are then connected to resources which may include homeless shelters.
WeHOPE currently provides 113 year-round shelter beds for adults experiencing homelessness referred to by CES and will continue to do so with this amendment. During FY2024-2025, WeHOPE served 541 deduplicated individuals over the course of the fiscal year.
WeHOPE will also participate in the Inclement Weather Program by providing up to 12 additional beds for the winter nights when the Inclement Weather Program is activated due to very low temperatures and/or rain events.
The resolution contains the County’s standard provisions allowing amendment of the County’s fiscal obligation by a maximum of $25,000 for each agreement.
The County Attorney has reviewed and approved the amendment and resolution as to form.
PERFORMANCE MEASURE:
|
Measure |
FY 2023-24 Actuals |
FY 2024-25 Actuals |
FY 2025-26 Estimate |
FY 2026-27 Target |
FY 2027-28 Target |
|
Exits to Permanent Housing Percentage of all clients who exited to a permanent situation |
12.62% |
8.41% |
6.47% |
18% |
18% |
|
Length of Stay Stayers (clients who are still in the program) Median length of stay for program participants |
88 days |
69 days |
89 days |
Between 30 and 120 days |
Between 30 and 120 days |
COMMUNITY IMPACT:
This agreement addresses the urgent needs of unhoused adults by providing a safe and supportive environment to help them stabilize, minimize trauma, and work towards permanent housing. By assisting a vulnerable and underserved community, many of whom are people of color, the services provided help address systemic inequities and barriers to housing. It is a step forward to fostering inclusivity and ensuring all residents have access to safe living conditions and the supportive services that a shelter provides.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The term of this amendment is from July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2028. The amendment extends the term by two years and increases the agreement by $3,779,176, for a revised total not to exceed $9,266,914. Funding for this amendment is provided by Measure K sales and use tax revenue, state Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention Program (HHAP) grant, and Net County Cost. Budget appropriation for this agreement is included in the FY2025-26 Adopted Budget and future years will be incorporated through the annual budget process.