Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Ken Cole, Director, Human Services Agency
Subject: Measure K: Amendment to the Agreement with Samaritan House for Homeless Prevention and Emergency Financial Assistance Services
RECOMMENDATION:
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Measure K: Adopt a resolution authorizing an amendment to the agreement with Samaritan House for the Homeless Prevention and Emergency Financial Assistance program services to increase the total amount by $803,229 for a new total amount not to exceed $2,699,162 and to extend the contract one year through June 30, 2024.
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BACKGROUND:
The Homeless Prevention Services and Financial Assistance Program provides short-term financial assistance to eligible San Mateo County residents to help those experiencing homelessness return to housing, and those at imminent risk of becoming homeless stay housed.
On June 30, 2020 by Resolution No. 77560, the County entered into an agreement (Agreement) with Samaritan House for a total obligation amount not to exceed $1,353,000, for the term of July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2023, to provide Homeless Prevention and Financial Assistance services.
On May 3, 2022 by Resolution No. 78867, the County amended the Agreement to increase the total obligation amount by $542,933 for new total amount of $1,895,933 in order to increase Homeless Prevention and Emergency Financial Assistance program services.
Samaritan House works closely with the Core Service Agencies (Cores) to provide financial assistance tailored to meet the needs of eligible applicants, to the extent feasible within the available resources. This includes one-time rental assistance or security deposit, payment of utility arrears, and/or other costs associated with housing stability such as car repair. Additionally, Samaritan House and the Cores provide other housing crisis support to clients such as information and assistance with applying for public benefits, direct referrals to legal services agencies, community-based financial assistance programs, credit repair and budgeting workshops, etc.
DISCUSSION:
This amendment would increase the FY 2022-23 funding by $323,959 and add $479,270 for FY 2023-24. The additional funds for the current fiscal year will be particularly impactful as there has been a large increase in rental assistance need in early 2023.
These funds will allow for additional applicants who are experiencing housing instability to receive emergency financial assistance. The financial impact many households are experiencing related to inflation, job market instability, the end of state and federal COVID-related rental assistance programs, and other challenges with housing costs have increased requests for financial assistance to maintain housing stability.
The resolution contains the County’s standard provisions allowing amendment of the County’s fiscal obligations by a maximum of $25,000 (in aggregate).
County Attorney has reviewed and approved the resolution and the agreement as to form.
It is anticipated that this agreement will serve 250 households in FY 2022-23 and 150 households in FY 2023-24.
PERFORMANCE MEASURE:
|
Measure |
FY 2020-21 Actuals |
FY 2021-22 Actuals |
FY 2022-23 Target |
FY 2023-24 Target |
|
Number of households who receive financial assistance (unduplicated) |
171 |
307 |
250 |
150 |
|
Percent of participants contacted who have remained housed 6 months after receiving financial assistance |
99% |
99% |
80% |
80% |
FISCAL IMPACT:
This amendment increases the obligation amount by $803,229 for a new total obligation amount not to exceed $2,699,162 and extends the contract until June 30, 2024. This agreement is 100% funded by Measure K sales and use tax. Budget appropriations for this agreement were included in the FY 2022-23 Adopted Budget and in the FY 2023-24 Recommended Budget. There is no Net County Cost associated with this agreement.