Special Notice / Hearing: None
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Michael P. Callagy, County Executive
Subject: Use of District-Discretionary Measure K Funds - Supervisorial District 2
RECOMMENDATION:
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Measure K: Adopt a resolution authorizing an amendment to the district-discretionary Measure K grant agreement with San Mateo County Health Foundation, reallocating funds to emergency rental assistance with no change to the not-to-exceed amount of $56,473 or term, and authorizing the County Executive, or designee, to execute the amendment.
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BACKGROUND:
On December 10, 2024, the County and San Mateo County Health Foundation (“SMCHF”) entered into a Measure K Grant Agreement (“Agreement”) to provide support for SMCHF’s Caring Hands in Health program, including funding for temporary recuperative housing, medical equipment, supplies not covered by insurance, and assistance with copays and prescription drug costs, in an amount not to exceed $56,473 for the term December 10, 2024, to July 31, 2025. An amendment to extend the term of the Agreement to December 31, 2025 was previously approved by the County Executive’s designee.
DISCUSSION:
SMCHF requested an amendment to the Agreement to extend the term through September 30, 2025, and reallocate $22,822 in direct funding for recuperative housing and medical needs to funding for emergency rental assistance. The proposed amendment would reallocate $11,922 in funding for medical equipment and copay/prescription drug cost assistance and $10,900 in funding for temporary recuperative housing and to emergency rental assistance for vulnerable patients to avoid eviction while they are undergoing medical care and most at-risk. Reallocating funding to emergency rental assistance is responsive to the current pressing needs of patients served by SMCHF and the availability of funding sources for all budgeted items.
To help prevent eviction, SMCHF provides one-time emergency rental assistance by partnering with patients to cover 50% of their rent for one month during times of unexpected hardship. This support is reserved for patients who have additional means-such as employment, family support, community resources, or government benefits-and are actively working to regain stability and secure a permanent housing solution. SMCHF verifies rental costs with the landlord, and all payments are made directly to the landlord. Patients are eligible to receive up to $2,000 in rental assistance, which is awarded once per household per lifetime. Eligibility is determined through an intake process conducted by the patient’s social worker and/or medical team and is based on three criteria:
1. Urgent housing needs as determined by the patient’s San Mateo County Health care team and after they have exhausted all other resources.
2. Ability to cover at least half of the rent.
3. Active engagement with a social worker or community agency on a long-term housing plan.
Revised Budget
|
Item |
Amount |
|
Direct Costs |
|
Medical equipment and supplies and assistance with copays and prescription drug costs, including but not limited to: • Glucose monitors/diabetic supplies, blood pressure cuffs, external catheters, wheelchairs, walkers, canes. • Items used for physical therapy like peddlers, orthotic accessories, TENS unit stimulators, bed wedges for neck and back pain. • Bedrails, electric chair lifts, bariatric wheelchairs and mattresses. • Copays and prescriptions outside of insurance coverage. This covers medical and dental requests for medication, procedures, eyeglasses, etc. |
$7,532 |
|
Recuperative housing for patients (290 motel room nights at $80-$90 per night) |
$26,119 |
|
Emergency rental assistance (50% of eligible patient's rent paid directly to landlord for 27 patients and their families) |
$22,822 |
|
TOTAL |
$56,473 |
PERFORMANCE MEASURES:
|
Description |
Target |
|
Provide 13 patients with recuperative housing during their recoveries |
100% Complete |
|
Provide 59 patients with medical equipment, supplies and assistance with copays and prescription drug costs |
100% Complete |
|
Provide 27 patients with emergency rental assistance |
100% Complete |
The County Attorney’s Office has reviewed and approved the proposed amendment to the agreement and the accompanying resolution as to form.
COMMUNITY IMPACT:
Marginalized communities are often those most deeply affected by rising housing costs. As rents rise dramatically throughout the county and residents are faced with the threat of eviction, those displaced from their communities are disproportionately residents of color. SMCHF serves patients who are undergoing often intensive medical care. This can be a highly vulnerable time for patients during which housing stability is essential. Emergency rental assistance provides a lifeline to prevent families and individuals from being displaced and keeps them rooted in their communities.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact to the County from this amendment to the agreement. Sufficient Measure K funds are budgeted in the Non-Departmental Services FY 2024-2025 Adopted Budget and will roll over to the new FY 2025-2.