Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Claire Cunningham, Director, Human Services Agency
Subject: Agreement with Community Overcoming Relationship Abuse (CORA)
RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt a resolution authorizing a waiver of the Request for Proposals process and approving the execution of an agreement with Community Overcoming Relationship Abuse for the term September 1, 2024 to August 31, 2027 for a total obligation amount not to exceed $300,000 to provide domestic violence support services to residents in San Mateo County participating in the CalWORKs Welfare to Work program.
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BACKGROUND:
Domestic violence (DV) is a serious and pervasive social problem with devastating physical, psychological, and economic consequences for victims. DV remains a significant public health and safety concern in San Mateo County, impacting over 10,000 residents annually. Community Overcoming Relationship Abuse (CORA) is the only agency in the County with services solely dedicated to serving those affected by domestic violence meeting the requirements detailed in the Domestic Violence Centers Act, including emergency shelter, transitional housing, legal representation, advice, and accompaniment, a 24-hour hotline, counseling, and community outreach. CORA provides safety, support, and healing for individuals who experience abuse in an intimate relationship.
According to CORA, one in four women and one in seven men have been the victims of severe physical violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime. Approximately 80% of homeless women with children (mothers) have experienced domestic violence, and 87% of CORA’s Safe Housing clients are extremely low-income (having an income of $0 to $25,200 annually). Some affected residents are enrolled in the County’s CalWORKs Welfare to Work program, operated by the Human Services Agency (HSA), that provides activities and services to help achieve self-sufficiency.
DISCUSSION:
HSA is requesting the County enter into an agreement with CORA to provide prioritization of CalWORKs Welfare to Work participants experiencing DV. Under this agreement, CORA will provide referrals for emergency housing, counseling, and legal assistance. The services are free and confidential for survivors of DV and are an integral component of HSA’s mission to promote self-sufficiency. Through the provision of DV support services, CalWORKs families experiencing DV-related crisis will have access to support services to resolve the barriers that prevent them from engaging in employment or education activities necessary to maintaining/obtaining self-sufficiency. HSA estimates a minimum of 25 CalWORKs Welfare to Work families will be referred each year.
Pursuant to Section 2.83.070(b) of the County Ordinance Code, the Board of Supervisors may waive the requirement of a request for proposals in any situation where the Board of Supervisors determines that it is in the best interests of the County. It is in the County’s best interest to execute this agreement with CORA to ensure that San Mateo County CalWORKs Welfare to Work families affected by domestic violence have access to services to empower them with information and options they need to build safe, stable lives for themselves and their children.
Additionally, pursuant to Administrative Memorandum B-1 Paragraph IV. C. Non-Emergency General Exemptions, services do not require a competitive procurement if they are proprietary or are only available from a single source. CORA is the only organization of its kind located in/and serving residents of San Mateo County.
The resolution contains the County’s standard provisions allowing amendment of the County’s fiscal obligation by a maximum of $25,000 (in the aggregate).
The County Attorney has reviewed and approved the agreement and resolution as to form.
PERFORMANCE MEASURE:
|
Measure |
FY 2024-25 Anticipated |
FY2025-26 Target |
FY2026-27 Target |
|
Percentage of clients referred will be contacted by the Contractor within 2 business days. |
90% |
92% |
95% |
|
Percentage of clients referred for crisis-related services will receive services. |
90% |
92% |
95% |
EQUITY IMPACT:
This agreement will positively impact low-income families receiving CalWORKs by providing intensive services to those experiencing domestic violence in order to address barriers that impact their safety and to provide the support needed to achieve self-sufficiency.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The term of the agreement is September 1, 2024, through August 31, 2027. The amount of the agreement is $300,000 for a three-year term. The amount for each fiscal year of the agreement is $100,000. Estimated to be 100% funded with CalWORKs WTW Single Allocation. Claimed as 100% direct to CalWORKs WTW Single Allocation. Of the $300,000, $100,000 has been included in the FY 2024-25 Adopted Budget, $100,000 for each remaining year of the agreement will be included in future year Recommended Budgets. There is no Net County Cost.