Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Claire Cunningham, Director, Human Services Agency
Subject: Acceptance of Grant Agreement with the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development for Continuum of Care Planning Activities
RECOMMENDATION:
title
Adopt a resolution authorizing:
A) The Human Services Agency Director or designee to accept $708,239 in funds from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for Continuum of Care planning activities (Grant Number CA2255L9T122300) for the term of July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026; and
B) The Human Services Agency Director or designee to execute future grant agreements with HUD for Continuum of Care planning activities in any amount from January 1, 2025, through December 31, 2029, that are compliant with the terms and conditions of grant funding and in consultation with the County Attorney, including any grant agreements, amendments to grant agreements or other documents necessary to accept said grant funds from HUD.
body
BACKGROUND:
The Human Services Agency (HSA) is the lead Continuum of Care (CoC) agency designated by United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The CoC is the system of homeless services providers and stakeholders responsible for coordinating and providing homeless services locally using HUD and other funding.
As the CoC lead agency, HSA ensures compliance with all HUD CoC regulations, implements and oversees the Coordinated Entry System (CES), completes federal reporting required by HUD, and coordinates the community’s annual HUD grant application for funding to support homeless services in the community.
DISCUSSION:
HSA recommends that the County enter into a grant agreement with HUD for Grant No. CA2255L9T122300 to fund CoC planning activities. HSA will use this grant funding to support staff time and technical assistance services necessary in order to meet HUD CoC requirements. Funded activities include completing the annual CoC funding competition to maximize the amount of HUD CoC funding awarded to programs in San Mateo County, data analysis and submission of federal reports, implementing the Coordinated Entry System, maintenance of the required CoC community committees, and conducting the bi-annual One Day Homeless Count.
It is likely that HUD will award this grant to CoC in future years. HUD requests that grant agreements are executed and returned within a short time period. Accordingly, HSA is requesting authorization for the Human Services Agency Director, or designee, to execute any grant agreements, amendments to grant agreements or other documents necessary to accept future HUD grant funds to allow for timely submission to HUD.
CoC Planning grant funding from HUD will continue to positively impact services available to the homeless population in San Mateo County. HUD grant funding will be utilized for the ongoing development of the CoC system, which incorporates monitoring system performance standards, the implementation of the CoC Strategic plan, and operating the Diversion and Coordinated Entry System to ensure equitable access to shelter and housing programs for families, adults, and youth experiencing homelessness.
HUD CoC Planning grant funding will allow HSA to continue the coordination of CoC committees, including the Racial Equity Committee, which reviews data on racial equity and suggests strategies for improving racial equity with the CoC, and the Lived Experience Advisory Group, which provides individuals with lived experience of homelessness the opportunity for input into CoC system planning and improvement efforts.
The County Attorney has reviewed and approved the agreement and resolution as to form.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The amount of the grant is $708,239 for the period of 12 months beginning on July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026. Budgetary appropriation will be included in the FY 2025-26 and future Recommended Budgets. This is a revenue agreement. There is no Net County Cost associated to the agreement.