Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Claire Cunningham, Director, Human Services Agency
Subject: Agreement with Abode Services for Encampment Resolution Funding Rapid Re-Housing Services
RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt a resolution authorizing an agreement with Abode Services to provide Encampment Resolution Funding-funded Rapid Re-housing Services for the term of January 1, 2025 through June 30, 2027, in an amount not to exceed $2,290,873.05.
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BACKGROUND:
The Human Services Agency (HSA), in partnership with the County Executive’s Office, spearheaded an application to the State of California under the Encampment Resolution Funding (ERF) grant to secure funding to serve unhoused San Mateo County residents living in Critical Homeless Encampment Zones (CHEZ) identified through the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) and other partner organizations.
On March 14, 2024, HSA released a Request for Proposals for Rapid Re-housing and Shallow Subsidy services. Abode Services was awarded as the selected contractor based on their experience, qualifications, local knowledge, and approach.
On April 18, 2024, San Mateo County was awarded $14,134,200.12 by the California Department of Housing and Community Development to implement the ERF program.
On June 25, 2024, by Resolution No. 080529, this Board approved the Director of the Human Services Agency to accept funds on behalf of the County from the California Department of Housing and Community Development in the amount of $14,134,200.12 to implement the ERF program.
DISCUSSION:
HSA requests that this Board authorize an agreement with Abode Services to utilize $2,290,873.05 in ERF funds for the purpose of providing rapid re-housing services to residents living in CHEZ.
ERF will utilize a Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) approach composed of specialists in engagement, Coordinated Entry, housing navigation, substance use treatment, mental health, and medical care who will provide field-based services and be the first points of connection for CHEZ residents. Housing-focused case management will follow, supporting people in developing housing plans and encouraging interim options that allow people to stabilize, such as our new Navigation Center.
Rapid re-housing services provided by Abode Services will coordinate housing placements and provide housing subsidies for 45 of the CHEZ residents. The goal of rapid re-housing services is to assist people experiencing homelessness in the CHEZ to return to permanent housing quickly. Rapid re-housing services will involve coordinating closely with other ERF-funded teams as a part of the MDT approach. Specific program components of ERF rapid re-housing services will include providing housing location services, move-in and rental financial assistance, and housing-focused case management.
Abode will work with HSA to develop a Bridge Rapid Re-housing component of this program, in which clients would be assessed at specific intervals to determine if they should continue on a rental assistance step-down plan or stay in the rapid re-housing program until a Permanent Supportive Housing unit is available.
The County Attorney’s Office has reviewed and approved the resolution as to form.
The resolution contains the County’s standard provision allowing amendments of the County’s fiscal obligation by a maximum of $25,000 (in the aggregate).
PERFORMANCE MEASURE:
|
Measure |
FY 2024-27 Targets |
|
Cumulative number of households housed by January 31, 2026 |
45 |
|
Percentage of households who maintain housing and do not become homeless within 12 months of securing permanent housing |
85% |
EQUITY IMPACT:
Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) populations are disproportionately impacted by poverty and housing instability throughout San Mateo County. The ERF Rapid Re-housing program will improve equity and inclusion in San Mateo County by focusing on providing housing interventions and field-based services for people experiencing homelessness in CHEZ encampments, many of whom are chronically homeless and have the highest barriers to accessing housing, in order to assist them in returning to permanent housing as soon as possible.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The term of this agreement is from January 1, 2025, through June 30, 2027, in an amount not to exceed $2,290,873.05. Funding for this agreement is provided by the state Encampment Resolution Funding 3 (ERF 3) grant. Budgetary appropriation for this agreement is included in the FY 2024-25 Adopted Budget and will be included in all subsequent budgets that are affected by this agreement. There is no Net County Cost associated with this agreement.