Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Ken Cole, Director, Human Services Agency
Subject: Acceptance of funding from the California Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency for Round 2 of the Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention Program
RECOMMENDATION:
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Resolution authorizing:
A) Acceptance of funding from the California Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency for Round 2 of the Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention Program in a total amount of up to $842,773 for the CA-512 Daly City/San Mateo County Continuum of Care; and
B) Acceptance of funding from the California Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency for Round 2 of the Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention Program in a total amount of up to $754,333 for the County of San Mateo; and
C) Redirection of funding from the California Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency for Round 2 of the Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention Program in a total amount of up to $842,773 from the CA-512 Daly City/San Mateo County Continuum of Care to the County of San Mateo; and
D) The Director of Human Services Agency, or designee, to execute a contract with the California Business, Consumer, Services and Housing Agency, and any amendments to the contract, to accept funding in a total amount of up to $1,597,106 (in aggregate) through FY 2025-26.
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BACKGROUND:
The County of San Mateo Human Services Agency (HSA) serves as the Lead Agency for the CA-512 Daly City/San Mateo County Continuum of Care (CoC). In July 2016, after input and feedback from community partners, HSA published the Strategic Plan to End Homelessness. HSA and its community partners have implemented a number of strategies to ensure that the homeless crisis resolution system can rapidly connect individuals and families experiencing homelessness to shelter and permanent housing.
In July 2019, Governor Newsom signed into law AB 101, which established the Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention Program (HHAP). HHAP is a one-time funding source designed to support local coordination and expand local capacity to address immediate homeless challenges. On June 29, 2020, Governor Newsom signed into law AB 83, which established a second round of HHAP one-time funds. The California Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency (BCSH) will administer HHAP Round 2 one-time block grant, which may be used for a variety of homeless services, including prevention, outreach, rapid re-housing, permanent housing, and other homeless services.
DISCUSSION:
HSA is planning to submit an application to BCSH for HHAP-2 funds in the amount of $1,597,106.00, which is the total amount for which the County of San Mateo and the CoC are eligible.
Given that HHAP-2 is a one-time funding source, HSA is strategically planning for how to most effectively utilize this funding source within the existing structure of homeless services in the County. HSA is reviewing information about emerging needs, existing homeless services, efforts in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Strategic Plan to End Homelessness to identify strategies and programs that could be enhanced with this additional one-time funding resource.
One-time HHAP-2 funds are available to eligible applicants, which include specified large cities, Counties, and Continuums of Care. The County of San Mateo and the CoC are both eligible applicants for HHAP-2 funds. BCSH permits jurisdictions to redirect their HHAP-2 program funds allocation to their partnering Continuum of Care or County. HSA is the Lead Agency for the CoC. It is recommended that the HHAP-2 program funds designated to the CoC in the amount of $842,773 be combined with the County of San Mateo’s HHAP allocation for a total County allocation of $1,597,106. This redirection of funds will allow the HSA to submit one HHAP-2 funding application on behalf of the County, instead of having to submit two separate applications and managing two separate grants from BCSH.
To expedite the process of receiving these new state funds, HSA is requesting that the Board of Supervisors authorize the HSA Director or designee to accept HHAP-2 funds should BCSH approve HSA’s application, and to execute a contract and any amendments with BSCH to accept the funds through FY 2025-26.
County Counsel has reviewed and approved the resolution as to form.
FISCAL IMPACT:
This is a revenue Agreement to accept California state grant funds. Funds in the amount of $1,597,106 are anticipated to be received within Fiscal Year 2020-21 and are available to use until June 30, 2026. These funds will be held in trust by the County until they are utilized. Budgetary appropriation to authorize the use of these funds will be included in the budget years that will be affected. There is no Net County Cost associated with this Agreement.