Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Claire Cunningham, Agency Director, Human Services Agency
Subject: Measure K: Amendment to the Agreement with Samaritan House for Homeless Prevention and Emergency Financial Assistance Services
RECOMMENDATION:
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Measure K: Adopt a resolution authorizing an amendment to the agreement with Samaritan House for the Homeless Prevention and Emergency Financial Assistance program services to increase the total amount by $1,019,171, for a new total amount not to exceed $3,718,333.
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BACKGROUND:
The Homeless Prevention Services and Financial Assistance Program provides short-term financial assistance to eligible San Mateo County residents to help those experiencing homelessness return to housing, and those at imminent risk of becoming homeless stay housed.
On June 30, 2020, by Resolution No. 77560, the County entered into an agreement (Agreement) with Samaritan House for a total obligation amount not to exceed $1,353,000, for the term of July 1, 2020, to June 30, 2023, to provide Homeless Prevention and Financial Assistance services.
On May 3, 2022, by Resolution No. 78867, the County amended the Agreement to increase the total obligation amount by $542,933 for new total amount of $1,895,933 in order to increase Homeless Prevention and Emergency Financial Assistance program services.
On April 25, 2023, by Resolution No. 79578, the County amended the Agreement to increase the total obligation amount by $803,229 for new total amount of $2,699,162 in order extend the contract one year through June 30, 2024, and increase services.
Samaritan House works with the Core Service Agencies (Cores) to provide financial assistance tailored to meet the needs of eligible applicants, to the extent feasible within the available resources. This includes one-time rental assistance or security deposit, payment of utility arrears, and/or other costs associated with housing stability such as car repair. Additionally, Samaritan House and the Cores provide other housing crisis support to clients such as information and assistance with applying for public benefits, direct referrals to legal services agencies, community-based financial assistance programs, credit repair and budgeting workshops, etc.
DISCUSSION:
This amendment would increase the FY 2023-24 funding by $1,019,171, which includes $19,171 for the FY 2023-24 cost living adjustment increase approved by this Board and a one-time allocation of $1,000,000 for the remainder of FY 2023-24.
The additional funds for the current fiscal year will be particularly impactful in responding to the large increase in residents applying for rental assistance since early 2023. The financial impact many households are experiencing related to inflation, job market instability, the end of state and federal COVID-related rental assistance programs, and other challenges with housing costs have led to this increase in requests for financial assistance to maintain housing stability.
There are many new first-time applicants for emergency financial assistance. In response to the additional need, households have been turned down and offer less financial assistance than in recent years in order to stretch the existing budget through the end of the fiscal year.
These additional funds will allow for more applicants who are experiencing housing instability to receive emergency financial assistance. The additional $1,000,000 will specifically be used for rental assistance.
The resolution contains the County’s standard provisions allowing amendment of the County’s fiscal obligations by a maximum of $25,000 (in aggregate).
County Attorney has reviewed and approved the resolution and the agreement as to form.
It is anticipated that this agreement will serve 438 more households in FY 2023-24, bringing the target of households served up to 588 households served for FY 2023-24.
PERFORMANCE MEASURE:
|
Measure |
FY 2021-22 Actuals |
FY 2022-23 Actuals |
FY 2023-24 Target |
|
Number of households who receive financial assistance (unduplicated) |
307 |
297 |
588 |
|
Percent of participants contacted who have remained housed 6 months after receiving financial assistance |
99% |
100% |
80% |
FISCAL IMPACT:
This amendment increases the obligation amount by $1,019,171 for a new total obligation amount not to exceed $3,718,333. This agreement is 100% funded by Measure K sales and use tax. Budget appropriations for this agreement will be included in future budgets.