Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Claire Cunningham, Director, Human Services Agency
Subject: Measure K: Second amendment to the Agreement with Samaritan House for Homeless Shelter Operation Services at Safe Harbor Shelter
RECOMMENDATION:
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Measure K: Adopt a resolution authorizing a second amendment to the agreement with Samaritan House for homeless shelter operation services at Safe Harbor shelter by adding $3,233,028 in funds for a revised total amount of $7,409,072 and extending the term two years for a revised term of July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2028.
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BACKGROUND:
Homeless shelter services are an essential component of the County of San Mateo’s homeless crisis response system, providing a safe temporary place to stay and supportive services to help clients as they work on finding permanent housing.
On December 21, 2022, the Human Services Agency (HSA) issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for Homeless Shelter Services to identify shelter operators beginning in July 2023. Based on the evaluation criteria in the RFP, Samaritan House was selected to operate Safe Harbor Shelter located in South San Francisco in a County-leased building.
On June 12, 2023, this Board by Resolution No. 079756(b) authorized an agreement with Samaritan House for the purpose of providing homeless shelter services at Safe Harbor Shelter in the amount of $4,156,608 for the term of July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2026.
On May 6, 2025, HSA amended this agreement by adding $19,436 for a cost-of-living adjustment for a revised total not to exceed $4,176,044 and to update certain terms.
DISCUSSION:
HSA is requesting the Board authorize an amendment with Samaritan House to add $3,233,028 in funds and to extend the term two years through June 30, 2028.
Under this amended agreement, Samaritan House will continue to operate Safe Harbor Shelter as a low-barrier shelter program and will provide 24/7 staffing and services to each client. The contractor will provide supportive services to all clients, oversee shelter operations, and support the health and safety of clients.
At Safe Harbor Shelter, Samaritan House provides housing-focused case management to each client, connects them with supportive services, and assists clients with developing and implementing plans to work toward permanent housing. People experiencing homelessness face an extremely challenging housing market and lack of affordable housing options, and some also face a variety of barriers including little to no income, past evictions, alcohol or other substance use issues, and mental and physical health challenges.
Shelter case managers offer support to connect clients to relevant, available resources in the community, based on each client’s specific situation, needs, and resources.
The shelter accepts referrals via the County’s Coordinated Entry System (CES), which is accessed at any of the eight Core Service Agencies located throughout the County.
Samaritan House will provide 100 beds for adults referred by CES. During FY2024-2025, Safe Harbor served 713 deduplicated individuals over the course of the fiscal year.
Safe Harbor Shelter will also participate in the Inclement Weather Program by providing additional beds for the winter nights when the Inclement Weather Program is activated due to very low temperatures and/or rain events.
The resolution contains the County’s standard provisions allowing amendment of the County’s fiscal obligation by a maximum of $25,000 for each agreement.
The County Attorney has reviewed and approved the amendment and resolution as to form.
PERFORMANCE MEASURE:
|
Measure |
FY 2023-24 Actuals |
FY 2024-25 Actuals |
FY 2025-26 Estimate |
FY 2026-27 Target |
FY 2027-28 Target |
|
Exits to Permanent Housing Percentage of all clients who exited to a permanent situation |
9.97% |
6.37% |
7.23% |
18% |
18% |
|
Length of Stay Stayers (clients who are still in the program) Median length of stay for program participants |
93 days |
51 days |
58 days |
Between 30 and 120 days |
Between 30 and 120 days |
COMMUNITY IMPACT:
Safe Harbor shelter addresses the urgent needs of unhoused adults by providing a safe and supportive environment to help them stabilize, minimize trauma, and work towards permanent housing.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The term of this amendment is from July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2028. The amendment extends the term by two years and increases the agreement by $3,233,028, for a revised total not to exceed $7,409,072. Funding for this amendment is provided by Measure K sales and use tax revenue, state Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention Program (HHAP) grant, and Net County Cost. Budget appropriation for this agreement is included in the FY2025-26 Adopted Budget and future years will be incorporated through annual budget process.