Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Claire Cunningham, Director, Human Services Agency
Subject: Measure K: Amendment to the Agreement with Samaritan House for Emergency Financial Assistance and Homelessness Prevention Services
RECOMMENDATION:
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Measure K: Adopt a resolution authorizing an amendment to the agreement with Samaritan House to provide Emergency Financial Assistance and Homelessness Prevention services by adding $100,000 for a revised total obligation amount not to exceed $10,600,000 and the term remaining July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2027.
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BACKGROUND:
The Emergency Financial Assistance and Homelessness Prevention program provides financial assistance to eligible San Mateo County residents to help those at risk of becoming homeless to stay housed, and to assist people experiencing homelessness or a housing crisis, with a security deposit to be able to move into a new rental housing unit.
On November 3, 2023, the County Executive’s Office (CEO) released the Measure K Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for interested applicants to submit proposals to provide services in San Mateo County that target three specific areas: children, families, and seniors; emergency preparedness; and housing and homelessness. Samaritan House submitted a proposal in response to the Measure K NOFO that requested funding to continue providing emergency financial assistance services. Following an evaluation process conducted by the CEO, Samaritan House was selected to be awarded Measure K funding for Emergency Financial Assistance and Homelessness Prevention services.
On March 26, 2024, by Resolution No. 080240, this Board approved the FY 2024-25 Measure K Budget as presented by the CEO, which included awarding Measure K funding to Samaritan House for the Emergency Financial Assistance and Homelessness Prevention program.
On June 25, 2024, by Resolution No. 080519, the Board approved the current agreement with Samaritan House to provide emergency financial assistance and homelessness prevention services in the amount of$10,500,000 for the term of July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2027.
DISCUSSION:
This agreement with Samaritan House provides time-limited financial assistance to remove immediate barriers to housing stability. Samaritan House works closely with the Core Service Agencies and the Human Services Agency to provide financial assistance tailored to meet the needs of eligible applicants, to the extent feasible within the available resources. Financial assistance may include point-in-time rental assistance, security deposits, payment of utility arrears, and/or other costs associated with housing stability such as car repairs. This program serves as a critical and effective resource for preventing homelessness among lower-income San Mateo County residents.
Due to an ongoing need in the community for assistance, this contract is being amended to add an additional $100,000 to be able to provide emergency financial assistance to 34 additional households.
The resolution contains the County’s standard provisions allowing amendment of the County’s fiscal obligations by a maximum of $25,000 (in the aggregate).
The County Attorney has reviewed and approved the resolution and the agreement as to form.
PERFORMANCE MEASURE:
|
Measure |
FY 2024-25 Target |
|
Number of households who receive financial assistance (unduplicated) |
882 |
|
Percent of participants contacted who have remained housed 6 months after receiving financial assistance |
92% |
COMMUNITY IMPACT:
The Measure K Emergency Financial Assistance and Homelessness Prevention program has a positive impact on the community. This program serves San Mateo County residents who are at risk of homelessness or experiencing homelessness. The program advances equity in the county, as it supports vulnerable community members, which includes racial/ethnic minority groups that are overrepresented in the population of people experiencing homelessness, as compared to the general population of the County.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The term of this agreement is from July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2027. This agreement includes a total obligation amount not to exceed $10,600,000. This agreement is funded by Measure K sales and use tax. Budgetary appropriations for this amendment are included in the FY 2024-25 Adopted Budget and will be included in future budgets,.