Special Notice / Hearing: None
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Claire Cunningham, Director, Human Services Agency
Subject: Agreement with Equitable Social Solutions for Housing and Disability Advocacy Program (HDAP) Homelessness Prevention Assistance Services
RECOMMENDATION:
title
Adopt a resolution authorizing an agreement with Equitable Social Solutions to provide Housing and Disability Advocacy Program (HDAP) Homelessness Prevention Assistance Services for the term of July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026, in an amount not to exceed $225,000.
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BACKGROUND:
As part of the County’s strategic plan on homelessness, the Human Services Agency (HSA) and community partners provide a spectrum of services to support people at-risk of experiencing homelessness with housing stability and to prevent them from entering the homeless system.
HSA receives state Housing and Disability Advocacy Program (HDAP) funding from the California Department of Social Services (CDSS). HDAP funding is allocated to communities to implement programs that provide housing and disability advocacy services to people who are experiencing and/or at-risk of experiencing homelessness. HDAP funded programs are required to include outreach, case management, disability benefits advocacy, and housing assistance.
HSA has utilized HDAP funds to implement a rapid re-housing program that serves people experiencing homelessness who meet the HDAP funding requirements. In review of the high needs in the community for emergency financial assistance, HSA decided to augment the rapid-rehousing program with a new HDAP Homelessness Prevention Assistance program for people at-risk of experiencing homelessness in San Mateo County.
On May 23, 2024, HSA issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for HDAP Homelessness Prevention Assistance. An evaluation was conducted of all the proposals received and it was recommended that HSA enter into a contract with Equitable Social Solutions for HDAP Homelessness Prevention Assistance Services.
DISCUSSION:
Under this Agreement, Equitable Social Solutions will provide HDAP Homelessness Prevention Assistance services for families and adults at risk of experiencing homelessness and who have a disability but are not currently receiving disability benefits. Disability benefits that program participants might be eligible for include the Supplemental Security Income/State Supplementary Program for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled, the Federal Social Security Disability Insurance program, and the Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants.
Program participants will be those who are at risk of experiencing homelessness. This is defined as someone who is experiencing housing instability that places them at risk of homelessness or unnecessary institutionalization in the absence of HDAP assistance, have no subsequent permanent residence secured, and lack resources or support networks needed to stabilize their unique housing situation and secure subsequent permanent housing.
In the HDAP Homelessness Prevention Assistance program, Equitable Social Solutions will provide short to medium term financial assistance for housing stability, including rent, utility arrears, move-in costs associated with housing re-location, and other costs necessary for housing stability. In addition, Equitable Social Solutions will provide case management services focused on developing ongoing housing stability.
The agreement and resolution have been reviewed and approved by the County Attorney 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 |
Fiscal Year Targets |
|
Number of households that receive financial assistance |
5 |
|
Percentage of households who remain housed 6 months after their financial assistance has ended |
80% |
COMMUNITY IMPACT:
This program will assist low-income San Mateo County residents who are at risk of homelessness and who have one or more disabilities to retain their housing. This program advances equity in the County, as it provides support to a vulnerable community that includes racial/ethnic minority groups that are overrepresented as compared to the general population of the County.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The term of this agreement is from July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026. The amount of the agreement is not to exceed $225,000.00. This agreement is funded by the Housing and Disability Program (HDAP) allocation. Budgetary appropriations for this agreement will be included in the FY2025-26 Recommended Budget.