Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Ken Cole, Director, Human Services Agency
Subject: Amendment to the Agreement with WeHOPE
RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt a resolution authorizing an amendment to the agreement with WeHOPE to extend the term by one year for a new term of April 1, 2020 through June 30, 2022 and increase funding by $226,302 for a new total obligation amount not to exceed $326,302, to provide homeless outreach and housing-focused case management services to San Mateo County residents experiencing homelessness.
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BACKGROUND:
The Human Services Agency (HSA) coordinates homeless services and contracts with community-based organizations to provide a continuum of homeless services. On June 19, 2019, guided by the priorities of the County's strategic plan on homelessness and with opportunities to fund new or enhanced services with state Homeless Emergency Aid Program (HEAP) funding, HSA released a Request for Proposals (RFP) to identify providers of various homeless supportive services, including housing-focused case management and outreach services]. WeHOPE was selected as one of the contractors to provide outreach services, based on the RFP evaluation criteria.
On May 20, 2020, HSA entered into an agreement with WeHOPE for the term of April 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021, for a total obligation amount of $100,000 to provide homeless outreach and housing-focused case management services to residents experiencing unsheltered homelessness in East Palo Alto, Redwood City, Menlo Park and unincorporated areas of the southern regions of the County. The goal of these services is to help stabilize the unsheltered by transitioning them into a shelter, removing barriers to housing, and securing/finding permanent housing.
The Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency (BCSH) awarded $565,747 for COVID-19 Emergency Housing Programs. This funding created an opportunity to expand outreach services, extending the grant period for an additional year and expanding the outreach services offered, with an emphasis on connecting unsheltered people experiencing homelessness to vaccines.
DISCUSSION:
HSA requests to amend the agreement to extend the term by one year for a new term through June 30, 2022 and increase the total obligation amount by $226,302, to provide additional capacity for more homeless outreach services and housing focused case management in East Palo Alto, Redwood City, Menlo Park and unincorporated areas of the southern regions of the County, and also to expand these outreach services to include COVID-19 vaccine education and support services. People who are experiencing unsheltered homelessness may have difficulty accessing medical services in traditional settings, such as a clinic or pharmacy. As part of these services, WeHOPE will provide clients with information about vaccine availability and efficacy, help clients identify and secure vaccination appointments, and arrange for transportation to appointments.
The amendment and resolution have been reviewed and approved by County Counsel as to form.
The resolution contains the County’s standard provisions allowing amendment of the County’s fiscal obligations by a maximum of $25,000 (in aggregate).
It is anticipated for Fiscal Year 2020-21 that 5 unduplicated clients will receive COVID-19 vaccinations with support of this program (e.g. scheduling assistance or transportation to appointments), and 50 clients will move into shelter (emergency shelter or permanent housing). These measures will increase to 20 and 80, respectively, for FY 2021-22.
PERFORMANCE MEASURE:
|
Measure |
FY 2019-20 Actuals |
FY 2020-21 Anticipated |
FY 2021-22 Anticipated |
|
Number of unduplicated clients will receive COVID vaccinations with support of this program (e.g. scheduling assistance or transportation to appointments) |
N/A |
5 |
20 |
|
Number of unduplicated clients who will move into shelter (emergency shelter or permanent housing) |
2* |
50 |
80 |
*Services began late FY 2019-20; therefore, the data reflects the short period of services provided.
FISCAL IMPACT:
This amendment increases the term by one year for a new term of April 1, 2020 to June 30, 2022 and adds funding in the amount of $226,302 for a new total obligation amount not to exceed $326,302. This amendment is 100% funded by BCSH’s COVID-19 Emergency Homelessness Funding. Budgetary appropriation will be included in the FY 2021-22 Recommended Budget. There is no Net County Cost associated with this Amendment.