Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Claire Cunningham, Human Services Agency Director
Subject: Measure K: Agreement with StarVista for Homeless Shelter Operation Services
RECOMMENDATION:
title
Measure K: Adopt a resolution authorizing an agreement with StarVista to provide homeless shelter operation services for the term of July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2027, for a total obligation amount not to exceed $1,248,528.
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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 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 priority areas: housing and homelessness, emergency preparedness, and children, families, and seniors. StarVista submitted a proposal to request funding for Daybreak shelter operations. Following an evaluation process conducted by the CEO, StarVista was recommended by the CEO to be awarded Measure K funds.
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 StarVista for homeless shelter operation services.
DISCUSSION:
HSA is requesting the Board authorize an agreement with StarVista to provide homeless shelter services for the term of July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2027. Once executed, this agreement will replace the current contract with StarVista for homeless services for FY 2023-26.
StarVista will operate the Daybreak youth shelter as a low-barrier shelter program and will provide 24/7 staffing and services to each client. The contractor will also oversee shelter operations, shelter facilities, and maintain the health and safety of clients.
Daybreak staff will provide housing-focused case management to each client, connect them with supportive services and community resources, and assist clients with their plans to locate and move into 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.
Daybreak will accept referrals from the County’s Coordinated Entry System (CES). CES is accessed through the eight Core Service Agencies or Outreach Teams. Once in contact with staff from a Core Service Agency or Outreach Team, the client will receive an assessment and based on the individual’s situation, program eligibility, and program availability, will be connected to applicable services and resources, which may include placement at Daybreak Shelter.
StarVista will provide 10 beds for youth (ages 16-21) referred by CES and will participate in the Inclement Weather Program by providing 3 additional beds 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 agreement and resolution as to form.
PERFORMANCE MEASURE:
|
Measure |
FY 2024-25 Target |
FY 2025-26 Target |
FY 2026-27 Target |
|
Exits to Permanent Housing Percentage of all clients who exited to a permanent situation |
55% |
55% |
55% |
|
Length of Stay - Leavers (clients who have exited the program) Average length of stay for program participants |
150 days or less |
150 days or less |
150 days or less |
EQUITY IMPACT:
This program will promote equity by operating a low-barrier shelter program for youth experiencing homelessness, therefore, increasing the eligibility and accessibility of its services. Clients will be neither screened out nor discharged for having too little or no income, active or history of substance abuse, a criminal record, or perceived “lack of motivation” or lack of participation in shelter services/programs. As the County’s only youth specific shelter, Daybreak Shelter plays an important role in supporting youth (ages 16-21) move towards permanent housing through housing focused case management and linkages to appropriate services.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The term of this agreement is from July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2027 in an amount not to exceed $1,248,528. Funding for this agreement is provided through Measure K sales and use tax. Budgetary appropriation for this agreement is included in the FY 2024-25 Adopted Budget and will be included in all subsequent budgets that are affected by this agreement. There is no Net County Cost associated with this agreement.