Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Nicole Pollack, Director, Human Services Agency
Subject: Amendment to the agreement with LifeMoves (Multi-Program)
RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt a resolution authorizing an amendment to the agreement with LifeMoves for the motel voucher program, emergency shelter, and transitional housing services, increasing the funding by $251,490 for a new total obligation of $4,754,958, and the term remains July 1, 2016 through June 30, 2019.
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BACKGROUND:
Since 1987, the County has contracted with LifeMoves to provide emergency shelter and transitional housing services for specific populations of homeless families and individuals. LifeMoves issues motel vouchers for families in need of shelter as well as for individuals during inclement weather and provides case management services designed to help clients move to permanent and stable housing. In addition, LifeMoves has a long history of recruiting and retaining participating motels, negotiating rates of payment for short term motel vouchers, and coordinating those accessing the motel voucher services as well as the emergency shelters and transitional housing.
On June 28, 2016, the County entered into an agreement with LifeMoves to provide emergency shelter, motel voucher program, and transitional housing services to individuals and families for a total obligation amount of $4,503,468 and a term of July 1, 2016 through June 30, 2019. LifeMoves provides the following services under these four (4) Human Service Agency (HSA) programs:
1) Motel Voucher Program for Families (MVP)
The Motel Voucher Program for Families provides short-term motel stays to homeless families who are awaiting entrance to a family shelter program, including families receiving CalWORKs 16-day motel voucher from the State-funded Temporary Homeless Assistance Program (THA).
2) Inclement Weather Program
The Inclement Weather Program supports homeless individuals and families during periods of cold and inclement weather and includes additional shelter beds at emergency shelters. When all additional shelter beds in the County are full, the program may provide additional emergency assistance via short-term motel vouchers.
3) Transitional Housing for Families with Special Needs Program
The Transitional Housing for Families with Special Needs Program serves families who are receiving services from Children and Family Services. Special needs, which impact the ability to secure housing, include domestic violence, families with members who are receiving mental health and/or substance abuse treatment, and families with parents who have recently been released from incarceration.
4) Motel Voucher and Shelter Services for Service Connect Program
Working with HSA’s Service Connect Program, LifeMoves will provide temporary housing to eligible individuals and their families under the reentry program, which serves the formerly incarcerated until they can make long term housing arrangements.
DISCUSSION:
This amendment increases the obligation amount of the agreement by $251,490 and would support the increase in cost to maintain the current level of MVP and Inclement Weather program shelter services to families and individuals who face homelessness and/or are in need of support.
During the past five years, the average per night hotel rate has increased by 40%, from $98 to $137. In addition, the number of participating hotels accepting vouchers has decreased from 12 in 2013 to 8 in 2018. The higher market rate, and decrease in participation, is attributed to San Mateo County’s proximity to San Francisco and its inclusion in the SF hotel market. This market has some of the highest occupancy rates and demand in the United States.
The resolution contains the County’s standard provisions allowing amendment of the County’s fiscal obligations by a maximum of $25,000 (in aggregate).
The amendment and resolution have been reviewed and approved by County Counsel as to form.
This agreement contributes to the Shared Vision 2025 outcome of a Prosperous Community by providing shelter and case management services to homeless families and individuals in San Mateo County. It is anticipated that in FY 2018-19, 88% of families will exit the MVP for Families into emergency or transitional shelter, and that 52% of Service Connect participants receiving shelter services will be referred to long term housing programs.
PERFORMANCE MEASURE:
|
Measure |
FY 16-17 Actuals |
FY 17-18 Actuals |
FY 18-19 Target |
|
Percent of families who exit the MVP for Families program into emergency shelter or transitional housing. |
83% |
86% |
88% |
|
Percent of Service Connect participants receiving shelter services who are referred to long term housing programs. |
32% |
50% |
52% |
FISCAL IMPACT:
This amendment adds amendment adds $251,490 for a new total obligation not to exceed $4,754,958. The term remains July 1, 2016 through June 30, 2019. Of the amount added by the amendment, $55,000 is funded through AB 109 realignment funding and $196,490 is Net County Cost. Budgetary appropriation for this funding is included in the FY 2018-19 Adopted Budget.