Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Ken Cole, Director, Human Services Agency
Subject: COVID-19 Emergency Homelessness Funding from the California Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency
RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt a resolution authorizing:
A) Acceptance of funding from the California Business, Consumer Services and Housing agency for the COVID-19 prevention and containment efforts up to $565,757.27 for both the San Mateo County Continuum of Care and the County of San Mateo; and
B) The Director of the Human Services Agency or designee to execute a contract and any amendments with the California Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency to accept an amount up to $565,757.27; funds shall be encumbered by June 30, 2020; and
C) An Appropriation Transfer Request in the amount of $565,757.27, transferring revenue from the COVID-19 Emergency Homelessness Funding state grant and increasing the appropriation for contract services.
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BACKGROUND:
On March 17, 2020 Governor Newsom signed into law SB 89 in response to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak to protect the health and safety of people experiencing homelessness. This includes $100 million statewide to be issued through the California Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency (BCSH) to counties, Continuums of Care, and the 13 largest cities in the state. This funding will be allocated proportionately to the recipients of Homeless Housing Assistance Program (HHAP) according to the same allocation formula based on homeless point-in-time count numbers. The County of San Mateo and the San Mateo County Continuum of Care were allocated a combined $565,757.24.
The COVID-19 emergency homeless funding is an immediate available source, intended for investment in COVID-19 prevention and containment efforts among the homeless population, which may be used for a variety of emergency services, including emergency shelter operations, shelter capacity, isolation capacity, street outreach, medically indicated services and supplies, transportation, and staffing.
The County of San Mateo Human Services Agency (HSA) serves as the Lead Agency for the San Mateo County Continuum of Care (CoC). HSA is working closely with homeless services providers to respond to COVID-19 and to reduce the risk of exposure to COVID-19 among sheltered and unsheltered homeless individuals and homeless service providers. HSA plans to use this funding for ongoing efforts to provide shelter and prevent COVID-19 exposure and spread among homeless individuals.
DISCUSSION:
HSA will submit the standard agreement and the request for funding form to BCSH for COVID-19 emergency funding in the amount of $565,757.27, which is the total amount for which the County of San Mateo and the San Mateo County Continuum of Care are eligible.
Given that COVID-19 Emergency funding is an immediately available funding source as a response to the COVID-19 outbreak, HSA is strategically planning for how to most effectively utilize this funding source toward preventing and helping fight against the COVID-19 pandemic among people experiencing homelessness. HSA is reviewing information about emerging needs and identifying strategies for providing the effective support with existing homeless prevention services in consultation with the Emergency Operation Center and San Mateo County Health.
To expedite the process of receiving these new state funds, HSA is requesting that the Board of Supervisors authorize the HSA Director or designee to accept COVID-19 Emergency Homeless funds, and to execute a contract and any amendments with BSCH.
County Counsel has reviewed and approved the resolution as to form.
FISCAL IMPACT:
This ATR accepts unanticipated revenue of $565,757.27 of COVID-19 Emergency Homeless Funding from the California Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency (BCSH). Approval of the Appropriation Transfer Request will appropriate funds for the full amount in FY 2019-20. There is no Net County Cost for this action.