Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Ken Cole, Director, Human Services Agency
Subject: Measure K: Agreement with Samaritan House for Homeless Prevention and Financial Assistance Services
RECOMMENDATION:
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Measure K: Adopt a resolution authorizing an agreement with Samaritan House to provide Homeless Prevention and Financial Assistance Program services for the term of July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2023 and a total obligation amount not to exceed $1,353,000.
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BACKGROUND:
The Homeless Prevention Services and Financial Assistance Program provides short-term financial assistance and crisis support to San Mateo County residents to help those experiencing homelessness return to housing, and those at imminent risk of becoming homeless stay housed. The Human Services Agency (HSA) conducted a Request for Proposals, in July 2019, to identify a provider for homeless prevention and financial assistance services and Samaritan House was selected because of its experience, qualifications and approach to best meet the needs of the County.
DISCUSSION:
This agreement with Samaritan House will allow the County to provide time-limited financial assistance to remove immediate barriers to housing stability. Samaritan House will provide financial assistance tailored to meet the needs of each household and may include one-time rental assistance or security deposit; payment of utility arrears; and/or other costs associated with housing stability such as car repair, transportation and child care. In addition, Samaritan House will provide crisis support and help program participants develop a concrete plan to work towards housing stability. Samaritan House will provide housing crisis support (i.e. information and assistance for applying for public benefits, direct referrals to legal services agencies, community-based financial assistance programs, credit repair and budgeting workshops, etc.) and he...
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