Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Peggy Jensen, Deputy County Manager
Ken Cole, Director, Human Services Agency
Subject: Informational Report on the Emergency Financial Assistance Program
RECOMMENDATION:
title
Receive an informational report on the status of the Emergency Financial Assistance Program.
body
BACKGROUND:
The Emergency Financial Assistance Program has historically provided financial assistance on behalf of eligible low-income residents who are experiencing challenges with maintaining their housing. The most common type of financial assistance is one-time or short-term rental assistance, however financial assistance may also include deposit assistance or assistance with utility arrears. The Emergency Financial Assistance Program is administered by Samaritan House in close collaboration with all of the Core Service Agencies, and residents can apply for assistance at any of the Core Service Agencies located throughout the County.
The Core Service Agencies utilize funding from a variety of sources to help fund the Emergency Financial Assistance Program, including funding from the County, cities, San Mateo County Strong ("SMC Strong"), private foundations, and other funders.
As many residents have experienced losses of income during the COVID-19 pandemic, there is significant need for Emergency Financial Assistance. Thus, on March 24, 2020, the Board of Supervisors (the "Board") allocated $1 million toward the Emergency Financial Assistance Program through SMC Strong. Then, on August 4, 2020, the Board approved an additional $2 million for the Emergency Financial Assistance Program and $300,000 for related administrative costs as part of the County's COVID-19 Housing Impact Program, and requested a report from staff regarding the status of the Emergency Financial Assistance Program at the September 15, 2020 Board meeting.
DISCUSSION:
From April 1, 2020 to Sept...
Click here for full text