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File #: 20-638    Version: 1 Name:
Type: Memo Status: Passed
File created: 9/8/2020 Departments: HOUSING
On agenda: 9/15/2020 Final action: 9/15/2020
Title: Accept this informational report on the status of the Legal Services, Education and Outreach component of County's COVID-19 Housing Impact Program.
Attachments: 1. Item No. 13 - Legal Assistance Programs.pdf
Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority

To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Raymond Hodges, Director, Department of Housing
Subject: COVID-19 Housing Impact Program - Legal Services, Education and Outreach for Tenants and Residential Rental Property Owners

RECOMMENDATION:
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Accept this informational report on the status of the Legal Services, Education and Outreach component of County's COVID-19 Housing Impact Program.

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BACKGROUND:
On August 4, 2020, the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors adopted Resolution No. 077641, authorizing the County Manager and his designees to identify existing additional programs and develop and implement new programs for tenants and residential rental property owners adversely impacted by COVID-19 or the government response to COVID-19, including but not limited to incentive programs for landlords and tenants to compromise on back rent, legal services, information and referral services and educational programs. In addition, through this Resolution, the Board authorized the County Manager and his designees to negotiate and execute appropriate agreements on behalf of the County for the implementation and/or funding of such programs, directing the County Manager or his designees to present on these programs to the Board at its meeting of September 15, 2020 and authorizing and directing the allocation and distribution of up to $1,000,000 in CARES Act, Measure K or other funds as determined by the County Manager towards these programs.

DISCUSSION:
Since August 4, 2020, the Department of Housing (DOH) staff, in consultation with several local non-profit legal services providers, has developed the following strategies to address the impacts of COVID-19, or government response to COVID 19 on tenants and residential rental property owners:
* Expand services/programs provided through existing contracts with Legal Aid of SMC, Community Legal Services of East Palo Alto (CLSEPA) and...

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