Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Louise F. Rogers, Chief, San Mateo County Health
Jei Africa, Director, Behavioral Health and Recovery Services
Subject: Amendment to the Agreement with Mental Health Association of San Mateo County for Housing and Housing-Related Mental Health Services, Rehabilitation Services, and Flexible Fund Administration
RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt a resolution authorizing an amendment to the agreement with the Mental Health Association of San Mateo County for housing and housing-related mental health services, rehabilitation services, and Flexible Fund administration, increasing the amount of the agreement by $70,755 to an amount not to exceed $7,173,464 with no change to the agreement term.
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BACKGROUND:
For many years, the Mental Health Association of San Mateo County (MHA) has contracted with Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (BHRS) to provide shelter, supported housing, and other mental health rehabilitation services to County clients. These services focus primarily on providing community-based alternatives for BHRS clients who are: at risk of an acute, inpatient psychiatric admission; placed in a locked skilled nursing facility; or becoming homeless. In addition, MHA administers Flexible Funds, which may be used to purchase unique services for BHRS clients, such as food, shelter, clothing, and other necessities. MHA’s Flexible Funds help clients maintain independent living in the community, remain engaged in mental health services and avoid hospitalization.
Under the B-1 Administrative memorandum, the selection of providers of housing services for BHRS clients is exempt from the Request for Proposals process.
In September 2020, this Board approved an agreement with MHA to provide housing and housing-related mental health services, and rehabilitation services, in the amount of $4,549,048, for the term of July 1, 2020, through June 30, 2022.
In April 2021, this Board approved an amendment to the agreement with MHA, increasing the agreement amount by $39,216 to an amount not to exceed $4,588,264, with no change to the term of the agreement.
In June 2022, this Board designated the Chief of San Mateo County Health or designee to approve a 3% Cost-of-Living-Adjustment amendment to contracted BHRS providers, including the agreement with MHA, increasing the amount by $2,499,445 to an amount not to exceed $7,087,709 and extending the term through June 30, 2023.
In September 2022, the Chief of San Mateo County Health approved a third amendment to the agreement with MHA, increasing the agreement amount by $15,000 to an amount not to exceed $7,102,709.
DISCUSSION:
MHA will continue to provide rehabilitation services for seriously mentally ill adults with co-occurring disorders and short-term emergency housing at the Spring Street Emergency Shelter for homeless clients. MHA will also provide Shelter Plus Care Project coordination, operate the Friendship Center, and administer Flexible Funds for BHRS’ Adult and Older Adult Services and its Pathways Program.
With this amendment, MHA will provide on-site housing supportive services to nine seriously mentally ill adults who are chronically homeless or at risk of chronic homelessness housed in the No Place Like Home housing units in East Palo Alto. Additionally, his funding will allow Transition Age Youth clients who had no ability to pay rent at the time of admission to enter the housing support program while working toward financial self-sufficiency and also support housing stability if any financial challenges arise after already entering the program.
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 the County Attorney as to form.
It is anticipated that 90% of clients in supportive housing will not be hospitalized.
PERFORMANCE MEASURE:
|
Measure |
FY 2021-22 Actual |
FY 2022-23 Estimated |
|
Percentage of clients in supportive housing that are not hospitalized |
99% 196 clients |
90% 177 clients |
*Percentage for FY 2022-23 is lower as there is variability in the data BHRS receives for the number of hospitalizations
FISCAL IMPACT:
The term of the amended agreement is July 1, 2020, through June 30, 2023. The amendment increases the contract amount by $70,755 to an amount not to exceed $7,173,464 for the three-year term. This $70,755 is included in the BHRS FY 2022-23 Adopted Budget. Of that amount, it is anticipated that $70,755 will be funded by the Mental Health Services Act. There is no Net County Cost associated with this amendment.