To: Board of Supervisors
From: DHHS: Social Services
Agenda Section: Consent
SUBJECT:
title
Resolution Authorizing Acceptance of Funding Made Available through the California Department of Social Services’ Home Safe Program
end
RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors:
1. Adopt the attached resolution which authorizes the Humboldt County Department of Health and Human Services Director, or a designee thereof, to execute any and all certifications, agreements and other documents necessary to accept funding made available through the California Department of Social Services’ Home Safe Program; and
2. Direct the Clerk of the Board to return a fully executed certified copy of the attached resolution to the Department of Health and Human Services - Contract Unit.
Body
SOURCE OF FUNDING:
Social Services Fund
DISCUSSION:
On Oct. 22, 2018, the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) released a request for proposals which sought applications from various county welfare departments and federally recognized tribal governments interested in implementing a local Home Safe program in their jurisdiction. Home Safe program funding will be distributed to a limited number of counties over a 3-year period beginning July 1, 2018 and ending June 30, 2021.
On Dec. 3, 2018, the Humboldt County Department of Health and Human Services - Adult Protective Services (DHHS - APS) submitted an application to CDSS for Home Safe program funding in the amount of $674,696.70. The proposed Humboldt County Home Safe Program will establish a new streamlined collaboration between DHHS - APS, DHHS - Housing Services and the Yurok Tribe through utilization of the Humboldt County Continuum of Care and Coordinated Entry System. Home Safe program funding will be used to provide direct services, including, without limitation, legal assistance, heavy cleaning and pest control services, construction of structural improvements and the purchase of assistive devices and/or appliances that are designed to assist DHHS - APS clients who are at imminent risk of becoming homeless maintain their housing. Home Safe program funding will also be used to provide case management, short-term rental or utility assistance and other necessary services to qualified APS clients who have recently become homeless.
On Dec. 28, 2018, CDSS awarded the county APS Home Safe program funding in the amount of $335,848. Pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Home Safe program funding award, ten percent of the awarded Home Safe program funds, which equals $33,584.80, may be accessed immediately for program development activities through May, 2019. Once all required elements of the Humboldt County Home Safe Program are approved by CDSS, the remaining Home Safe program funds will be allocated to APS on a rolling basis through June 2019, with full program implementation to begin July 1, 2019.
In order to receive the Home Safe program funding awarded to APS, the County of Humboldt must execute and return a written certification that certain milestones will be achieved as part of the Humboldt County Home Safe Program. Accordingly, staff recommends that the Board adopt the attached resolution which authorizes the DHHS Director, or a designee thereof, to execute any and all certifications, agreements and other documents necessary to accept the Home Safe program funding made available by CDSS.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
As noted above, CDSS has awarded DHHS - APS Home Safe program funding in the amount of $335,848. This allocation of Home Safe funding has a dollar for dollar match requirement, which equals $335,848, for a total program cost of $671,696 over a 3-year term. The required Home Safe program funding match will be provided by APS through the redirection of staff assignments and use related overhead costs, including, without limitation, salary, benefit and office equipment costs.
Expenditure appropriations related to the administration of the Humboldt County Home Safe Program have been included in the proposed Fiscal Year 2019-20 budget for DHHS - Social Services budget unit 1160-504. DHHS - Social Services will request a supplemental budget adjustment prior to the end of FY 2018-19 to make any necessary adjustments to above-referenced expenditure appropriations, if necessary. The adoption of the attached resolution authorizing the DHHS Director, or a designee thereof to execute any and all certifications, agreements and other documents necessary to accept the Home Safe program funding made available by CDSS will not impact the Humboldt County General Fund.
STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK:
This action supports your Board’s Strategic Framework by protecting vulnerable populations and creating opportunities for improved safety and health.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
Yurok Tribe
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
The Board may choose not to adopt the attached resolution authorizing the DHHS Director, or a designee thereof, to execute any and all certifications, agreements and other documents necessary to accept the Home Safe program funding made available by CDSS. However, this alternative is not recommended because it would not allow the County to obtain funding that would be used to provide needed services and support to elder and vulnerable adults who are, or at imminent risk of becoming, homeless.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Resolution Authorizing the Acceptance of Funding Made Available through the California Department of Social Services’ Home Safe Program
2. Home Safe Application Package dated December 3, 2018
3. Home Safe Proposal Acceptance Letter dated December 28, 2018
4. Home Safe Program Certification
PREVIOUS ACTION/REFERRAL:
Board Order No.: N/A
Meeting of: N/A
File No.: 19-514