To: Board of Supervisors
From: DHHS: Social Services
Agenda Section: Consent
SUBJECT:
title
Agreement with Betty Kwan Chinn Homeless Foundation to Provide Support Services via its Day Center Program and/or Temporary Housing Services to Eligible Referred Families
end
RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors:
1. Approve, and authorize the Chair to execute, the attached Professional Services Agreement with the Betty Kwan Chinn Homeless Foundation to provide support services via its Day Center program and/or temporary housing services to eligible families referred from Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS) - Social Services for the period of July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2020 in an amount not to exceed $625,583; and
2. Direct the Clerk of the Board to return the executed Agreement to DHHS - Contract Unit for further processing.
Body
SOURCE OF FUNDING:
Social Services Fund 1160
DISCUSSION:
On May 3, 2016 (item D-6), the Board approved the execution of an agreement between DHHS and the Betty Kwan Chinn Homeless Foundation (Foundation) to provide temporary housing services to eligible homeless families to support them becoming permanently housed in Humboldt County. On June 27, 2017 (item C-23), the Board approved the execution of a renewed agreement between DHHS and the Foundation to continue to provide temporary housing and life skills education services to eligible homeless families referred by DHHS programs. On July 11, 2017 (item C-19), the Board approved the execution of an agreement between DHHS and the Foundation to provide services at the Foundation’s Day Center for DHHS clients experiencing homelessness.
Since its grand opening in September, 2016, the shelter program has been sheltering eligible families referred from CalWORKs and Child Welfare Services (CWS). To date, 54 families have been sheltered and a total of 12 families have been permanently housed since June, 2017.
The shelter program’s housing services are temporary in nature and residents are required to participate in housekeeping activities such as laundry, dishes, sweeping/vacuuming, etc., in addition to either working or seeking work and ensuring children are enrolled in school or daycare programs, as appropriate. Residents leave the program with greater family stability, and program staff are constantly working on improving and upgrading the program to provide better support and outcomes for families served.
The Day Center program provides critical services needed to provide continuity, stability, and support for homeless families. The after-school program ensures children ages 6 through 12 years old have consistency and can count on a supportive routine while their family gets stabilization supports, either through the shelter program or other housing programs.
Day Center program services also assist parents in becoming self-sufficient by: providing mail and phone services necessary for housing and employment searches; computer access for employment and housing searches; assistance in acquiring necessary documentation such as birth certificates and government identification; and providing professional clothing for job interviews.
Hygiene is a critical issue for those experiencing homelessness. The Foundation’s showers ensure families have needed access to showers and hygiene materials, which is important not only for housing and employment searches, but also for maintaining dignity and a basic quality of life while undergoing difficulty in maintaining stable housing.
Therefore, DHHS-Social Services recommends that the Board approves and executes the agreement with the Betty Kwan Chinn Homeless Foundation to provide support services via its Day Center program and/or temporary housing and support via its shelter program to eligible DHHS - Social Services referred families for the period of July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2020.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The agreement in the amount of $625,583 will be funded through state and federal dollars residing in fund 1160, budget units 505 (CalWORKs) and 508 (Child Welfare Services). This agreement has been included in the proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2019-20. There will be no negative impact on the county General Fund.
STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK:
This action supports your Board’s Strategic Framework by supporting self reliance of citizens and protecting vulnerable populations
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
Betty Kwan Chinn Homeless Foundation
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
The Board could choose not to approve and execute this agreement; however, DHHS-Social Services does not recommend this alternative because currently sheltered families would be at extremely high risk of regaining homeless status and experiencing an increased risk of family instability.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Agreement with Betty Kwan Chinn Homeless Foundation for Fiscal Year 2019-20
PREVIOUS ACTION/REFERRAL:
Board Order No.: D-6; C-23; C-19; C-18
Meeting of: 05/03/16, 06/27/17, 07/11/17, 06/19/18
File No.: 19-784