To: Board of Supervisors
From: DHHS: Social Services
Agenda Section: Consent
SUBJECT:
title
Agreement with Arcata House Partnership to Assist with CalFresh Outreach and Support Activities
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RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors:
1. Approve the agreement with Arcata House Partnership to assist the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to increase utilization of CalFresh benefits by eligible households in an amount not to exceed $189,970.00;
2. Authorize the Chair to execute three originals of the agreement (Attachment 1); and
3. Direct the Clerk of the Board to route two fully executed originals of the agreement to the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)-Contract Unit for forwarding to DHHS-Social Services Administration.
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SOURCE OF FUNDING:
Social Services Fund 1160
DISCUSSION:
The Arcata House Partnership (AHP) offers a comprehensive range of services from initial engagement, emergency shelter, transitional housing, and supportive housing with the goal of permanent housing for all. AHP has partnered with DHHS on CalFresh Outreach over the past six years by integrating CalFresh Outreach and application assistance into all AHP programs and client contacts. AHP plans to continue to focus on providing CalFresh Outreach to indigent people in the northern Humboldt Bay area, primarily Arcata, Manila and McKinleyville, and plans to assist hundreds of individuals with CalFresh enrollment.
With the execution of this agreement, Arcata House Partnership will assist DHHS in increasing CalFresh utilization by eligible households and thereby promote a safe, healthy, economically vibrant community. Outreach and enrollment raises awareness of the nutrition benefits of the CalFresh program; promotes healthy food choices; reduces hunger in seniors and children; and helps to dispel program myths and misperceptions.
The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) administers all United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funds. Focusing on the important role SNAP plays in access to nutrition and the relation of nutrition to overall wellness, CDSS renamed and re-branded food stamps as CalFresh in California. Beyond the name and image changes, CDSS also made significant program changes to increase CalFresh use by reducing enrollment and retention barriers. Many low-income individuals and families are not aware of and do not apply for CalFresh benefits, and many others are not aware of the program changes that could make it easier for them to receive and continue CalFresh benefits.
USDA and CDSS continue to encourage counties to work with community partners to help reach and inform community members who might be eligible for CalFresh benefits. Partnering with community based organizations is not only consistent with DHHSs general approach and strategic plan; it is key to DHHSs goal of providing integrated, place-based, and holistic services.
Program changes have increased the number of Humboldt County residents now eligible for nutrition assistance. Along with internal changes and outreach partnerships with community-based organizations we have had a significant increase in CalFresh enrollment within the county and throughout the state and nation.
Therefore, DHHS recommends that the Board approves and authorizes the Chair to execute this Agreement and directs the Clerk of the Board to return two executed originals of the agreement to the DHHS-Social Services Administration.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The approval of the agreement with Arcata House for CalFresh outreach services in the amount of $189,970 for the period of Aug. 1, 2019 through July 31, 2020 will reside in fund 1160, budget unit 511. There is sufficient appropriation to cover the anticipated fiscal year (FY) 2019-20 in the amount of $174,139 and the remainder of $15,831 will be included in the FY 2020-21 county budget. There will be no impact to the county General Fund.
STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK:
This action supports your Board’s Strategic Framework by creating opportunities for improved safety and health and protecting vulnerable populations.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
Arcata House Partnership
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
The Board can choose not to approve the agreement for CalFresh Outreach and Support activities with Arcata House Partnership. This is not recommended as the Department of Health and Human Services asserts this funding is important to the goal of increasing CalFresh participation and thereby improving the health and economic stability of children, families and other individuals in Humboldt County.
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment 1: Agreement with Arcata House Partnership
PREVIOUS ACTION/REFERRAL:
Board Order No.: C-24; C-9; C-10; C-16; C-10; C-13
Meeting of: 2/26/13; 3/11/14; 5/5/15; 4/26/16, 7/18/2017; 7/24/18
File No.: N/A