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Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) as the Administrative Entity for the El Dorado Opportunity Knocks (EDOK) Continuum of Care (CoC) is asking the Board to consider a request from the EDOK CoC recommending the Board:
1) Approve and authorize the Chair to sign Funding Out Agreement 7728 with Housing El Dorado (HED) for the purchase of one vehicle with the capacity to transport up to eight passengers, which will be utilized by HED for the provision of Street Outreach and transportation to/from housing support and services to individuals experiencing homelessness, in the amount of $51,507.14 and a term upon execution for one year;
2) Authorize the Purchasing Agent to execute amendments relating to Agreement 7728, contingent upon approval by County Counsel and Risk Management, which do not increase the maximum dollar amount or term of the Agreement; and
3) Authorize the HHSA Director, or Chief Assistant Director, to execute programmatic, administrative, and fiscal documents relating to Agreement 7728.
FUNDING: 100% State-funded Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention (HHAP) Round One (“HHAP-1”) Grant, allocated to HHSA on behalf of the EDOK CoC.
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DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND:
The CoC Program, which is facilitated through the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), is designed to promote a community-wide commitment to the goal of ending homelessness and provide funding for efforts by nonprofit providers, States, and local governments to provide services that help rehouse homeless individuals and families. HUD requires local communities that seek to receive federal homelessness assistance funds maintain a CoC that meets federal regulations. CoCs that meet HUD requirements are local planning bodies that help to coordinate the community’s policies, strategies, and activities to prevent and reduce homelessness. Within El Dorado County, the EDOK serves as the local CoC.
In order for the EDOK CoC to apply for or receive CoC designated state and federal funding, the EDOK CoC is required to designate an AE to serve on their behalf to accept and administer CoC awarded funding. An AE is defined as a unit of general-purpose local government (City or County), a Joint Powers Authority, or a nonprofit organization that has previously administered federal HUD CoC funds as the Collaborative Applicant, pursuant to Section 578.3 of Title 24 of the Code of Federal Regulations and designated by the CoC to administer program funds.
On February 11, 2020, the County of El Dorado Board of Supervisors designated HHSA to serve as the AE for the EDOK CoC, on behalf of the HHAP Grant Program, and authorized HHSA to accept the EDOK CoC’s awarded HHAP-1 funding allocation in the amount of $722,117.21 (File ID: 20-0161). The HHAP program requires grantees to expend funds on evidence-based solutions that address and prevent homelessness among eligible populations. Allowable activities include any of those identified in California Health and Safety Code Section 50219(c)(1-8), including Street Outreach and coordination, which may include the purchase of a transit vehicle to perform outreach to connect individuals experiencing homelessness with housing supports and services.
On September 8, 2023, the EDOK Board voted/approved to allot a portion of the HHAP-1 CoC allocation for the purchase of a passenger vehicle seating up to eight passengers to help individuals experiencing homelessness on the West Slope of El Dorado County. The primary purpose for this vehicle is to provide outreach and furnish transportation to individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness for the following purposes: a) provide case management; b) provide access to job programs; c) transport to medical appointments and services; and d) provision of search assistance for permanent housing. To address these crucial needs effectively, the EDOK determined that a vehicle dedicated for this outreach is necessary. Subsequently, the EDOK Board approved to subaward the HHAP-1 grant funds for the vehicle purchase to a local homelessness service provider who had the capacity and expertise for this purpose.
Housing El Dorado (HED), a non-profit organization that promotes charitable giving in El Dorado County was selected by the EDOK Board as the most capable grantee to purchase/manage the outreach vehicle. The primary mission of HED is to create and promote affordable housing solutions and support services that nurture individuals and families while encouraging self-sufficiency on the Western Slope of El Dorado County. Since 2020, HED has provided Street Outreach and transportation of homeless individuals on the Western Slope. In fact, Housing El Dorado has been subawarded grant funding by the County for two winter seasons (2021-2022 and 2022-2023) through their Inclement Winter Shelter Program, which offers temporary lodging and transportation of homeless individuals during cold and rainy winter months (File IDs: 22-0166, 23-0084). In 2023, HED’s transport vehicle used for Street Outreach and transportation services broke down which resulted in a gap of outreach provision within the community.
HHSA recommends the Board approve this Funding Out Agreement for the purchase of one vehicle by HED to enable this provider to continue to engage clients in the community, transport them to medical and public benefits appointments, and help clients in their quest for permanent housing. It is important to note that while the HHAP-1 grant funds are proposed to be granted to HED directly for the vehicle purchase, the grant funds stipulate the vehicle use shall be dedicated for Street Outreach to those experiencing homelessness. Acquiring this vehicle will establish important connections between individuals facing homelessness and essential service providers, particularly those who might not otherwise access the system without dedicated outreach efforts made possible by transportation services. The availability of transportation through the vehicle purchased by HED will result in a reduction in the population of unsheltered homeless individuals, leading to improved health outcomes, reduced pressure on local hospitals, and enhanced self-sufficiency.
ALTERNATIVES:
Should the Board decline to approve this recommendation, persons experiencing homelessness would not have the means to travel to necessary appointments to improve their medical, self-sufficiency, and permanent housing outcomes. This would increase the strain on local emergency services and reduce effectiveness of other services.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION:
1) 01/25/22, 22-0166, Supervisor Thomas Nomadic Shelter
2) 01/24/23, 23-0084, HHSA Agreement for Services 7189 for Inclement Weather Shelter and Street Outreach
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
Approved by County Counsel, Human Resources, and Risk Management.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
Approve as recommended.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There is no Net County Cost associated with this Agenda item. Sufficient appropriations were included in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2023-24 Budget and will be included in future budgets for the term of the Agreement.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
Clerk of the Board to obtain signature of Chair on one original Funding Out Agreement 7728.
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT:
Healthy Communities
CONTACT
Olivia Byron-Cooper, MPH, Director, Health and Human Services Agency