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Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) recommending the Board:
1) Make findings in accordance with County Ordinance 3.13.030 (B) that it is appropriate to contract with the Tahoe Coalition for the Homeless, Inc. (TCH) to provide supportive case management and possible placement services for homeless individuals sheltering in a non-congregate shelter under Agreement for Services 5836 as being in the public’s best interest, and that there are specialty skills and qualifications not expressly identified in classifications involved in the performance of the work;
2) Approve and authorize the Chair to sign Agreement 5836 with TCH for a term retroactive to July 12, 2021, on a month-to-month basis until terminated, to provide supportive case management and possible placement services for homeless individuals sheltering in a non-congregate shelter with a maximum obligation of $150,000; and
3) Authorize the HHSA Director, or designee, to execute further documents, including amendments, relating to Agreement 5836, that do not increase the maximum compensation, contingent upon approval by County Counsel and Risk Management.
FUNDING: Various Housing and Homeless Program grants, including but may not be limited to Coronavirus Pandemic (COVID-19) specific grants.
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DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND:
On March 4, 2020, the Governor of California proclaimed a State of Emergency across California as a result of the threat of COVID-19. Additionally, on March 19, 2020, pursuant to Executive Order N-33-20, the Governor ordered all individuals living in the State of California to stay home or at their place of residence except as needed to maintain continuity of operations of the federal critical infrastructure sectors. Lastly, Executive Order N-25-20 ordered all residents to heed any orders and guidance of state and local public health officials, including but not limited to the imposition of social distancing measures to control the spread of COVID-19. Pursuant to the State orders, the County entered into several agreements were directly related to the response to the COVID-19 emergency and deemed necessary for the preservation of public health and safety, which included Agreement for Services 5396 (Agreement 5396) with the Tahoe Coalition for the Homeless, Inc., (TCH) to provide case management and placement services for homeless individuals sheltering in a non-congregate shelter in South Lake Tahoe and the West Slope of El Dorado County.
The termination date of Agreement 5396 was tied to the Governor's Shelter-in-Place Order (N-33-20) specifically stating that the term was to continue until thirty (30) days after termination or expiration of N-33-20, whichever occurs first. Executive Order N-07-21, issued June 11, 2021, rescinded Executive Order N-33-20, thereby causing Agreement 5396 to terminate on July 11, 2021. At this time, the County has determined that there is an ongoing need for case management services for the non-congregate shelter due to the El Dorado Opportunity Knocks (EDOK) Continuum of Care approving extending the program with their own grant funding. As required by the State, should additional placements be necessary, TCH would determine which homeless individuals fit the criteria to be sheltered from COVID-19 using the Coordinated Entry Policies and Procedures approved by EDOK and would make arrangements to temporarily house those identified eligible individuals in non-congregate shelter.
The Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) is recommending the Board approve Agreement for Services 5386 with a retroactive term to July 12, 2021 to ensure that medically vulnerable homeless individuals continue to be sheltered from COVID-19.
ALTERNATIVES:
Should the Board decline to approve this recommendation, there will be no active agreement to assist medically vulnerable homeless individuals to find temporary shelter from COVID-19 and receive case management services.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION:
N/A
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
Approved by County Counsel, Human Resources, and Risk Management.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
Approve as recommended.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
This Agreement replaces a prior agreement and continues to be funded with various Housing and Homeless Program grants. HHSA will continue to seek reimbursement from Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as appropriate.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
1) Clerk of the Board to obtain the Chair’s signature on two (2) originals of Agreement 5836.
2) Clerk of the Board to return a signed original Agreement to Health and Human Services Agency, Contracts Unit.
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT:
Public Safety, Healthy Communities, and Good Governance
CONTACT
Don Semon, Director