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Health and Human Services Agency, Social Services Division, recommending the Board approve and authorize the Chair to sign a Budget Transfer Request to increase revenue and appropriations by $472,548 in the Fiscal Year 2015/16 budget to recognize an additional State allocation. The allocation is for the California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs) Housing Support Program, which will provide additional housing support for CalWORKs recipients who are homeless or in danger of becoming homeless. (4/5 vote required)
FUNDING: Federal and State Funding.
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DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDATION:
Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) recommends approve the Budget Transfer Request to increase revenue and appropriations by $472,548 in Fiscal Year 2015/16 budget, comprised of a State allocation for the California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs) Housing Support Program for those eligible individuals, thus ensuring HHSA meets the requirements of the funding source.
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND:
In September 2014, the California Department of Social Services awarded twenty counties with Housing Support Program (HSP) funds to serve the needs of homeless families in their community. HHSA submitted an application for this funding at that time but was not selected. Rapid Re-Housing (RRH) is a model of housing assistance that is voluntary and designed to assist the homeless to move as quickly as possible in permanent housing and achieve stability. RRH and targeted homelessness prevention programs have been implemented nationwide as cost effective strategies to help families exit or avoid homelessness and retain permanent housing.
Housing support services offered for qualifying CalWORKs clients/families may include, but are not limited to financial assistance (rental, security deposits, utility payments, moving costs, motel/hotel reimbursement during transition), housing stabilization and relocation, landlord recruitment, case management, housing outreach and placement, legal services, and credit repair. Housing subsidies may range from a few months to several months, depending on the individual needs of the family or client.
Earlier this fiscal year, HHSA submitted another application request for this funding, and on October 2, 2015, was awarded the HSP funds. Eligible recipients in the CalWORKs program will be referred to the Housing Support Program to quickly obtain permanent housing.
ALTERNATIVES:
Disapproval of the Budget Transfer Request to increase revenue and appropriations by $472,548 in unanticipated State allocation will result in a revocation of the allocation for the Housing Support Program.
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
N/A
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board approve this item.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There is no Net County Cost associated with this Agenda item. Increased amount of revenue and appropriations in the amount of $472,548 of unanticipated State allocation.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
1. Clerk of the Board to obtain signature of Chair on the Budget Transfer Request.
2. Clerk of the Board to forward signed Budget Transfer Request to the Auditor-Controller’s Office for Processing.
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT:
Health and Human Services Agency Strategic Plan Project 3 - Program Effectiveness/Integration: Objective 3.1.6: Ensure safe and stable Transitional Housing in El Dorado County for those who are eligible.
CONTACT
Don Ashton, M.P.A., Director