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Chief Administrative Office and the Health and Human Services Agency recommending the Board:
1) Adopt and authorize the Chair to sign Resolution 062-2020, thereby delegating authority to the Chief Administrative Officer, or designee, to execute contracts and agreements and to authorize expenditures pertaining to the health and safety of homeless individuals in the County of El Dorado; and
2) Provide authority to the Chief Administrative Officer to identify and take steps necessary to effectuate the intent of Executive Order N-32-20.
FUNDING: State of CA Emergency COVID-19 Funding, with possible partial reimbursement through FEMA and potential General Fund cost sharing for certain services.
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DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
On March 18, 2020, the Governor of the State of California executed Executive Order N-32-20 declaring that the COVID-19 emergency required a focused approach that would include emergency protective measures to bring “unsheltered Californians safely indoors, expand shelter capacity, maintain health and sanitation standards and institute medically indicated interventions” to slow the spread of the pandemic.
On March 23, 2020, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the California Homeless Coordinating and Financing Council (HCFC) awarded the County and El Dorado Opportunity Knocks Continuum of Care (CoC), two separate allocations - $119,462.49 for the CoC, and $109,908.68 for the County. The purpose of the funding is to protect the health and safety of people experiencing homelessness and reduce the spread of the COVID-19 outbreak.
This funding can be used for prevention and containment efforts for shelters, including medically indicated services and supplies, including testing and handwashing stations, and enhancement to shelter facilities. The award emphasizes proper social distancing techniques to prevent the spread of COVID-19 among homeless populations. Funding can also be used for emergency shelter operations, increasing shelter capacity, increasing isolation capacity, street outreach, transportation, and increased staffing supports for infectious disease preparedness and case management for clients.
In response to this rapidly changing situation, the Health and Human Services Agency and Chief Administrative Office are recommending the Board adopt the attached Resolution, thereby delegating authority to the Chief Administrative Officer, or designee, to execute agreements and authorize appropriate expenditures pertaining to the health and safety of homeless individuals in the County of El Dorado, including but not limited to outreach, non-congregate shelter accommodations, food, transportation, and support services, to ensure compliance with funding requirements.
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
County Counsel
FINANCIAL IMPACT
The majority of emergency expenses are expected to be covered by emergency COVID-19 funding authorized in the related Executive Order. The County may qualify for FEMA reimbursement for certain specific bed-nights, which meet FEMA emergency guidelines; however, it should be noted that expenses will be advanced from other funds with FEMA reimbursement to follow at a later date. Additionally, it is possible that a portion of cost for certain necessary services will not qualify for FEMA reimbursement or otherwise qualify specifically under related funding sounces, and the General Fund may be responsible for cost sharing in these circumstances.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
Return a copy of the executed resolution to the Chief Administrative Office and the Health and Human Services Agency.
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
Public Safety, Healthy Communities
CONTACT
Don Ashton, Chief Administrative Officer
Don Semon, Director, HHSA