Title
Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) recommending the Board:
1) Authorize the HHSA Director, on behalf of the County of El Dorado, to accept the Housing and Disability Advocacy Program (HDAP) funding allocation, administered by the California Department of Social Services (CDSS), in the amount of $625,238, for the term upon execution through June 30, 2024;
2) Authorize the HHSA Director to sign the Director’s Certification, which is required to be submitted to CDSS for the HDAP allocation;
3) If awarded, delegate authority to the HHSA Director to execute the resulting funding agreement, contingent upon approval by County Counsel and Risk Management; and
4) Authorize the HHSA Director, or designee, to execute and administer any subsequent administrative documents relating to said award, including any amendment(s) thereto that does not increase the funding allocation or term, including required fiscal and programmatic reports.
FUNDING: 100% State General Fund authorized pursuant to Assembly Bill 135 (Chapter 85, Statutes of 2021) under the Budget Act of 2021 appropriated for the Housing and Disability Advocacy Program (HDAP).
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DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND:
On the September 13, 2021, All County Welfare Director Letter (ACWDL) addressed to all counties and federally recognized tribal governments in California, the County of El Dorado (County) Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) received a notice of funding allocation for the Housing and Disability Advocacy Program (HDAP), administered by the California Department of Social Services (CDSS).
The HDAP was established in 2016 by Assembly Bill 1603 (Chapter 25, Statutes of 2016) and updated by Senate Bill 80 (Chapter 27, Statutes 2019) to assist people experiencing homelessness who are likely eligible for disability benefits by providing advocacy for disability benefits as well as housing supports. The Budget Act of 2021 appropriated the ongoing, annual HDAP appropriation of $175 million in additional one-time funding for HDAP in Fiscal Year (FY) 2021-22. Of the total amount available in FY 2021-22, $133.75 million was allocated as non-competitive State funding, available to all counties and federally recognized tribes throughout California, to establish, continue, and expand housing and homelessness assistance through the HDAP. The one-time, non-competitive HDAP allocation for El Dorado County for FY 2021-22 is $625,238, which requires no match funding and has a planned expenditure period from July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2024. Due to an anticipated tight turnaround from the State to receive an executed agreement, HHSA is requesting advance approval from the Board to authorize the HHSA Director to execute the resulting funding agreement from this allocation, contingent upon County Counsel and Risk Management approval, to ensure that HHSA can execute the agreement in the required timeline.
The HDAP allocation requires grantees to expend funds on serving people who are chronically homeless, homeless, or at risk of homelessness and are likely eligible for disability benefits. HDAP offers housing related financial assistance and wrap-around supportive services, including, but not limited to: interim housing, rental assistance, housing navigation, case management, security deposits, utility payments, moving costs, legal services, and credit repair. HDAP also provides outreach services as well as case management for connections to eligible clients to any additional service needs warranted. The HDAP program may also serve eligible County households impacted by the Caldor Fire, and HHSA housing staff will be developing an outreach strategy in partnership with local recovery organizations to ensure that survivors of the Caldor Fire can be screened for eligibility as a priority.
HDAP grantees are allowed to expend funds on evidence-based solutions that address and prevent homelessness among eligible populations, with a specific focus on rehousing homeless individuals into safe, permanent housing, with allowable activities identified in WIC, Chapter 17, Housing and Disability Income Advocacy Program Sections 18999-18999.6. HDAP grantees must operate in accordance with Housing First Principles, under Welfare Institutions Code (WIC) Section 8256, which requires that all state-funded housing programs operate in accordance with the core components of Housing First as enumerated in WIC Section 8255. The HDAP requires grantees to consult with local public benefit advocacy agencies and their broader homelessness response systems as they develop and implement their HDAP. This includes establishing or continuing to support meaningful partnerships with the local homeless Continuum of Care, tribal housing authorities, health and behavioral health systems, and other local housing service providers.
ALTERNATIVES:
Should the Board decline to authorize the HHSA Director to apply for and accept this non-competitive funding allocation, the County will fail to complete all requirements necessary of the HDAP, and as a result, the County of El Dorado will not receive this funding.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION:
N/A
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
County Counsel approved the HDAP Director’s Certification.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
Approve as recommended.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There is no Net County Cost associated with this Agenda item. It is anticipated that there are sufficient appropriations included in the Fiscal Year 2021-22 Health and Human Services Agency budget for the Self Sufficiency Program to cover this new funding. HDAP funding will be included in future year budgets through the end of the expenditure period, June 30, 2024.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
N/A
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT:
County Strategic Goal: “Healthy Communities, Improved Health, Well-being, and Self-sufficiency of El Dorado County communities, residents, and visitors.”
CONTACT
Don Semon, Director