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Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) recommending the Board approve and authorize the HHSA Director to sign a notice exercising the option to extend Caldor Disaster Case Management Agreement 6250 with The Salvation Army through April 30, 2023, with no change to the total compensation amount of $139,960.15, for the personnel and equipment necessary to provide Disaster Case Management for approximately 49 households displaced by the Caldor Fire.
FUNDING: General Fund-Caldor Fire Relief Designation.
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DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND:
The Caldor Fire started on August 14, 2021, and quickly swept through El Dorado County and into neighboring counties, consuming nearly 222,000 acres, resulting in the evacuation of many parts of the County and destroying 1,003 structures and damaging another 81 structures before being fully contained on October 21, 2021. In response to the fire and to support community recovery efforts, the County requested an Individual Assistance (IA) declaration through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which was ultimately denied. With the denial, El Dorado County is unable to receive reimbursement for IA programs such as Individual and Household Programs, Disaster Case Management, and more. Despite the denial, staff working within the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) have continued to develop alternative plans and options for IA programs to be made available.
Disaster Case Management (DCM) is a foundational IA program that addresses human services needs following a disaster. As many of the normal community support systems are disrupted during and after a disaster, the DCM program promotes effective delivery of post-disaster case management services and recovery. DCM is a time-limited partnership between a case manager and a disaster survivor to develop and carry out a Disaster Recovery Plan. This partnership provides the survivor with a single person to facilitate access to a broad range of resources through offering ombudsman-type navigation services. The process involves assessing the client’s needs caused by and related to the disaster, developing a goal-oriented plan outlining the steps necessary for recovery, organizing and coordinating resources that match the client’s needs, monitoring progress, and, when necessary, advocating on behalf of the client.
Agreement for Services 6250 with The Salvation Army (TSA), approved by the Board of Supervisors on January 11, 2022, with an annual not-to-exceed amount of $139,960.15, and for the initial term of one (1) year effective upon final execution with the option to renew up to a maximum of one (1) year at the same rate should the need for DCM services still exist for Caldor Fire Survivors, includes working closely and in collaboration with local Community Organizations Active in Disaster (COAD) who are supporting our community’s long-term recovery effort. TSA Disaster Case Managers are responsible for conducting intakes with households, developing individual household plans that prioritize the greatest needs of the household, providing navigation services to ensure referral and linkage to local and regional services agencies based upon priority household needs, and advocating for the household whenever necessary to ensure their needs are met. The Disaster Case Manager works directly with clients, coordinating services for those who are Caldor Fire survivors in the implementation and success of their case plan.
Agreement 6250 requires Board of Supervisors’ approval for HHSA to exercise the option to extend the term of the agreement through April 30, 2023, with the same terms and conditions. As a result of savings during the first year of the Agreement, the extension of the Agreement will not increase compensation above the original amount of $139,960.15.
ALTERNATIVES:
Should the Board decline to approve this recommendation, Salvation Army will discontinue Disaster Recovery Case Management services.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION:
1) 09/21/21, 21-1503, Board direction to create the Caldor Fire Relief Designation
2) 01/11/22, 21-1923, Approval of Agreement 6250
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
Original Agreement 6250 was approved by County Counsel, Human Resources, and Risk Management. The Auditor-Controller was notified of the original agreement.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
Approve as recommended.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There is no effect on Net County Cost as sufficient appropriations are included in the budget for FY 2022-23. Agreement 6250 is funded by the General Fund Caldor Fire Designation, and this item does not increase the use of the designation for this agreement above the prior amount approved by the Board of $139,960.15.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
N/A
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT:
Healthy Communities: Protect against adverse outcomes among children, adults, and seniors.
CONTACT
Olivia Byron-Cooper, MPH, Interim Director, Health and Human Services Agency