County Executive’s Office

Important note: The following recommendation was approved by the Board of Supervisors on Feb. 25, 2014:

To:             Honorable Board of Supervisors

From:         Iliana Rodriguez, Director, Human Services Agency

Subject:     Agreement with Samaritan House for Core Services

Recommendation:

Adopt a Resolution authorizing an agreement with Samaritan House to act as the service coordinator for the Community Services Block Grant Administration, for the term of January 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014, in the amount of $731,335.

Background:

On April 12, 2011, the Board of Supervisors authorized sending a letter to the State Department of Community Services and Development (CSD) indicating the County's interest in administering the fiscal year of 2011 and 2012 Community Service Block Grant (CSBG) grant.

On November 7, 2011, the Board of Supervisors adopted Resolution Number 071727, authorizing Samaritan House to act as the Service Coordinator for grant administration and oversight, including all required reporting. Samaritan House agreed to collaborate with the other Core Service Agencies providing basic emergency and support services authorized by CSBG including food, clothing, transportation, shelter, housing assistance, utility payment assistance, car repair assistance and referral to the most vulnerable population of San Mateo County who need immediate support to stabilize their living situations.

On February 26, 2013, the Board of Supervisors adopted Resolution Number 072396, accepting the CSBG 2013 grant and authorized an amendment to the agreement with Samaritan House to continue working with the Core Service Agencies to provide Safety Net Services utilizing the 2013 CSBG funds.

Discussion:

The Human Services Agency has received CSBG funding in the amount of $360,835, from CSD for the 2014, State calendar year, from which $346,335, will be allocated to Samaritan House for the provision of Safety Net Services and $14,500, will be allocated to the Human Services Agency Center on Homelessness for time allocated to data  entry; contract monitoring; report monitoring, and other administrative reporting and tasks. The agreement will allow Samaritan House and the Core Agencies Network to expand their services by providing assistance to eligible low-income residents of San Mateo County. Samaritan House will act as the Service Coordinator/lead agency by providing services such as: preparing the required reporting, administration of funds and collaboration with other Core Service Agencies who will be providing authorized CSBG services (food, clothing, transportation, shelter, housing assistance, utility payment assistance, car repair assistance, tax preparation and financial education and referral services). Services will be provided to the most vulnerable population of San Mateo County residents who need immediate support to stabilize their living situations. Samaritan House will also receive $385,000, funded through Measure A, to develop a sustainability plan to address the emergency housing assistance needs.

The Contractor has assured compliance with the County’s Contractor Employee Jury Services Ordinance, as well as all other contract provisions that are required by County ordinance and administrative memoranda, including but not limited to insurance, hold harmless, non-discrimination and equal benefits. The processing of this agreement was delayed until the State could issue the Agreement to the County. County Counsel has reviewed and approved the agreement and Resolution as to form and the Contractor meet the insurance certification requirements.

Waiver of the Request for Proposals process is being requested because Samaritan House is the only Core Service Agency who has the capability and the resources to collaborate with the other Core Service Agencies to provide Safety Net Services, and to work with representative from the Core Services Network to participate in a workgroup to develop a sustainability plan to address emergency housing assistance needs as funded by Measure A.

Approval of this agreement contributes to the Shared Vision 2025 outcome of a Prosperous Community by providing Emergency Assistance for up to 360 residents of San Mateo County’s vulnerable population, including senior citizens and clients with special needs. It is anticipated that 88% of the 360 clients will remain stable or increase self-sufficiency for up to 3 months or longer.

Performance Measures:

Services under the CSBG grant operate by calendar year opposed to fiscal year.

Fiscal Impact:

The term of the agreement is January 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014. The total obligation of the agreement is $731,335, of which $385,000 is 100% funded by Measure A, and $346,335 is 100% funded by the State Department of Community Services and Development Grant. This appropriation has been included in the FY 2013-2015 Adopted Budgets.

Important note: This is a copy of the official report -- item 43 on the Board's agenda.