COUNTY OF SAN MATEO

Inter-Departmental Correspondence

Human Services Agency

DATE:

BOARD MEETING DATE:

August 31, 2004

TO:

Honorable Board of Supervisors

FROM:

Maureen Borland, Director, Human Services Agency

Steve Cervantes, Director, Office of Housing

SUBJECT:

Approve an Agreement with Shelter Network for the Motel Voucher Program and Transitional Housing for Families With Special Needs Program

Recommendation

Adopt a Resolution:

1.

Waiving the Request for Proposal process; and

2.

Authorizing the execution of an Agreement with Shelter Network in the total amount of $400,000, with $270,000 for the Motel Voucher Program and $130,000 for the Transitional Housing for Families With Special Needs Program, for the term of July 1, 2004 through June 30, 2005; and

3.

Authoring the Director of the Human Services Agency to execute subsequent amendments and minor modifications not to exceed $25,000 and to make minor changes in the types of services and activities provided that the changes have no impact on the County’s maximum fiscal obligation.

Background

The County has conducted business with Shelter Network to provide emergency shelter and transitional housing to families since 1987. The Motel Voucher and the Transitional Housing for Special Needs Families Programs were combined starting with FY 2003-04.

Discussion

This Agreement with Shelter Network provides funding for the Motel Voucher Program and Transitional Housing for Families With Special Needs Programs. Because of Shelter Network’s unique ability to provide services to homeless families throughout the County, it is considered to be in the County’s best interest to continue contracting with them. As such, Shelter Network is considered a sole-source provider of motel vouchers for homeless families in San Mateo County.

This program serves an extensive population with multiple barriers and who are in great need of transitional housing with supportive services. The Motel Voucher Program and the Transitional Housing for Special Needs Families have surpassed Shelter Network’s goal of families and individuals to be served. This Agreement is being submitted late because of extended negotiations time.

This Agreement has been approved by the County Counsel's Office as to form, and Risk Management has reviewed and approved the Contractor’s insurance coverage.

Vision Alignment

The Agreement with Shelter Network keeps the commitment of: Offer a full range of housing choices, and Responsive, effective and collaborative government, and goal number 9: Housing exists for people at all income levels and for all generations of families, and goal number 22: County and local governments effectively communicate, collaborate and develop strategic approaches, to issues affecting the entire County. The Agreement with Shelter Network contributes to these commitments and goals through the cooperative efforts of public and private parties to advance the mutual goal of providing a continuum of housing opportunities for homeless families.

Fiscal Impact

The total obligation under this Agreement is $400,000 and the term is July 1, 2004 through June 30, 2005. Breakdown for funding is as follows: (1) For Transitional Housing, $30,000 is from Children and Family Services and $100,000 is from CalWORKS; and (2) For the Motel Voucher Program, $90,000 is Net County Cost, $90,000 is from CalWORKS, and $90,000 is from Children and Family Services. These programs are included in the Recommended Office of Housing Budget for FY 2004-05.