COUNTY OF SAN MATEO

Inter-Departmental Correspondence

Human Services Agency

DATE:

July 17, 2007

BOARD MEETING DATE:

August 14, 2007

SPECIAL NOTICE/HEARING:

None

VOTE REQUIRED:

Majority

TO:

Honorable Board of Supervisors

FROM:

Beverly Beasley Johnson, J.D., Director, Human Services Agency

Stephen Kaplan, Director, Northern Region and Substance Abuse and Shelter Services

SUBJECT:

Warming Center Project

RECOMMENDATION:

Adopt a Resolution authorizing the Human Services Agency to submit a Project Application to the State of California Office of Emergency Services claiming reimbursement from the Disaster Assistance Act Program in the amount of $18,532.93, for the cost incurred from the operations of the Warming Centers.

VISION ALIGNMENT:

Commitment: Responsive, effective and collaborative government.

Goal (21): County employees understand, support and integrate the County vision and goals into their delivery of services.

BACKGROUND:

The State of California Office of Emergency Services declared a State of Emergency this past winter due to extremely cold weather conditions. Responding to these conditions, the Human Services Agency Center on Homeless operated Warming Centers, at the National Guard Armory in Redwood City from January 12th through January 17^th with continuing operations at the old juvenile hall facility on January 18^th and 19^th, 2007.

The Warming Centers were staffed with over forty Human Services Agency (HSA) and Health Department staff with assistance from the San Mateo County Medical Center and the Sheriff Department. The Centers were open 24 hours per day and provided cots, blankets, clothing, bus tickets, and meals. Services were available for those needing mental health, public health, and drug and alcohol treatment. Transportation was also available to these designated sites located in Redwood City and San Mateo. Sixty four individuals were housed at these shelters.

DISCUSSION:

The State of Emergency declaration allows claim reimbursement of $18,532.93 for cost incurred from the operation of the Warming Centers. To claim this reimbursement, HSA submits a Project Application for the California Disaster Assistance Act Program, to the State of California Office of Emergency Services; the Board of Supervisors signs the Designation of Applicant’s Agent Resolution, and returns it to HSA, to submit to the State for claiming reimbursement. Both documents are attached.

County Counsel has reviewed and approved these documents as to form.

FISCAL IMPACT:

The cost for operating the Warming Centers was $24,710.57, including staff over time cost, facility rental and supplies. This grant will reimburse $18,532.93 (75%); the remaining $6,177.64 (25%) is Net County Cost. This was not included in the Adopted Budget for FY 2006-2007; however the Agency has sufficient appropriation to absorb this expense.