COUNTY OF SAN MATEO

Inter-Departmental Correspondence

Health System

 

DATE:

May 29, 2009

BOARD MEETING DATE:

June 23, 2009

SPECIAL NOTICE/HEARING:

None

VOTE REQUIRED:

Majority

 

TO:

Honorable Board of Supervisors

   

FROM:

Jean S. Fraser, Chief, Health System

 

Louise Rogers, Director, Behavioral Health and Recovery Services

   

SUBJECT:

Agreement with Shelter Network

   

RECOMMENDATION:

Adopt a Resolution:

1) Authorizing the President of the Board to execute an Agreement with Shelter Network to provide supported housing and emergency shelter services for the term July 1, 2009 through June 30, 2010, for a maximum obligation of $171,189; and

 

2) Authorizing the Chief of the Health System or designee to execute contract amendments which modify the County's maximum fiscal obligation by no more than $25,000 (in aggregate), and/or modify the contract term and/or services so long as the modified term or services is/are within the current or revised fiscal provisions.

 

VISION ALIGNMENT:

Commitment: Ensure basic health and safety for all.

Goal 8: Help vulnerable people—the aged, disabled, mentally ill, at-risk youth and others—achieve a better quality of life.

 

The Agreement contributes to this commitment and goal by providing emergency shelter services to mentally ill individuals at risk of homelessness.

 

Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (BHRS) provides services to consumers of mental health services in order for them to remain in the lowest possible level of care. The provision of shelter services is one established level of care. The services provided through this Agreement contribute to this measure.

Performance Measure:

Measure

FY 2008-09
Estimate

FY 2009-10
Target

Minimum percentage of clients who obtain stable (permanent or transitional) housing upon discharge.

69%

70%

     

BACKGROUND:

Shelter Network was founded in 1987 to provide a comprehensive coordinated network of housing and social services for homeless residents of the San Francisco Peninsula. Shelter Network was initiated by a broad-based community response to the plight of homeless families and single adults and is a model of community involvement. This provider has become a principal provider of housing and support for homeless families and individuals on the Peninsula. BHRS has contracted with Shelter Network since 2003. Under the B-1 Administrative Memorandum the selection of providers of housing services for mental health clients is exempt from the Request for Proposals requirement.

 

DISCUSSION:

Shelter Network will provide one fee-for-service shelter bed and five dedicated shelter beds for mentally ill clients at risk of homelessness. Transitional program residents are placed for up to six months. Contractor shall also provide two dedicated transitional beds per night. Should additional transitional beds become available, BHRS has the option to purchase these beds on an as-needed basis. Case management services are also provided which include an initial assessment of fiscal resources, job skills and opportunities, and referrals to other service providers as needed. This component of the housing continuum allows a cost efficient alternative to using more costly emergency services (e.g. Psychiatric Emergency Service and inpatient administrative days).

 

The Agreement has been reviewed and approved by County Counsel and Risk Management. The contractor has assured compliance with the County's Contractor Employee Jury Service 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.

 

FISCAL IMPACT:

The term of the Agreement is July 1, 2009 through June 30, 2010. The Agreement maximum is $171,189, which is included in the BHRS FY 2009-10 Recommended Budget. Sales tax through realignment will cover 61% of the cost or $104,425 and MHSA funds will cover 39% of the cost or $66,764. There is no Net County Cost.