To: Board of Supervisors
From: Anna Roth, Health Services Director
Report Title: Submission of Grant Application #28-701-9 to the U. S. Dept. of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families Family and Youth Services Bureau
☒Recommendation of the County Administrator ☐ Recommendation of Board Committee
RECOMMENDATIONS:
APPROVE and AUTHORIZE the Health Services Director, or designee, to submit Grant Application #28-701-9 along with the necessary certification and assurances to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Administration for Children and Families Family and Youth Services Bureau, for an award not to exceed $250,000 for funding of the Runaway and Homeless Youth Program and Transitional Living Program (TLP), to provide stable shelter and housing options and services to support the transition to stable independent living, for runaway and homeless transitional age youth ages eighteen to twenty-one (18-21) in Contra Costa County, for the period from July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The funds requested are essential to providing housing and supportive services to transitional age youth experiencing homelessness in Contra Costa. Funding from this grant will support the administration and operations of the TLP, a program within Youth Continuum of Services (YCS), providing housing and supportive services to twenty-six (26) youth. Without this funding we would be unable to provide this level of housing and support to Contra Costa runaway and homeless youth. A 10% County match is required.
BACKGROUND:
The purpose of the TLP is to provide safe, stable, and appropriate shelter for up to 18 months, or 21 months with extenuating circumstances, to runaway or homeless youth ages 16 to 21. The goal of TLP is to help youth establish self-sufficiency and sustainable living for themselves and, if applicable, their children. To qualify for TLP, agencies must provide a multitude of services and supports to youth and/or young adults including safe and stable shelter, screening and assessments, education and outreach, case management, development of permanent connections, life-skills training, and transition support to permanent housing. With DHHS funding, agencies can provide transitional housing and critical support services to runaway and homeless youth, improving outcomes in the services and supports listed above. Contra Costa Health - Health, Housing and Homeless Services Division (H3) is seeking Board of Supervisors approval to apply for, and accept if awarded, this funding to fund safe shelter and supportive services within YCS’ TLP.
Approval to submit Application #28-701-9 will allow County to submit an application for a Grant Award to provide funding for housing and supportive services to runaway and homeless youth, through June 30, 2025.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
If this Application is not approved, the transitional living program would be required to operate at reduced capacity, displacing youth back into homelessness.