To: Board of Supervisors
From: Anna Roth, Health Services Director
Report Title: Grant Agreement #29-822-6 with U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
☒Recommendation of the County Administrator ☐ Recommendation of Board Committee
RECOMMENDATIONS:
APPROVE and AUTHORIZE the Health Services Director, or designee, to execute on behalf of the County Grant Agreement #29-822-6 (State# CA1651L9T052306) with U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in an amount payable to county not to exceed $1,964,798 for the Contra Costa County Continuum of Care Program (CoC) to provide permanent supportive housing and support services for High Utilizers of Multiple Systems (HUMS) homeless individuals for the period from December 1, 2024 through November 30, 2025.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Approval of this Grant Agreement will result in an amount not to exceed $1,964,798 in funding from HUD for the CoC Program. A County match of 25% is required.
BACKGROUND:
In 2013 and 2014, Cost of Homelessness study looked at Contra Costa Health Services (CCHS) reported that 12% of our system's homeless utilizers account for 71% of healthcare costs (over $32 million) at an average cost of $80,000/per person, per year. This translates to 398 unduplicated homeless individuals, with highest costs for inpatient hospital stays and mental health services, many of whom are chronically homeless. Research shows that costs can be reduced by nearly $50,000 per person when placed in permanent supportive housing. The CoC builds on the successes of CCHS in permanent supportive housing projects, which spans 20 years and is considerable in every aspect including outreach and assessment to housing placement and retention. CCHS oversees the referral process, leasing of units, and consumer services. This includes case management, coordination of supportive services, administering the housing application process, and assistance with housing information.
On November 7, 2023, the Board of Supervisors approved Grant Agreement #29-822-5 to pay the County in an amount not to exceed $1,883,352 to provide permanent supportive housing and support services for homeless individuals for the period December 1, 2023 through November 30, 2024.
Approval of Grant Agreement #29-822-6 will allow County to continue to receive funding for the CoC, including supportive housing and support services to HUMS homeless individuals, through November 30, 2025.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
If this Agreement is not approved, County will not be able to better assist its homeless population with supportive housing and support services.