To: Board of Supervisors
From: Dr. Grant Colfax, Health Services Director
Report Title: Gift Cards for Participants in the Point-in-Time Count Survey
☒Recommendation of the County Administrator ☐ Recommendation of Board Committee
RECOMMENDATIONS:
APPROVE and AUTHORIZE the Purchasing Agent, or designee, to purchase on behalf of the Health Services Director, 350 Grocery Outlet gift cards each with a $10 value totaling an amount not to exceed $3,500 to use as incentives for participation in the Point-in-Time (PIT) count survey.
FISCAL IMPACT:
This action will result in expenditures of up to $3,500 and will be funded by 50% Housing and Homeless Incentive Program (HHIP) and 50% Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention Round 3 (HHAP3).
BACKGROUND:
Contra Costa Health’s Homeless Program Continuum of Care (CoC) conducts an annual Point-in-Time (PIT) Count to collect information on individuals and families experiencing homelessness. This count takes place each January and provides a snapshot of homelessness on a single night across the county.
The PIT Count includes both sheltered and unsheltered individuals to better understand homelessness in our community. The data collected is essential for identifying trends over time, informing policy decisions, and allocating resources.
In addition to the observational count, surveys are conducted to gather demographic data to better understand who in our community is experiencing homelessness. To support participation, gift cards will be offered as incentives to individuals, including youth, who agree to complete a survey. These incentives help encourage engagement and complete data collection.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
If this action is not approved, participation rates are expected to be very low, especially among young individuals, who may be less likely to engage in the survey. This will impact the ability to fully understand the scope of demographic data, causing fewer resources and funding opportunities.