DATE: September 21, 2021
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBMITTED BY: Delfino E. Neira, Director, Department of Social Services
SUBJECT: Agreement with RH Community Builders for Rapid Rehousing Services
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
TITLE
Approve and authorize the Chairman to execute an Agreement with RH Community Builders for rapid rehousing services at Crossroads Village, effective October 1, 2021, not to exceed two years and nine-months, which includes a nine-month base contract and two optional one-year extensions, total not to exceed $6,588,339.
REPORT
There is no additional Net County Cost associated with the recommended action, which will allow RH Community Builders (RHCB) to continue to provide rapid rehousing services in accordance with the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD)’s Project Homekey. This item pertains to a location in District 2.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION(S):
There is no alternative action. If your Board does not approve the recommended action, the County will be out of compliance with Project Homekey partnership requirements, as the County is required to provide operating rental subsidy assistance.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no increase in Net County Cost associated with the recommended action. The maximum amount of the agreement is $6,588,339 and is anticipated to be offset using Emergency Solutions Grant - Coronavirus funds. Sufficient appropriations and estimated revenues are included in the Department’s Org 5610 FY 2021-22 Adopted Budget and will be included in future budget requests.
DISCUSSION:
Administered by HCD, Project Homekey funding was made available to local public entities within California to purchase and rehabilitate housing including hotels, motels, vacant apartment buildings, and other buildings and convert them into interim or permanent, long-term housing. On October 6, 2020, your Board authorized an agreement with HCD to provide Federal Coronavirus Relief Funds to acquire, rehabilitate and convert the old Smugglers Hotel, located at the southwest corner of Blackstone and Dakota Avenues in Fresno, into Crossroads Village.
Beginning in January 2021, comprehensive project-based rapid rehousing services have been offered at the Crossroads Village site to help individuals and families exit homelessness and achieve housing stability. The services were provided by RHCB per Agreement No. 21-013 which will terminate on September 30, 2021.
A Request for Proposal (RFP) for rapid rehousing services slated to be delivered to residents at the Crossroads Village site was released on June 14, 2021 and closed on July 23, 2021. Two bids were received, and both were deemed responsive by the Internal Services Department - Purchasing Division. On August 4, 2021, a review committee met to evaluate the bids and unanimously recommended RHCB for funding.
RHCB will operate a project-based rapid rehousing program for 75% (123 units) of the total units at the Crossroads Village. Services will include rental assistance, a renters’ education program and case management services to help homeless individuals and families obtain permanent housing and achieve long-term stability. Services will target individuals or families that are experiencing homelessness and have demonstrated the ability to continue progressing towards unsubsidized housing or those who are also at risk of serious illness from COVID-19.
If approved, the recommended agreement will be effective October 1, 2021 through June 30, 2024, provided all optional years are renewed, adequate funding is available, and contracted services continue to meet the needs and expectations of the Department. The agreement may be terminated without cause by RHCB, County, or County’s Department of Social Services Director, or designee, upon providing 30-day advance written notice.
REFERENCE MATERIAL:
BAI #39, January 12, 2021
BAI #7.1, October 6, 2020
ATTACHMENTS INCLUDED AND/OR ON FILE:
On file with Clerk - Agreement with RH Community Builders
CAO ANALYST:
Sonia M. De La Rosa