Agenda

Return

C. 18

To:	Board of Supervisors
From:	Anna Roth, Health Services Director
Date:	May 16, 2023

Contra

Costa

County

Subject:

Adopt Resolution to apply for and participate in the Homekey Program with the California Department of Housing and Community Development

APPROVE	OTHER
RECOMMENDATION OF CNTY ADMINISTRATOR	RECOMMENDATION OF BOARD COMMITTEE

Action of Board On: 05/16/2023

APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED

OTHER

Clerks Notes:

VOTE OF SUPERVISORS

AYE:

John Gioia, District I Supervisor
Candace Andersen, District II Supervisor
Diane Burgis, District III Supervisor
Ken Carlson, District IV Supervisor
Federal D. Glover, District V Supervisor

Contact:	Christy Saxton, 925-608-6700
cc:	L Walker M Wilhelm

I hereby certify that this is a true and correct copy of an action taken and entered on the minutes of the Board of Supervisors on the date shown.
ATTESTED: May 16, 2023
Monica Nino, County Administrator

BY:	, Deputy

RECOMMENDATION(S):

ADOPT Resolution No. 2023/178 authorizing the Health Services Director, or designee, to submit an application to the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD), accept Homekey program funding in an amount not to exceed $16,000,000, and enter into any amendments with HCD as required by the State for funding, subject to County Counsel approval, to provide supportive housing and support services to persons in Contra Costa County experiencing homelessness through June 30, 2026.

FISCAL IMPACT:

There is no matching contribution required by the State; however, bonus funding is available for applications that include matching funds. Any cost above the State contribution would be the obligation of the County, and the Department will ensure there is no impact to the County’s General Fund.

BACKGROUND:

The HCD announced the release of this Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for approximately $736 million in Homekey program funds. Building on the success of both Project Roomkey and the first two rounds of Homekey, this significant investment continues a statewide effort to sustain and rapidly expand housing for persons experiencing homelessness or At Risk of Homelessness, and who are, thereby, disproportionately impacted by and at increased risk for medical diseases or conditions due to the COVID-19 pandemic or other communicable diseases.

Of the $736 million in Homekey funding, $435 million is derived from the Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Fund (CSFRF) established by the federal American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) (Public Law 117-2) and $301 million is State General Fund. The $301 million in State General Fund money is intended to supplement the acquisition of, and to provide initial operating subsidies for, Homekey sites to promote Project feasibility. Homekey is an opportunity for state, regional, and Local Public Entities to develop a broad range of housing types, including but not limited to hotels, motels, hostels, single-family homes and multifamily apartments, adult residential facilities, manufactured housing, and to convert commercial properties and other existing buildings to Permanent or Interim Housing for the Target Population.

The Health, Housing and Homeless Services division is currently in a lease/purchase agreement for property at 2555 El Portal Drive in San Pablo. The site is currently under construction to provide 54 micro housing units to persons experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, homelessness. Homekey funds would be used for the purchase of this property to provide much needed additional housing.

Approval of Resolution No. 2023/178 will allow the County to submit an application and receive up to $16,000,000 for the Homekey program for the period through June 30, 2026.

CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:

If the County does not submit an application to HCD for funds under the Homekey program, the County will not receive an amount up to $16,000,000 to negotiate for the purchase of properties that could provide permanent resources to the County’s homeless population.