BACKGROUND:
The State of California Department of Housing and Community Development allocates State Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) funds to Continuum of Care (CoC) geographic areas. The CoC is a program through which the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development strives to end homelessness. The County’s Health, Housing and Homeless Services manages the CoC for Contra Costa. The County Department of Conservation and Development (DCD) is the Administrative Entity for the State ESG funds and is required to collaborate with the CoC.
The ESG Program provides funds to activities that (1) engage homeless individuals and families who are living on the street, (2) improve the number and quality of emergency shelters for homeless individuals and families, (3) help operate shelters, (4) provide essential services to shelter residents, (5) rapidly re-house homeless individuals and families, and (6) prevent families/individuals from becoming homeless.
To apply for an allocation of State ESG funds, the County Board of Supervisors must approve a resolution authorizing and affirming the following: 1) that the funds will be used in a manner consistent with all applicable laws, regulations and contracts regarding the ESG Program; 2) that the County will receive ESG grant funds in an amount not to exceed $555,384; 3) that the ESG grant funds will be used for eligible activities; and 4) that the DCD Director or CDBG Program Manager are authorized to execute a Standard Agreement for ESG funds and related documents.
The Contra Costa Council on Homelessness (COH) is appointed by the Board of Supervisors and serves as the County’s CoC executive council. It provides advice and input on the operations of homeless services and program operations, establishes the local process for applying for various programs, including ESG. Per Federal and State regulations, DCD staff consulted with the COH at its May 2, 2019 meeting. The COH reviewed and supported the attached staff allocation recommendations. The County has participated in the State ESG Program since 2016.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
The County will not be able to receive State ESG funds in an amount not to exceed $555,384 if the Board does not approve the resolution.
CHILDREN'S IMPACT STATEMENT:
Programs and activities funded with State ESG support one or more of the following children's outcomes:
(1) Children Ready for and Succeeding in School;
(2) Children and Youth Healthy and Preparing for Productive Adulthood;
(3) Families that are Economically Self Sufficient;
(4) Families that are Safe, Stable and Nurturing; and
(5) Communities that are Safe and Provide a High Quality of Life for Children and Families.