ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT
MEETING DATE: June 10, 2026 AGENDA CATEGORY: Consent - Agreements TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Jennifer M. Byers, Economic and Community Development Director DATE: May 8, 2026
SUBJECT: Agreement with the Housing Authority of the County of Kern ($567,823.66) for Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention Round 5 (HHAP-5) Grant funds to provide Youth Rental Assistance services
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of the agreement.
BACKGROUND:
In July 2023, the State of California established the Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention Round 5 (HHAP-5) Program, administered by the California Department of Housing and Community Development. HHAP-5 is a one-time $1 billion block grant program that provides local jurisdictions with flexible funding to support ongoing efforts to prevent and end homelessness. Funds are allocated on a formula basis to Continuums of Care, large cities, and counties based on jurisdiction size and proportional share of the state’s homeless population.
The agreement before Council will award $567,823.66 in HHAP-5 funding to the Housing Authority of the County of Kern (Housing Authority) to provide Youth Rental Assistance services, including rapid rehousing and permanent supportive housing interventions for transitional age youth (defined as individuals ages 18 through 24) experiencing homelessness within the City of Bakersfield.
This project provides direct rental assistance to landlords on behalf of eligible youth experiencing homelessness, including funds for case management services to support participants in obtaining housing stability and long-term success. The agreement term will run from October 1, 2026 through December 31, 2027. During this period, the program is expected to serve approximately 40 transitional age youth.
Approval of this agreement will support the continuation of the Housing Authority’s youth-focused permanent supportive housing program, and the City’s ongoing efforts to address homelessness by promoting long-term housing stability in the City of Bakersfield.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Funded by the State Homeless Housing, Assistance & Prevention Round 5 (HHAP-5) grant funds.
Therefore, no impact to the City General Fund.
COUNCIL GOAL:
Safety and Resilience
ATTACHMENT:
Agreement