BACKGROUND:
CVAG has overseen the CV Housing First program since 2017, which has had proven success in helping homeless individuals and families across the Coachella Valley. In 2021, CVAG transitioned to an in-house program. This change has already brought about increased responsiveness and capacity in the Coachella Valley, particularly as it pertains to assisting local law enforcement and public health workers with homeless services. The transition to an in- house program has also given CVAG an opportunity to focus its efforts on clients who might not be able to get help elsewhere.
The CV Housing First uses two primary methods to get clients to housing solutions: rapid resolution and crisis stabilization units. Rapid Resolution is an urgent, cost saving solution that staff use to help overcome the barriers that keep people from getting housing. This could include options such as helping them secure their identifying paperwork, which then can help them qualify for benefits. It also includes sorting out the process for housing, medical, mental health, substance abuse, employment, and mainstream benefits.
At the same time, CVAG continues to use the Crisis Stabilization Units to connect individuals to housing. These are apartments and hotel rooms where clients stay, up to 90 days, that keep them off the streets. Through case management and frequent interactions with the team, CVAG is helping them achieve the goal of permanent housing, programs, and family reunifications.
Cathedral City has participated as a funding partner in the program, along with all the other Coachella Valley cities since its inception.
DISCUSSION:
The CV Housing First program, including the staffing and program operations, is funded by contributions from CVAG member jurisdictions and grants. CVAG’s city and tribal member jurisdictions are each asked to contribute $100,000 a year for the operations. Riverside County’s contribution through June 2026 is for $359,711 annually. The program also has a strong financial backer in the Desert Healthcare District/ Foundation. The current agreement is for $500,000, and the District/ Foundation’s agreement has a clause that CVAG needs to demonstrate a continued commitment of current funding levels from the CVAG member agencies
The CVAG Executive Committee has authorized an approach where CVAG can provide funding stability for the Housing First program through multi-year funding agreements with member agencies. As a result the attached three year agreement is proposed to secure Cathedral City’s participation in the program through FY24-25. The agreement has been reviewed by the City Attorney and his modifications have been accepted by CVAG. The agreement requires regular reporting on the results achieved. A quarterly report is attached and is incorporated into the agreement as Exhibit B.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The Cathedral City commitment to the program is for $100,000 annually. This will be addressed in the FY 22-23 budget through the comprehensive budget amendment scheduled to be reviewed by Council on August 24. In fiscal years 23-24 and 24-25 the funding will need to be included as the next biennial budget is developed.