TITLE:
Receive Report and Consider Adoption of City Council Resolution Approving Extreme Weather Shelter Program Reimbursement Contract ISSUE:
Winter weather on the north coast of California can produce events which are life threatening. Rain and near or sub-freezing temperatures increase the risk of hypothermia among the unhoused who are exposed to the elements.
The Fort Bragg Police Department assumed responsibility for the Extreme Weather Shelter (EWS) in 2021 in an effort to increase efficiency and structure. In 2022, program administration moved to the recently established Care Response Unit. Funding for the EWS was patched together with funding from Mendocino County and the City of Fort Bragg.
The multiple extreme weather events in early 2023 caused funding to dwindle and the fear was there would be no funding available to provide shelter for future weather events. Mendocino County desired to stabilize requests for HHAP funding and implemented a Request for Proposals to fund organizations who serve the homeless.
Fort Bragg Police Department submitted a proposal for $81,900 for motel vouchers, personnel, and administrative costs to administer the Extreme Weather Shelter for one year. Fort Bragg Police Department’s proposal was approved for the full amount and an additional year was added to the contract for the same amount.
ANALYSIS:
During the winter of 2023/2024, 462 motel rooms housed a total of 82 unduplicated individuals during harsh weather events. Many of those people would have been in storefront alcoves, parks, and other private property to find shelter during the storms. Furthermore, very cold temperatures can kill.
When analyzing data from previous years, we noted less police calls for service involving homeless individuals comparing December 2021 to December 2022. In fact, it was an astounding 76% drop in calls. The amount of police officer time saved is difficult to calculate, but using an average of 20 minutes per call, it would be over 61 hours of officer time saved. The only change year over year was CRU operation of the EWS.
There is no legal requirement EWS be provided, but we have found it is the compassionate thing to do and improves the quality of life for the entire community. EWS provides another opportunity for Social Services to interact with the homeless population and guide them to better housing solutions.
The contract also provides funds to hire a part time clerical to assist with weekend check-in and data entry during the week. Last year we learned Social Services Liaisons were spending many hours per week in the office entering information into computer systems for EWS. This prevented them from field work, which is what makes the Care Response Unit program so successful.
FISCAL IMPACT:
All costs are fully reimbursed by Mendocino County up to $81,900. The program will end on March 31, 2024 or when $70,000 budgeted for motel vouchers is exhausted.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Approve budget amendment in the amount of $81,900 to be added to Social Services Liaison (Account 110-4202) and authorize City Manager to sign contract with Mendocino County for reimbursement up to $81,900 for the Extreme Weather Shelter.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION(S):
No action.
ATTACHMENTS:
Exhibit A: County of Mendocino 2023 Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention Program RFP 040-23 Cost Plan.
AGENDA ITEM NO. _____
AGENCY: City of Fort BraggMEETING DATE: December 11, 2023DEPARTMENT: PolicePRESENTED BY: Chief Neil CervenkaEMAIL ADDRESS: [email protected]: City of Fort BraggMEETING DATE: December 11, 2023DEPARTMENT: PolicePRESENTED BY: Chief Neil CervenkaEMAIL ADDRESS: [email protected] AGENCY: City of Fort Bragg
MEETING DATE: December 11, 2023
DEPARTMENT: Police
PRESENTED BY: Chief Neil Cervenka
EMAIL ADDRESS: [email protected]
AGENCY: City of Fort Bragg
MEETING DATE: December 11, 2023
DEPARTMENT: Police
PRESENTED BY: Chief Neil Cervenka
EMAIL ADDRESS: [email protected]
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY