Fremont City Council Meeting: 09/19/23 07:00 PM
3300 Capitol Avenue Div/Dept: Human Services Department Fremont, CA 94538 Category: Agreements and Contracts
SCHEDULED
Sponsors:
COUNCIL STAFF REPORT (ID # 4997) DOC ID: 4997
Updated: 9/14/2023 4:40 PM by Susan Gauthier Page 1
WINTER RELIEF SERVICE AGREEMENT - Authorize the City Manager or designee to enter into a $230,500 Standard Service Agreement with the County of Alameda for the City to provide non-congregate shelter options for individuals and families experiencing homelessness; and making findings of CEQA exemption.
Contact Persons:
Name: Arquimides Caldera Suzanne Shenfil
Title: Deputy Director of Human Services Director
Div/Dept: Human Services Department Human Services Department Phone: 510-574-2056 510-574-2051
E-Mail: [email protected] [email protected]
Executive Summary: The purpose of this staff report is to request the City Council approve a $230,500 service agreement with Alameda County for the provision of temporary, non-congregate shelter for individuals and families experiencing homelessness through a winter relief program.
BACKGROUND:
Warming Center and Winter Shelter Models: The City first opened the Warming Center in the winter of 2013 at the request of the Alameda County Board of Supervisors, after the death of two homeless individuals from hypothermia. Under the Warming Center model, the City provided shelter only during inclement weather. In FY 2018/19, the City transitioned to a full-service Winter Shelter model that was open seven nights a week for four months. In FY 2021/22, the Winter Shelter program shelter transitioned into a Winter Relief program through the temporary use of motel rooms, as non-congregant shelter, an added measure to prevent exposure and spread of COVID-19 to a highly vulnerable population.
In FY 2022/23, the Fremont Winter Relief program operated from December 8, 2022 to April 30, 2023. The program served 49 individuals, including two newborns, providing each household up to 145 consecutive days of shelter. Overall, the program provided over 5,424 total bed nights of service. Meals were also provided on a nightly basis.
The Warming Center, Winter Shelter, and now, Winter Relief programs have been funded through a contract with Alameda County, foundation/corporate grants and private donations. Throughout the years, the programs have also relied on partnerships with local health and support service providers. They have also received tremendous support from Fremont residents; over 130 community members have volunteered by creating a welcoming environment, donating meals and supplies, and in the early years, serving dinners to participants on a nightly basis.
DISCUSSION/ANALYSIS:
Continuation of the Winter Relief Program: Those experiencing unsheltered homelessness remain vulnerable to exposure and transmission of the contagious COVID-19 and other winter illnesses.
Council Staff Report (ID # 4997) Meeting of September 19, 2023 Updated: 9/14/2023 4:40 PM by Susan Gauthier Page 2
This FY 2023/24 winter season (December 1, 2023 through April 30, 2024) staff proposes to continue the non-congregate Winter Relief program design consistent with Alameda County Shelter Health guidelines, to maintain the health and safety of participants, volunteers, and staff. During the pandemic, this non-congregate shelter model emerged as a best practice for those experiencing homelessness to stabilize and connect them with supportive services.
This model provides program participants with temporary stays at partnering motel sites as well as wrap-around services. Staff plans to re-engage motel partners in the community to provide at least 30 rooms for temporary shelter. The cities of Livermore, Alameda, Oakland, Berkeley, and San Leandro all provide similar Winter Relief non-congregate shelter programs. Alameda County Social Services Agency has agreed to provide $230,500 to support the program model.
Eligible participants must be referred directly by service providers or emergency services personnel. Program expectations for participants include working with an assigned case manager or housing navigator, respecting the property, and adhering to the rules of the program. Families with minor children, older and medically frail adults, and those with a pathway toward housing will be prioritized for the program.
The City will continue to provide robust supportive services through evening meal delivery and appropriate linkages to local resources. Program participants experience a more dignified and individualized experience than in years past. At minimum, each unit will have a locking door, storage for their belongings, and a private bathroom. Each program participant will be assessed for their eligibility for Alameda County’s Coordinated Entry System (CES).
FISCAL IMPACT: Staff anticipates that the $230,500 contract with Alameda County will cover 100% of the service, staff and administrative program costs required by this contract.
In anticipation of this program, the City Council appropriated sufficient funding in the Human Services Miscellaneous Operating Grants Fund (Fund 193), as part of the FY 2023/24 Adopted Budget.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW: The acceptance of a grant from the County of Alameda to operate a temporary seasonal shelter is exempt from review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), each as a separate and independent basis, pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15183 (projects consistent with the general plan or zoning) and/or 15061(b)(3), which is the general rule that CEQA applies only to projects that have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. The operation of the temporary seasonal shelter will not cause a significant effect on the environment.
ATTACHMENTS: None.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
1. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute a FY 2023/24 Standard Service Agreement of $230,500 with the County of Alameda to support the Winter Relief program.
2. Find that the actions are exempt from review under the California Environmental Council Staff Report (ID # 4997) Meeting of September 19, 2023 Updated: 9/14/2023 4:40 PM by Susan Gauthier Page 3
Quality Act (CEQA), pursuant to CEQA Guidelines sections 15183 and/or 15061(b)(3).