CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date: July 17, 2023
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCILMEMBERS
SUBJECT: ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. ___ -23 AUTHORIZING THE CITY
MANAGER TO EXECUTE A SIXTH AMENDMENT TO THE
AGREEMENT FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES WITH CONTRA
COSTA HEALTH SERVICES, HEALTH, HOUSING AND HOMELESS
SERVICES DIVISION TO PROVIDE HOMELESS OUTREACH
SERVICES THROUGH THE COUNTY'S COORDINATED OUTREACH,
REFERRAL, AND ENGAGEMENT (CORE) PROGRAM
SYNOPSIS
Homelessness continues to be a significant issue facing communities throughout Contra Costa County. The number of Police Department calls for service devoted to homeless related issues are disproportionate compared to other calls for service. In order to address this issue, the Police Department devotes a significant amount of time and resources to help mitigate this increasing societal concern. Historically, the City staff has sought long-term solutions to address the multifaceted issues surrounding homelessness, though the cost of solutions often exceed available City resources.
The Cities of Pleasant Hill and Martinez were the first cities to enter into an exclusive partnership with the County for Coordinated Outreach, Referral and Engagement (CORE) services in April 2017. Since that time, the CORE Program has been operating in Pleasant Hill and Martinez by deploying a two person team with the ultimate goal of permanent housing for the homeless individuals living in Pleasant Hill.
DISCUSSION
Background
Homelessness and the surrounding issues remain complicated social problems requiring a multifaceted approach. Staff does not have sufficient resources to address the complex issues and needs associated with the homeless community. Consequently, staff is proposing a continued partnership with the City of Martinez and the Contra Costa County Division of Health, Housing, and Homeless Services. The partnership will continue the focus on identifying the needs of the homeless, providing the appropriate services, facilitating a path to long-term housing, and addressing the overall quality of life concerns impacting our community.
Analysis
Over the past fiscal year, the Pleasant Hill-Martinez CORE team provided services to 90 homeless individuals during 537 interactions in Pleasant Hill. The CORE team also handed out 982 emergency service supply packages for the homeless living in Pleasant Hill. These rendered services would not otherwise have been possible without collaboration with CORE.
Through consistent communication, contact, and interventions, the CORE outreach specialists continue to develop relationships that have allowed them to engage individuals who have previously been reluctant to receive services. This approach has continued to prove successful for the community over the past year.
FISCAL IMPACT
The total project cost for the County to provide a dedicated CORE Team (20 hours per week) to the City of Pleasant Hill is $134,864 for fiscal year 2023-2024 (FY 23-24). If approved, the request is to appropriate and transfer up to $134,864 from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), specifically using Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF), to reimburse the City for CORE services, otherwise any short fall will require the use of General Fund unassigned fund balance. The Budget Committee on June 14th reviewed the item and recommended the City Council approve using ARPA funds for FY 23-24.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made through posting of the City Council agenda on the City’s official notice bulletin board, at the Pleasant Hill Senior Center, and at the Pleasant Hill Police Department.
The agenda and staff report are posted on the City’s web page.
RECOMMENDED CITY COUNCIL ACTION
Adopt the proposed resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute the Sixth Amendment to Agreement for Professional Services between the City of Pleasant Hill and the Contra Costa Health Services, Health, Housing and Homeless Services Division.
ALTERNATIVES TO RECOMMENDED ACTION
The City will utilize internal resources to address homeless related concerns.
ATTACHMENT(S):
Proposed Resolution
Exhibit 1 – Sixth Amendment to Agreement for Professional Services Approved by: Scott Vermillion, Acting City Manager