HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES - 06271989 - 2.4 2.4
THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA
Adopted this Order on June 27 , 1989 by the following vote:
AYES: Supervisors Powers, Fanden, Schroder, McPeak, Torlakson
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
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SUBJECT: General Assistance Immediate Need and Shelter Standards
Arthur Walenta, Assistant County Counsel and spokesperson for
Jim Rydingsword (Director of Social Services who is on vacation) ,
introduced the recommendations relative to General Assistance (GA)
eligibility standards and shelter requirements for the homeless
population. He called attention to the fact that the Social
Service Department has been aware of the need for a coordinated
program to address the problem of homelessness and that the De-
partment has therefore proposed an Immediate Need and Shelter
Program within the General Assistance Program which would improve
the access of needy people to social services. He noted that the
Immediate Need Program is intended within a reasonable administra-
tive timeframe to work on a same day basis. Mr. Walenta advised
that the proposals effectuate the county policy to encourage
individual self-sufficiency and provide the means as well as call
upon the indigent to add their own efforts to obtain employment and
housing. He spoke on the merits of the program to create alcohol
and drug services in addition to those which exist now that will
link the homeless directly to alcohol, drug abuse and employment
programs.
Mr. Walenta advised that the Department' s recommendations are
not intended to save county funds at the expense of the poor, but
are intended to obtain a significantly better General Assistance
Program that will deal with the indigent on an individual basis and
provide services to assist an individual in becoming self-
sufficient. He noted that the program is an attempt to curb
runaway and uncontolled costs, many of which are going to people
who are not entitled to county services as a matter of state
mandate. In fact, Mr. Walenta projected that there is some in-
crease in costs anticipated with the proposed program.
Carol Severin, Shelter, Inc. , 2277 oakyde Road, Concord,
commented on the burden being placed on homeless individuals who
will be required to meet GA eligibility requirements based on their
participation in drug and alcohol treatment programs, mental and
physical health programs, and job development programs. She
commented on the lack of resources available to assist people with
substance abuse and/or mental health problems. She expressed
concern that a recommendation provides for $12 a night per person
in a private shelter but does not specify how long a homeless
individual can stay. She expressed reservations with the payback
requirement for individuals who participate in the loan program who
do not have the resources to do this. She expressed concern that
the imposition of payback requirements may be in conflict with
federal and state welfare regulations. She proposed that CHART as
an advisory committee be given the opportunity to further review
these recommendations.
Sadie Rosenbaum, a volunteer at the Cambridge Community
Center, 140 Algiers Way, Pacheco, spoke about her work in referring
people to shelters. She also spoke about the emergency food bag
program at the Center in which food is distributed to certain age
groups on Tuesdays and on Fridays. She commented on the lack of
low income housing in the Pacheco and Concord areas, not only for
the younger people but for senior citizens as well. She expressed
a need to certify applicants for aid in as short a time as possi-
ble.
Susan Prather, P.O. Box 236, Crockett, expressed reservations
with requiring homeless individuals to participate in rehabilita-
tion programs to help them achieve a level of self-sufficiency.
She advised that services should be provided to people with prob-
lems without conditions attached. She urged the Board to not
approve staff ' s recommendations.
Philip Bertenthal, Director of Litigation, Contra Costa Legal
Services Foundation, P.O. Box 2289, Richmond 94802, referred to a
letter, dated June 26, 1989, he faxed to each Board member stating
his reservations with the recommendations under consideration and
urging the Board to not terminate the Emergency Assistance Program
or the Homeless Hotline service. Mr. Bertenthal noted that his
following comments are not only reflective of the Legal Services
Foundation but also of CHART of which he is a member. He advised
that CHART has requested that the Board defer action for two weeks
in terms of changing future programs that are not scheduled to go
into effect until September 1 . He called attention to the fact
that the lawsuit asks that the County be required to have final
responsibility for housing all homeless people within its borders
or lawfully resident within the County.
Mr. Bertenthal felt there is a serious problem with the
proposal because in order to qualify for emergency housing money,
the County cannot charge residents for emergency shelter. He
advised that adoption of the reimbursement part of the plan pro-
poses the reduction of GA benefits while an individual is in the `
shelter, but is crediting GA against being in a shelter, which may
jeopardize the County' s ability to recover funds or to obtain funds
on the various state and federal issues for housing the homeless.
He expressed concern with the replacement of the Emergency Assis-
tance Program by the Immediate Need Program. Referring to the role
of the Health Services Department and the Community Development
Department anticipated in providing some of the service, Mr.
Bertenthal expressed concern that these departments have not had
opportunity to review the recommendations.
The Chairman noted that written comments were received from
Stephen C. Bucknum, Volunteers of America and member of CHART, 1391
Shell Avenue, Martinez 94553 , requesting the Board to defer
decision on the recommendations pending review by CHART.
All persons desiring to speak were heard. The Board then
discussed the recommendations.
Supervisor Powers advised that he has some reservations with
the proposed program. He noted that although the program intends
to provide an excellent structure, he is concerned that the many
components of the program can be implemented by September 1 . He
particularly referred to the number of staff positions in drug and
alcohol treatment programs to meet the referral demand. Supervisor
Powers expressed skepticism with the housing referral program as
well as the one day timeframe to certify eligibility of applicants
into the programs. However, he noted that the part of the proposed
programs that makes it meaningful is the ability to get people into
jobs, training, and rehabilitation programs where needed. Mr.
Powers requested clarification if there would be a reduction in GA
benefits because an individual received funds for shelter under the
Immediate Need Program.
Mr. Walenta responded that there will be no reduction in GA
benefits at all. He explained that by a credit is meant that when
an individual qualifies for GA, he/she is entitled to full benefits
retroactively to the date of application, and that the benefits
already received under the Immediate Need program will be shown as
a credit against the retroactive entitlement.
Supervisor McPeak expressed support for the recommendations.
She commented on the input provided by CHART in responding to the
needs of the homeless and of the opportunity being presented for
continued assistance in this endeavor. She spoke of the need to
have a more structured program at the shelters so that individuals
who come to the County seeking GA and shelter are expected to enter
into a contract or an agreement of sorts to participate in the
types of activities/programs to help them achieve self-sufficiency.
She referred to the flaw in the emergency winter shelter program in
that it did not have the structure to allow the County to assist
individuals to become reintergrated into the community and
self-sufficient.
Therefore, Supervisor McPeak moved approval of the proposed
recommendations and referral to staff to address the concerns that
have been raised but also referral to CHART to further advise the
Board on the implementation of this program. The motion was
seconded by Supervisor Schroder.
Supervisor Torlakson commented on the scope of this program in
relation to a larger set of programs that this County is committed
to in assisting families, children, and the homeless. He called
attention to the fact that many of these actions do not affect any
of the other existing programs which this Board has helped to
establish.
The Board then unanimously approved the recommendations as
presented by staff.
1 hereby certify that this is a true and correct copy Of
an action taken and entered on the minutes of the
Board of Supervisors on the date shown.
PHIL BA HELOR Clerk of the Board
of Supervisors and County Administrator
cc: Director, Social Service
County Administrator By Deputy
County Counsel
Health Services Director
Director, Community Development
A •
TO: BOARD OF SUPERVISORS Contra
f..
FROM: James A. Rydingsword, Director f Costa
of s
June 22, 1989 County
DATE: c�srd cduM
General Assistance Immediate
SUBJECT: Need and Shelter Standards
SPECIFIC REQUEST(S)OR RECOMMENDATION(S)&BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION
RECOMMENDATION-
Adopt the attached Resolutions: ( 1) Standards for
Administration of the General Assistance Program ( 2 ) County
Homeless Programs ( 3 ) Contra Costa County Homeless Hotline and
( 4) General Assistance Basic Need Allowances to General
Assistance eligibles. The adoption of these Resolutions will
increase and better organize benefits and services.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: Alma 0 61
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BACKGROUND:
County policy emphasizes self-sufficiency for General Assistance
eligibles. Accordingly, the County will use its staffing and
financial resources to assist General Assistance eligibles
towards self-support through employment or toward eligibility for
other Federal and State programs. It is important that General
Assistance applicants and recipients contribute their own efforts
to find housing and employment, and to address other problems
such as alcohol and substance abuse, and mental and physical
disability.
CONTINUED ON ATTACHMENT: XYES SIGNATURE: �!
-RECOMMENDATION OF COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR -RECOMMENDATION OF B D COMMITTEE
APPROVE _OTHER
SIGNATURE(S): _
ACTION OF BOARD ON June , APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED X OTHER -
VOTE OF SUPERVISORS
VV I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THIS IS A TRUE
11_UNANIMOUS(ABSENT - - - AND CORRECT COPY OF AN ACTION TAKEN
AYES: NOES: AND ENTERED ON THE MINUTES OF THE BOARD
ABSENT: ABSTAIN: OF SUPERVISORS ON THE DATE SHOWN.
CC: County Counsel ATTESTED June 27 , 1gR9
Legal Services Foundation PHIL BATCHELOR,CLERK OF THE BOARD OF
County Administrator SUPERVISORS AND COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR
Director , Social Service
M382 (10/88) BY- Y• V• ' / ?'� ,DEPUTY
The Emergency Assistance component of General Assistance has been
used in a discretionary manner to attempt to meet the demands for
services from the homeless population. Emergency Assistance was
not designed for that purpose.
In light of the goal of self-sufficiency, the absence of Board of
Supervisors adopted General Assistance standards regarding
homelessness, that the Emergency Assistance component of General
Assistance was not designed to provide homeless services, and
based on the Social Service Department' s study, the Department
proposes that the Board of Supervisors adopt General Assistance
Immediate Need and Shelter standards. These straight-forward
standards include provisions for immediate need, information and
referral services, and other services designed to assist General
Assistance applicants and recipients to obtain shelter, find
housing, secure employment, and to participate in programs that
will deal with issues such as substance abuse and physical and/or
mental disability. The Immediate Need provision of the General
Assistance program will make available General Assistance
benefits and social services upon a determination of probable
eligibility and need. This Immediate Need provision will provide
same-day services to probable General Assistance eligibles and
will also provide to the General Assistance eligible population
the means to obtain shelter.
Under the proposed Immediate Need Shelter standards:
a) The County will continue to seek to find ways to
provide temporary county-sponsored shelters for
general assistance applicants qualifying for
immediate need benefits and eligibles.
b) The County will continue to work with private
shelter facilities to provide for temporary
shelter for general assistance applicants
qualifying for immediate need benefits and
eligibles.
C) If such shelters are not available, the County
will provide, under the department' s proposal, a
housing allocation as an alternative to shelter
care.
The provision of shelter benefits will be contingent upon, among
other things, the General Assistance eligible ' s abstinence from
drugs and alcohol, participation in directed activity assignments
such as work and drug programs, and compliance with the
reasonable rules and regulations of the assigned shelter program.
The County, through the Social Service Department and the
Alcohol/Drug/Mental Health Division of the Health Department, is
actively planning to provide access to drug and alcohol programs
for General Assistance eligibles. Participation in such programs
will implement existing requirements for eligibility to General
Assistance under the Department' s proposal.
Job search requirements will continue, and job development and
placement efforts for employable eligibles will be intensified.
Participation in work programs will continue to be an eligibility
requirement for the County' s General Assistance program. The
goal is to put people back to work.
The Social Service Department also recommends that it be directed
to study the costs of basic needs for General Assistance
eligibles. The General Assistance benefit levels will be
increased accordingly. With such an increase, combined with
employment services, substance abuse services, services to assist
general assistance eligibles to obtain other federal and state
benefits, and services for other physical and mental
disabilities; General Assistance applicants and recipients will
be able to find housing with friends, relatives, and commercially
if they make. a serious effort and will be able to receive other
supportive services to move them from dependency to
self-sufficiency.
With an increase in the grant level and the availability of
immediate need services and other supportive services, General
Assistance applicants and recipients will be able to take care of
their basic needs during the normal working hours of the county.
The adoption of these comprehensive GA standards will provide
increased and better organized benefits and services to the
General Assistance eligible population in Contra Costa County.
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Other Programs to Assist the Homeless
(Non-General Fund)
1. Social Service Department
♦ Assistance to needy - individuals and families, including the
homeless, with federal and state funds under the AFDC, SSI ,
and Food Stamps Programs.
♦ Emergency assistance for Non-Recurring Special Needs Payments
(i.e. for interim shelter, repairs) to AFDC families who .have
suffered a financial crisis.
♦ "Special Circumstances" payments to homeless persons who
qualify for SSI (blind, disabled or aged) to provide for
security and utility deposits, moving expenses, and other
special needs.
♦ Targeted emergency assistance to homeless families with the
AFDC Homeless Assistance Program, with estimated 1988-89
expenditures of $1,600,000.
2. Community Service Department
♦ Supports 5 community agencies .who provide food and shelter to
the homeless with Community Services Block Grant (CSBG)
funds. 1988-89 total = $30,000.
♦ Direct services to homeless people including payments of rent
deposits and rent supplements, with $40,000 in federal
McKinney Act Funds.
3. Community Development Department
21+ti�yAW' Finances facilities and programs for special-needs groups,
W1 A? including the homeless.
1' 11 Previava_ $127,0= ' a Fade a! Hiner;- -s ShelteE Grant Pc-egra .,,,
Funds t!e
♦ During the last 3 years, allocated $1,300,000 for facilities
and services related to the homeless with Community
Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds and Housing Bond Trust
funds.
♦ Developing a Family Transitional Housing Center with Shelter,
Inc. for homeless families with Housing Bond Trust funds.
Estimated cost: $220 ,000 - 300,000.
4. County Housing Authority
♦ Provides public housing ( 1,140 units) and rental assistance
( 5,000 vouchers) to low income households, seniors, and the
disabled. Homeless families are given priority for housing
assistance.
5. Health Services Department
♦ Medical benefits ( i.e. Basic Adult Care) , substance abuse
recovery services, and mental health services are provided to
eligible homeless people, the same as for other low-income
persons and welfare recipients.
♦ Health care to the homeless is provided by a mobile health
team under the 2-year Homeless Health Care Project, with
federal McKinney Act funds of $140,000.
♦ Multi Service Centers in West, Central, and East counties for
mentally disabled homeless adults, and shelter for single
homeless adults in East County provided by Phoenix Programs,
Inc. with $570, 000 in state Short-Doyle funds.
6. Veterans ' Resource Center
♦ Provides information and referral services to veterans,
including homeless individuals.
♦ Refers homeless chronically mentally ill veterans to an
inpatient 20-bed program at the Veterans Hospital in San
Francisco.
♦ Refers homeless veterans to the 40-slot Homeless Veterans
Rehabilitation Program in Palo Alto for skills training, job
placement, and housing placement.
P
SOCIAL SERVICE DEPARTMENT CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
DATE: June 26, 1989
MEMO TO: BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
A EIVE
FROM: JAMES RYDINeO;CK,
rector
By: YVONN B L Assistant Director Ll UN a7 1989
SUBJECT: REPORT SUPPORTING SOCIAL SERVICE zc)�BATCHELOR SUPER
�' 60ARD TC ELORVISOE$
DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDATIONS FOR AN ) A o::IRF.co eco. Deouty
IMMEDIATE NEED AND SHELTER PROGRAM
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This report supports the Social Service Department's recommendations
for the Board's adoption of standards of aid and care under Welfare
and Institutions Code Sections 17000 and 17001 concerning an
Immediate Need and Shelter Program for General Assistance applicants
and eligibles, the repeal of the Emergency Assistance component of
General Assistance, and the establishment of a County Homeless
Hotline, provided for the Board on June 22 , 1989.
1) Most General Assistance applications are processed within 30
days. General Assistance benefits are not immediately provided,
but are provided after the approval of the application. Under
the Immediate Need Program, benefits will be provided
immediately to those applicants who can clearly establish their
identification and probable eligibility for General Assistance,
and qualify for immediate need.
2) The Emergency Assistance Program is administered on a discre-
tionary basis by each District office of the Department.
Emergency Assistance has been and is used in a discretionary
manner to attempt to meet the increasing demands of the
homeless. For instance, it has been and is used to pay for
motel housing for homeless persons. Emergency Assistance,
however, was not designed for the purpose of meeting the demands
of the homeless. It also has been and is used for assisting
persons prior to the date on which they receive their initial
General Assistance grant benefits. In addition, Emergency
Assistance has been and is used to assist people who are beyond
the scope of the General Assistance eligible population of the
County; that is, it has been and is used to assist people who
are not eligible for General Assistance.
ATTACHMENT TO RESOLUTION NO. 89/411
Gen 9c (New 3/86)
MEMO TO: BOARD OF SUPERVISORS JUNE 261 1989
SUBJECT: REPORT SUPPORTING SSD RECOMMENDATIONS
FOR AN IMMEDIATE NEED AND SHELTER PROGRAM PAGE 2
3) Under the Department's recommendation to the Board, the adoption
of the Immediate Need and Shelter Program as components of
General Assistance would render Emergency Assistance
unnecessary, for General Assistance eligibles in light of the
immediate provision of benefits under Immediate Need and the
three-level approach to the immediate provision of shelter
benefits. Immediate Need benefits may be provided on the same
day of application to those who qualify for immediate need.
Moreover, the departmental discretion under Emergency Assistance
will be replaced with Immediate Need and Shelter Program
standards of care and aid and implementing department regula-
tions; and the County will no longer supplement Federal or State
aid programs and otherwise provide general fund assistance for
persons who do not meet the County's General Assistance
eligibility standards, but will better serve the General
Assistance eligible population in the County.
4) The homeless hotline program, used after normal working hours of
the County, was never adopted as a General Assistance
entitlement by the Board. The hotline has assisted persons who
seek housing by referring them to available shelters or
resources, or by providing them with motel housing, with a
direction to visit a Department office to explore potentially
available resources and/or social services. Under the Immediate
Need and Shelter Program, in light of the provision of General
Assistance benefits to Immediate Need eligibles, including
shelter benefits, the hotline should be limited to an
information and referral service. Basic needs may and should be
addressed during the regular work hours of the Department.
Under the Department's proposal, a hotline will be maintained as
to information and referral services to the general public
concerning the availability of shelter and other housing for the
homeless.
5) Under the Department's recommendations, the Department will
conduct a study of the costs of basic needs for General
Assistance eligibles and reports its recommendations to the
Board. Under Board Resolution, No. 88/576, the maximum General
Assistance grant to one person in unshared housing is $284 (with
a housing component of $170) , and the maximum grant to one
person in shared housing is $250 (with a housing component of
$136) . It is expected that the study by the Department will
lead the Department to recommend that the Board increase these
grant levels, including the housing component. The increased
benefits to General Assistance applicants qualifying for
Immediate Need benefits and to General Assistance eligibles will
further assist such applicants and eligibles in finding
employment and housing.
MEMO TO: BOARD OF SUPERVISORS JUNE 26, 1989
SUBJECT: REPORT SUPPORTING SSD RECOMMENDATIONS
FOR AN IMMEDIATE NEED AND SHELTER PROGRAM PAGE 2
6) The Department's recommendations will further the County's
policy of self-sufficiency for General Assistance applicants
qualifying for immediate need benefits and General Assistance
eligibles in the following ways:
a) To receive shelter benefits, one must clearly establish that
he/she cannot obtain shelter through one's own efforts.
b) To continue to receive shelter benefits, one must accept the
shelter or housing facilities assigned, obey the reasonable
rules and regulations of the assigned shelter, abstain from
drugs and alcohol, and participate in directed activity
assignments, such as work, alcohol, or drug programs.
c) To receive Immediate Need benefits or General Assistance,
one must execute a repayment agreement and lien upon one's
property.
The above requirements have not previously been mandated by the
County.
7) Under the Department 's recommendations, the County will continue
to support the development of County-sponsored facilities to
shelter homeless General Assistance eligibles.
8) The June 22, 1989, submission to the Board includes a list of
eighteen programs for the homeless that are not General
Assistance programs and are not supported by County general
funds. These programs will remain in place and provide support
to the County' s general fund efforts for homeless General
Assistance eligibles.
9) Attached hereto and incorporated herein as a part of this report
is a June 20, 1989, declaration by James A. Rydingsword, Social
Service Department Director.
10) The East County District of the Contra Costa County Social
Service Department has operated a program designed to obtain
shelter for homeless General Assistance applicants and eligibles
using counseling and the self-help efforts of our clients. This
program has been successful and has dramatically reduced the
need of shelter assistance to the homeless in that area. The
logic and the experience of this successful program is a primary
source upon which the Department's Immediate Need and Shelter
recommendations are based. Counseling and self-help has worked
in East Contra Costa County. In the opinion of the Department,
counseling and self-help can also work in the Central and West
Districts to bring actual shelter need within the parameters of
available shelter facilities and to provide housing for all
General Assistance eligibles.
YB: sjb
Date: June 20, 1989
To: Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors
From: James A. Rydingsword, Social Service Director
Re: General Assistance Immediate Need and Shelter Standards
James A. Rydingsword declares :
1. I am the Contra Costa County Social Service Director. I
have professional qualifications and expertise in the area of
General Assistance and Homeless Services. , My professional
.. background includes 21 years of social services and management
experience in counties in California. My management experience
includes 17 years as a fiscal officer, Assistant Director, and
Director in California county social services departments . Since
1981, I have been the Social Service Department Director in Santa
Barbara and Contra Costa counties. I have directed homeless
services in both Santa Barbara County and. Contra Costa County since
1981 .
2 . Under the Contra Costa County General Assistance Program,
to date, there has been an absence of Board-adopted General
Assistance standards on homeless services for persons who may be
eligible to General Assistance. The Emergency Assistance program,
supported through the county's general fund, has been used in a
discretionary manner to attempt to meet the increasing demands for
services to the homeless population, but was not programmatically
designed for that purpose.
3 . The current policy of Contra Costa County and the Board of
Supervisors is one of self-sufficiency for General Assistance
eligibles . Self-sufficiency means that the county will use its
staffing and financial resources to assist General Assistance
eligibles towards self-support through employment or toward
eligibility for other federal and state programs . The Board policy
recognizes that it is critical and necessary to require General
Assistance applicants and recipients to contribute their own
efforts to find housing and employment, and to address other
problems such as alcohol and substance abuse, and mental and
physical disability.
1
4 . With the County's self-sufficiency policy in mind, the
Department of Social Services has proposed to the Board of
Supervisors , General Assistance Immediate Need and Shelter
standards that include provisions for immediate need, information
and referral services, and other services designed to assist
General Assistance applicants and recipients to obtain shelter,
find housing, secure employment; and to participate in programs
that will deal with issues such as substance abuse and physical
and/or mental disability. The Immediate Need provision of the
General Assistance program will make available General Assistance
benefits and social services upon a determination of probable
eligibility and need. This Immediate Need provision will provide
same-day services to probable General Assistance eligibles and will
also provide to the General Assistance eligible population the
means to obtain shelter.
5 . Under the proposed Immediate Need and Shelter standards:
a) The County will continue to seek to find ways to
provide temporary county-sponsored shelters for
general assistance applicants qualifying for
immediate need benefits and eligibles.
b) The County will continue to work with private shelter
facilities to provide for temporary shelter for
general assistance applicants qualifying for
immediate need benefits and eligibles.
c) If such shelters are not available, the County will
provide, under the department's proposal, a housing
allocation as an alternative to shelter care.
6 . The County, through the Social Services Department and the
Alcohol/Drug Abuse/Mental Health Division of the Health Department,
is actively planning to provide access to drug and alcohol programs
for. General Assistance applicants and eligibles. Participation in
this program will implement existing requirements for eligibility
to General Assistance under the department's proposal.
7 . The County will continue job- search requirements and will
intensify job development and placement efforts for employable
General Assistance applicants and eligibles. The County is
planning to provide work program opportunities for General
Assistance applicants and eligibles . Participation in these
programs will continue to be an eligibility requirement for the
County' s General Assistance program.
8. The Social Service Department has also recommended that
this County prepare an updated needs survey and increase the
General Assistance benefit level accordingly. With such an
increase, combined with employment services, substance abuse
services, services to assist general assistance eligibles to obtain
2
other federal and state benefits, and services for other physical
and mental disabilities; General Assistance applicants and
recipients will, in my opinion, be able to find housing with
friends, relatives, and commercially if they make a serious effort
and will be able to receive other supportive services to move them
from dependency to self-sufficiency.
9 . With an increase in the grant level and the availability
of immediate need services and other supportive services, General
Assistance applicants and recipients will, in my opinion, be able
to take care of their basic needs during the normal working. hours
of the county. The homeless hot line program has never been
adopted as a General Assistance entitlement by the County Board of
Supervisors . Other counties do not use homeless hot-line services .
Rather they require the General Assistance applicant and recipient
to receive their services during the normal working hours of the
Department. A General Assistance applicant and recipient may
properly be required to -contribute to their own efforts to reach
the Department of Social Services during office hours . In my
opinion, adoption of the proposals made by the Social Service
Department for Board of Supervisors , consideration on June 27,
1989 ,. will provide increased and better organized benefits and
services to the General Assistance eligible population in Contra
Costa County and will permit the termination of hot-line services
other than information and referral that go beyond those supportive
services available through the County Department of Social
Services .
I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State
of California that the foregoing is true and correct and th t this
declaration was executed in Martinez Califor , n Jun 20,
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3
THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA
Adopted this Order on June 27 , 1989 , . by the following vote:
AYES: Supervisors Powers , Fanden , Schroder , McPeak , Torlakson
NOES: None
ABSgVT: None
ABSTAIN: None
SUBJECT: Standards for Administration RESOLUTION NO. 89/_111
of the General Assistance Program
Pursuant to California Welfare and Institutions Code section 17001,
Resolution No. 88/576 is amended as follows:
First: The Board of Supervisors declares that with the exception of
its standards for health care expressed in Resolution No. 82/1486, Board of
Supervisors, Resolution No. 88/576, as amended, is the only Board
resolution or order since September 13, 1988 by which this Board has
adopted standards of aid and care under Welfare and Institutions Code
sections 17000 and 17001 .
Second: With respect to the subjects of Emergency Assistance and an
Immediate Need and Shelter Program for General Assistance applicants and
eligibles, the Board of Supervisors hereby adopts the report and
recommendations of the County Social Service Director as its findings, and
amends Resolution No. 88/576 as follows; effective September 1, 1989 :
1 . Part VII . B. , entitled "Emergency Assistance" is repealed.
2 . Part VII. B. , entitled "Immediate Need and Shelter" is added,
reading as follows :
B. Immediate Need and Shelter
1 . Immediate Need Program for General Assistance
Applicants :
a. Persons who apply for General Assistance
benefits and who clearly establish their identification and
probable eligibility, will be granted benefits upon the
determination of their qualification for immediate need (if
possible, upon the day of their application) and prior to a
determination as to their eligibility.
b. Immediate need benefits shall be pro-rated for
the calendar month in .which application is made and shall be
continued beyond such calendar month upon re-application,
for a total period not to exceed one month within one year.
c. Immediate need benefits shall be credited
against General Assistance entitlements upon a determination
of eligibility.
d. Immediate need benefits shall terminate upon a
determination of ineligibility, or upon failure to cooperate
in determining eligibility. In the event of termination, an
applicant may not reapply for Immediate Need benefits for
one month.
2 . Shelter benefits for homeless Immediate Need and
General Assistance eligibles:
I
i
RESOLUTION NO. 89/ 411 Page 1
a. An eligible applicant for shelter benefits
must clearly establish that the applicant is unable to
obtain shelter through the applicant's own efforts.
b. The provision of ' shelter benefits, including
alternative housing vouchers, is contingent upon:
i. The eligible's continuing eligibility for
Immediate Need or General Assistance.
ii. The eligible's acceptance of shelter or
housing facilities assigned by the Social Service
Department or its designee.
iii . The eligible's obedience to the reasonable
rules and regulations of the shelter program to which
the applicant is assigned
iv. The eligible's abstinence from drugs and
alcohol.
v. The eligible's participation in directed
activity assignments, including but not limited to work,
alcohol, and drug programs .
C. The Social Service Department or its designee
will assign shelter eligibles first to County-sponsored
shelters, and second, to private shelters, as determined by
the Department, at a cost not to exceed $12 .00 per night.
d. If assigned shelter facilities are not
available, the Social Service Department shall provide to
the shelter eligible once in a month a voucher for an amount
equal to the maximum appropriate General Assistance housing
entitlement, upon which the County will reimburse in the
amount of the voucher any person who has provided verified
shelter to the shelter eligible for at least one month prior
to the expiration date of the voucher. Such vouchers must
be presented for payment within seven days from the
i
expiration date.
3 . Actions denying immediate need or shelter benefits or
terminating immediate need or shelter benefits shall be expressed
in writing, stating the reason(s) for the action, and are
effective immediately subject to appeal without aid paid pending
as provided in Part IX. Pending appeal, the applicant or
eligible may request in writing an administrative review. Such
review shall be conducted within three working days after the
request is received, by the Social Service Director's designated
Reviewer. The appellant shall have an opportunity to meet with
the Reviewer and to offer evidence and argument. The Reviewer
shall affirm, reject, or modify the action, which decision shall
be final, pending appeal .
3 . Part XI, entitled "Reimbursement" is added, reading as follows:
As a condition precedent to the receipt of Immediate Need or
General Assistance benefits, eligible persons must execute a repayment
agreement and lien upon their property as provided in Welfare and
Institutions Code section 17109, and repay such benefits.
AWW:tb
I hereby certify that this is a true and correct copy of
Orig. Dept: an action taken and entered on the minutes of the
c c: L e g a l S e r v i c e s• F o u n d a t i o n Board of Supervisors on the date shown.
Director , Social Service ATTESTED dune 27 , 1989
County Counsel PHIL BATCHELOR,Clerk of the Board
County Administrator of Supervisors and county Administrator
By Il u/9• � Deputy
tb1\reso1ut\standard.f .
RESOLUTION NO. 89/ 411 Page 2
Il /O
THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA
I
Adopted this Order on June 27 , 1989 by the following vote:
AYES: Supervisors Powers , Fanden , Schroder , McPeak , Torlakson
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
SUBJECT: General Assistance Basic
Need Allowances
The Social Service Director is directed to study the costs of basic
needs for General Assistance eligibles and to report to the Board no later
than August 1, 1989 as to whether he recommends changes in the amounts
allowed for such basic needs .
1 hereby certify that this is a true and Correct oopY Of
an action taken and entered on the minutes of the
Board of Supervisors on the date shown.
ATTESTED: June 27 , 1989
PHIL BATCHELOR,Clerk of the Board
of Supervisors and County Administrator
By Q IV- 'c'J Deputy
AWW:tb
tb1\stand.3f
Orig. Dept:
cc: County Administrator
Social Services Department
County Counsel
Legal Services Foundation
THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA
Adopted this Order on June 27 , 1989 by the following vote:
AYES: Supervisors Powers , Fanden , Schroder, McPeak,@Torlakson
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
SUBJECT: Standards for Administration of
the General Assistance Program:
Immediate Need and Shelter
The Social Service Director is directed to further study the Immediate
Need and Shelter standards of the General Assistance program, adopted this
day, and in conjunction with his pending report on General Assistance basic
need allowances, to report further to this Board on the Immediate Need and
Shelter standards, not later than August 1, 1989.
1 hereby certify that this Is a true and correct Copy of
an action taken and entered on the minutes of the
Board of Supervisors on the date shown.
ATTESTED: '1 u n e 27 , 1989
PHIL BATCHELOR,Clerk of the Board
of Supervisors and County Administrator
By Q_�9 Deputy
AWW:tb
tbl\stand.3f
Orig. Dept:
cc: County Administrator
Auditor-Controller
Social Services Department
County Counsel
Legal Services Foundation
THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA
Adopted this Order on June 27 , 1989 by the following vote:
AYES: Supervisors Powers , Fanden , Schroder, McPeak , Torlakson
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
SUBJECT: County Homeless Programs
The Board of Supervisors having adopted Resolution. No. 89/ 411 ,
providing for homeless shelter to eligibles as an element of the County' s
General Assistance program,
IT IS BY THE BOARD ORDERED that all other programs of. direct aid to
the adult homeless and supported by County general funds are terminated
effective September 1, 1989, but that the development of County-sponsored
shelter facilities for the homeless shall be maintained.
I hereby certify that this is a true and correct Copy of
an action taken and entered on the minutes of the
Board of Supervisors on the data shown.
ATTESTED: June 2 7 , 1989
PHIL BATCHELOR,Clerk of the Board
of Supervisors and County Administrator
By1�C ,Deputy
AWW:tb
tbl\stand.2f
Orig. Dept:
cc: County Administrator
Auditor-Controller
Social Services Department
County Counsel
Legal Services Foundation
THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA
Adopted this Order on June 27 , 1989 by the following vote:
AYES: Supervisors Powers , Fanden , Schroder , McPeak , Torlakson
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
SUBJECT: Contra Costa County Homeless Hotline
Pursuant to Government Code section 26227, the Board hereby
establishes the following program as a non-mandated social service program,
to be operated by the Social Service Department:
The Social Service Department shall provide a "Homeless Hotline" to
consist of telephone information and referral services to the general
public respecting shelter and other housing facilities available for
homeless persons . This service shall be provided from 5:00 p.m. to 9 :00
p.m. on weekdays and from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on weekends and holidays.
All other "Homeless Hotline" or "Hotline" authorizations or approvals
by this Board are terminated effective September 1, 1989 .
1 hereby certify that this is a true and correct copy of
an action taken and entered on the minutes of the
Board of Superv)$M on the date shown.
ATTESTED: June 2 7 , 1989
PHIL BATCHELOR,Clerk of the Board
of Supervisors and County Administrator
Deputy
AWW:tb
tbi\stand.4f
Orig. Dept:
cc: County Administrator
Auditor-Controller
Social Services Department
County Counsel
,Legal Services Foundation
THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA
Adopted this Order on June 27 , 1989 by the following vote:
AYES: Supervisors Powers , Fanden , Schroder , McPeak , Torlakson
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
SUBJECT: Contra Costa County Winter and Spring
Shelter and Homeless Hotline Programs
First: The Board of Supervisors declares that the Winter, 1988-89 and
Spring, 1989 Homeless Shelter Programs and the Homeless Hotline Program
have not been adopted by this Board as General Assistance programs under
Welfare and Institutions Code sections 17000, et seq.
Second: The Board ratifies the Winter, 1988-89 and Spring, 1989
Homeless Shelter Programs, and the Homeless Hotline Program as programs
adopted by the Board pursuant to Government Code section 26227, and as
such, directs that the Spring Shelter Program and the Homeless Hotline
Program continue until August 31, 1989 .
I hereby certify that this is a true and correct copy of
an action taken and entered on the minutes of the
Board of Supervisors on the date shown.
ATTESTED:J u n e 279 1989
PHIL BATCHELOR,Clerk of the Board
of Supervisors and County Administrator
By ' 69, _.Deputy
AWW:tb
tbl\stand.4f
Orig. Dept:
cc: County Administrator
Auditor-Controller
. Social Services Department
County Counsel
Legal Services Foundation