HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES - 06061995 - SD1 TO: BOARD OF SUPERVISORS F&HS-01
Contra
FROM: FAMILY AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE Costa
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May 22, 1995 County rr
DATE: r+'Co
SUBJECT: STATUS REPORT ON THE HOMELESS
SPECIFIC REQUEST(S)OR RECOMMENDATION(S)&BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION
RECOMMENDATIONS:
1. RECEIVE presentation by staff on Section 8 housing certificates.
2. REVIEW and APPROVE the criteria for the awarding of Section 8 housing
certificates (see attached) .
3. DIRECT the Health Services Director to provide the Family and Human
Services Committee with a description of the kinds of individuals and families
who have received Section 8 certificates in the past, why some individuals and
families were selected for Section 8 certificates and why other individuals and
families were not selected for Section 8 certificates.
4. DIRECT the Health Services Director to adopt a policy requiring that within
a time certain (number of days) after a meeting with the homeless ombudsman
a written report will be made back to the client and any advocate the client
designates.
5. ADD to the proposed Mission Statement for the Ad Hoc Task Force on the
Homeless the following:
• Develop a system that will decrease the amount of homelessness in our
County with goals and measurable outcomes arrived at by the Task
Force.
6. With the above addition, APPROVE the Mission Statement for the Ad Hoc Task
Force on the Homeless, as attached.
7. REQUEST that Dr. Wendel Brunner make a presentation to the Contra Costa
Mayors' Conference in July on the homeless.
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CONTINUED ON ATTACHMENT: YES SIGNATURE:
RECOMMENDATION OF COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR RECOMMENDATION OF BOARD C M TT
_APPROVE OTHER
SIGNATURE(S): MARK DPSAULNTER JE
ACTION OF BOARD ON June 9, 1995 APP VED AS RECOMMENDED iX OTHER
Following comments from Susan Prather, P. O. Box 681, EI Cerrito 94530, on the plight of two families in their
attempts to obtain housing; and all persons desiring to speak having been heard, the Board APPROVED the
recommendations set forth above. Further the Board REQUESTED the Family and Human Services Committee to
establish a policy for the two families who had "fallen through the cracks" in the change of policies relative to
obtaining housing.
VOTE OF SUPERVISORS
I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THIS IS A TRUE
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.
ATTESTED June 6, 1995
Contact: PHIL BATCHELOR,CLERK OF THE BOARD OF
cc: See Page 2 SUPERVISORS AND COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR
BY DEPUTY
F&HS-01
8. DIRECT the Health Services Director to form the Ad Hoc Task Force, based
on past direction from the Board of Supervisors, and have the Homeless
Ombudsman, Duane Chapman, present at the next meeting of the Family and
Human Services Committee when this subject is considered.
9. DIRECT the Health Services Director to report back to the Family and Human
Services Committee on August 14, 1995 on the following:
✓ The status of meetings of the Ad Hoc Task Force on the Homeless.
✓ The status of the preparation of the Comprehensive Plan for Services
for the Homeless in Contra Costa County.
✓ The status of funding for homeless programs in the County.
✓ An update on the work of the Homeless Ombudsman with homeless
clients.
✓ The status of the contract for operation of the homeless shelters in the
County.
BACKGROUND:
On May 2, 1995, the Board of Supervisors approved a report from our Committee
which asked for several additional pieces of information to be provided to our
Committee on May 22, 1995.
On May 22, 1995 our Committee met with Dr. Wendel Brunner, Public Health
Director; Brenda Blasingame, Homeless Services Program Manager; Del Price from
the Housing Authority; Pat Pinkston from the Housing Authority; and Susan
Prather, member of the Homeless Advisory Committee.
Dr. Brunner reviewed the attached report with our Committee. We discussed at some
length the Section 8 Program, how it is administered, how the very few certificates
are issued to those considered eligible for them, and how we can try to insure that
no favoritism is shown in the issuance of the Section 8 certificates. We felt that this
was important enough that we have asked staff to be prepared to make a brief
presentation to the Board on the Section 8 Program.
We have also asked staff to prepare some written criteria which would determine
which individuals and families are eligible to receive Section 8 certificates,
recognizing that only a small fraction of eligaible individuals and families will be able
to actually receive these certificates because the supply is so small. We think that
it is important that the Board of Supervisors approve these criteria.
We have also made one addition to the Mission Statement for the Ad Hoc Task Force
on the Homeless and, with that addition, are recommending that the Board of
Supervisors approve the Mission Statement. We are also asking Dr. Brunner to make
a presentation to the Mayors' Conference in July in order to make sure the cities are
aware of the need for their cooperation and involvement in trying to adequately
address the issues involving the homeless in this County.
We have also identified several subjects on which we think we need to have a
progress report later this summer.
cc: County Administrator
Health Services Director
Public Health Director
Substance Abuse Program Director
Executive Director, Housing Authority
Acting Social Service Director
Sara Hoffman, Senior Deputy County Administrator
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MISSION STATEMENT
for the
AD HOC TASK FORCE ON THE HOMELESS IN
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
Identify the scope of the homeless problem and monitor the number of homeless,
their age and family status and particular problems, including health issues,
substance abuse, mental health and family support needs.
Develop and maintain an inventory of support services for homeless persons in
Contra Costa County available through government, community-based and private
charitable organizations.
Develop a comprehensive plan for the continuum of homeless services in Contra
Costa County.
Identify priorities for homeless services in Contra Costa County which can be used
as specific targets for funding opportunities.
Provide effective advocacy for homeless services, and for the rights and dignity of
homeless persons in our County.
• Promote collaboration among agencies and organizations to better meet the needs
of the homeless.
Develop a system that will decrease the amount of homelessness in our County
with goals and measurable outcomes arrived at by the Task Force.
TO BE CONSIDERED FOR APPROVAL BY THE
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS - June 6, 1995
CRITERIA FOR SECTION 8 ELIGIBILITY
1. The client and Case Manager must establish which category client is in:
✓ Low income single
✓ Low income family
✓ Single. person on SSI or SSDI
2. The client must be a current resident at the shelter and have at least 15 days of
shelter stay from the time of the Section 8 recommendation presentation. All
persons who want to be considered must have a complete packet turned in to their
Case Manager by 5:00 P.M., the first Wednesday of the month in which selection
will take place. Presentations are made to the Homeless Project Team on the
second Wednesday of June 1995, August 1995, October 1995, December 1995,
February 1996, and April 1996.
3. Clients who have a pre-existing history of substance abuse issues must have 5-6
months sobriety verified in writing by successful completion of a residential
rehabilitation program with ongoing follow-up in day treatment, STEP meetings,
sponsor meetings and counseling. The verification of sobriety can be through a
residential or day treatment program. If the client is on probation/parole with a
drug-testing requirement, the client must have 6 months of verified "clean" tests.
4. The client must demonstrate the ability to make the necessary deposits that are
consistent with obtaining the housing the client is pursuing. The client will need
to provide a recent (within the last 15 days) verification of income. The client will
need to show the completion of two budgets:
A. (internal) How money is spent while a resident at the shelter.
B. (external, on the form provided) How money will be budgeted when living
on own including a list of anticipated recurring monthly expenses.
5. The client will need two current pieces of identification for himself or herself and
all members of his or her family, i.e., birth certificates and/or CCHP or medical
health plan cards and/or Social Security card and/or California identification and/or
military identification card.
6. The client must provide two written character references. However, these letters
cannot be from the shelter or the transitional program employees or residents.
These character references must include:
✓ How long the individual has known the client.
✓ What the individual's interaction with the client has been to date.
✓ Whether this relationship will be on-going when the client is in housing.
7. The client must provide at least one credit reference such as a previous landlord,
PG&E, Pacific Bell, current landlord (if in the transitional program),
physician/dentist to whom the client pays for services or a share of costs, or
insurance company.
8. The client must provide verification that utility debts are paid off on any utility that
a client will need to start up the household, such as PG&E, or work out a payment
plan while at the shelter or the transitional program. Client must not have a past
eviction from public or subsidized housing.
9. The client must provide a written statement, indicating from his or her perspective,
the steps the client has taken to address his or her issues of homelessness and
the steps the client has taken to achieve stable housing in the community during
the client's stay in the shelter.
10. The client must show a basic understanding of the following:
A. The public transit system, i.e., possession of a bus pass (unless the client
owns private transportation).
B. Housekeeping tasks such as cleaning laundry and cooking.
C. Community resources available to the client.
11. The client must provide written verification of Contra Costa County residencerp for
to entering the shelter/transitional program.
12. To qualify for a recommendation for a homeless project Section 8, if the client is
eligible for other programs, the client must first or simultaneously apply to those
programs as part of an alternative plan for housing. In addition, the client must
develop a detailed, written alternative housing plan for use in the event that the
client does not receive a Section 8 certificate.
13. Preference will be given to clients who have not received a Section 8 certificate in
the past.
14. Decisions made by the Homeless Project Team may be appealed. The appeal
process is in place. Appeal of the recommendation for a Section 8 certificate must
be made in writing within 14 days from the presentation date. Written appeal
requests should state the grounds on which the client is appealing.
15. If the client does not receive a Section 8 certificate recommendation, the client
may request that his or her completed application be held and considered in the
next selection round as long as the client will be a resident of the emergency
shelter or transitional program at that time.
Mail to: Homeless Project/Section 8 Recommendations
597 Center Street, Suite 375
Martinez, CA 94553
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S _L Contra Costa County
� • Health Services ces Department
j PUBLIC HEALTH DIVISION
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Administrative Offices
k� 597 Center Avenue
Suite 200
- G Martinez, California 94553
ST`S`COUI`Z (510)313-6712
TO: Family & Human Services Committee
Supervisor Jeff Smith, District 3
Supervisor Mark DeSaulnier, District 4
FROM: Wendel Brunner, M.D.
Assistant Health Services Director for Public Health
DATE: May 19, 1995
SUBJECT: STATUS REPORT TO THE FAMILY & HUMAN SERVICES
COMMITTEE REGARDING THE HOMELESS
This report on the status of homeless programs is to respond to the points 1 - 9 of the Family and
Human Services Committee report of April 24, 1995; directed to the Health Services Department.
Ad Hoc Task Force on Homelessness - Points 1, 3, and 4
Points 1, 3, and 4 relate to the organization of the Ad Hoc Task Force on the Homeless
established by the Board of Supervisors on November 8, 1994. The Health Services Department
has written to the groups entitled to a seat on the Ad Hoc Task Force inviting them to nominate
their representatives to that committee. In particular we have written to the Interfaith Coalition
about the Task Force and to the mayors of Richmond and Concord to invite participation. The
purpose of the Ad Hoc Task Force would be to identify the scope of the homeless problem,
develop and maintain an inventory of support services, develop a comprehensive plan for the
continuum of homeless services, identify priorities, provide advocacy, and promote collaboration
between agencies. A draft mission statement is attached as Attachment 1.
We were also directed by the IO Committee to attempt to have the Homeless Planner on board
in 30 days, if possible. We are currently interviewing several candidates with planning and
homeless experience, and hope to have a person working with us shortly.
Section 8 Housing Voucher Program - Point 2
Attachment 2 is a paper describing the Section 8 housing voucher program prepared by Del Price
who is in charge of the Section 8 Program for the Housing Authority. Section 8 is a Department
of Housing and Urban Development funded program to subsidize housing for low income
Family & Human Services Committee Page 2
Supervisors Smith & DeSaulnier
May 19, 1995
families. The Section 8 Program is not an entitlement program; there are currently 4800 persons
in Contra Costa.on the waiting list for Section 8 vouchers. Some of these families have been
waiting since 1987. Presently the Housing Authority administers approximately 5500 Section 8.
contracts.
Some Section 8 vouchers are specifically set aside to serve the homeless in collaboration with
organizational partners. The Health Services Department's Home Team received and distributed
50 vouchers over the last several years to the emergency. shelters and transitional housing
programs. The last vouchers were distributed in October, although one individual was given a
voucher in December based on an appeal of a previous denial. Given the shortage of affordable
housing in Contra Costa and the long waiting list for Section 8 vouchers, these homeless Section
8 vouchers are a much sought-after assistance. The number of vouchers does not nearly meet the
need of the eligible homeless population, and the criteria for assigning vouchers was criticized
as allowing for abuse and favoritism.
When a new set of vouchers becameavailable around December, the Home Team developed a
new set of criteria for distribution, which was also .reviewed and approved by the Housing
Authority as required to meet HUD regulations. The new criteria were issued May 8, and
clarified May 15 in response to community input, particularly from Contra Costa Legal Services
(see Attachment 3). These criteria outlined a more objective mechanism for distributing the. 43
vouchers that had been made available (27 for,the shelters. and 16 for the transitional houses).
Last week five additional vouchers became available to the Health Services Department from the
Housing Authority, and will be incorporated into a revised distribution schedule.
The Section 8 criteria are designed to ensure that all applicants meet HUD requirements and have
a reasonable chance. to be successful in the Section 8 program, which provides no case
management or support services. Within this eligibility pool, the available,vouchers will be
distributed by drawings throughout the year,.thus ensuring all eligible homeless services clients
have an equal opportunity for this benefit. A hearing procedure is in place in the Health Services
Department, as required, which involves the Director of Homeless Services, and an appeal
possible to the Assistant Health Services Director for Public Health.
Ombudsperson - Point 7
Duane Chapman, who is well known in the community for his work with the homeless, has been
appointed Ombudsperson for Contra Costa County homeless services clients. Duane will assist
clients in conflicts with the bureaucracy and advocate for the rights and needs of homeless
persons in our system. Attachment 4 is the announcement of Duane's appointment, which has ..
been distributed to homeless programs throughout the county. Duane can be accessed directly.
by homeless clients through his telephone and voicemail number, which is included on the poster.
Family & Human Services Committee Page 3
Supervisors Smith & DeSaulnier
May 19, 1995
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Budget for Homeless Programs - Point 6
f
Included in Attachment 5 is a tentative FY 95/96 budget for the Concord and Brookside Shelter
Programs and associated support staff. This budget does not include funding for the Homeless
Services Director and the Homeless Planner. The total budget for the shelIter programs is
$1,156,000 for the fiscal year. Some of the indicated revenue services, though they have
materialized over the last several years, are not guaranteed and depend on grant funding. We will
be implementing a more complete analysis of the current fiscal year's funding and expenditures,
when final accounting is completed at the Housing Authority. We understand the importance of
carefully monitoring revenues and expenses, and to provide as long-range planning as possible.
The budget reflects the requested "most likely scenario," but certainly does not imply guaranteed
funding sources.
Length of Shelter Sta - Point 8
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Attachment 6 is provided by Pat Pinkston and is an analysis of the length of stay and outcome
from the transitional programs and case managed shelters. The current length of stay at the
Emergency Shelter Programs in Richmond and Concord are either 90 or 180 days during the two
year period. A longer shelter stay would provide additional opportunities for clients to prepare
for more successful transitional or permanent housing. A shorter stay limit facilitates serving an
increased number of the needy homeless clients in the county. There are 'advantages and
disadvantages of each option, and we have heard advocacy for changes in both directions.
Attachment 7, prepared by Brenda Blasingame, outlines the conditions under which extensions
of stay are generally granted. That paper also outlines some of the options for changes that could
be considered.
We are currently recommending no change in the shelter time limits. We would like to present
this issue for further discussion and input with the Ad Hoc Task Force on the Homeless that is
being developed. At that time, decisions on shelter stays, emergency shelter beds, and other
issues could be put in the context of the continuum of services identified by the Task Force,
coordination with existing services, and the priorities for change or development that would be
identified by that body.
Executive Summary of Homeless Services Plans - Point 5
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This Executive Summary of Homeless Services Plans is being prepared by Pat P fnkston and will
be available to the committee for distribution on Monday.
WB:ah
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Attachments
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cc: Mark Finucane
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Draft Mission Statement ATTACHMENT 1
for
Ad-Hoc Task Force on Homeless in Contra Costa
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• Identify scope of the homeless problem and monitor the number of homeless, their age
and family status and particular problems including health issues, substance abuse, mental
health and family support needs.
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• Develop and maintain an inventory of support services for homeless persons in Contra
Costa available through government, and community based and charitable organizations.
• Develop a comprehensive plan for the continuum of homeless services in Contra Costa.
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• Identify priorities for homeless services in Contra Costa, which can be used as specific
targets for funding opportunities.
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• Provide effective advocacy for homeless services, and for the rights land dignity of
homeless persons in our county.
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• Promote collaboration between agencies and organizations to better meet the needs of the
homeless.
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ATTACHMENT 2
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Section 8 CertificateNo,ucher Program
Set Aside For Homeless Individuals and Families
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Section 8 As A Resource For the Homeless
In recognition of homelessness as a serious national concern, the Department of Housing
and Urban Development(HUD) in recent years has encouraged Housing Authorities, in
partnership with local jurisdictions,to set aside or specifically target Section 8certificates
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for homeless individuals and families.
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The intent of the Section 8 program,which was developed during the 1970's, is to more
effectively privatize the use of federal housing resources by having the private sector
involved in housing low income families. The underlying assumption is that there is
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sufficient privately owned housing that could be occupied if subsidies were available.
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The certificate program, unlike other federal programs such asAFDC and Social
Security, is not an entitlement program. Certificates are available only to the extent that
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they are allocated to individual Housing Authorities who compete nationwide for the
allocations. Thus the Housing Authority is a conduit to the privately owned market for
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families eligible to receive assistance. Currently the Housing Authority administers
approximately 5,500 Section 8 contracts.
Homeless Assistance Program
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In order to assist HUD in the goal of reaching homeless individuals and families, the
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Housing Authority of Contra Costa County has implemented a Homeless Assistance
Program. The program is a two-tiered system which begins with the Housing Authority
applying for federal funds specifically targeted for homeless individuals and families.
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The second tier involves the allocation of certificates to local partners who then'use their
own criteria to make recommendations to the Housing Authority on who should be
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considered for Section 8 assistance. Persons who are not recommended may.appeal the
decision to the local partner in accordance with that agency's own due process criteria.
Upon receipt of the recommendations from the local agencies, but prior to the issuance of
any certificate, the Housing Authority must determine that the individual or family
recommended for Section 8 assistance meets HUD's eligibility requirements. According
to eligibility regulations'established by the Department of Housing and Urban
Development(HUD), applicants must:
(1) .qualify as a"family" (this definition includes single individuals) (2) be
income eligible and (3) provide accurate social security numbers for all members'of the
household who are at least six years of age or certify that they do not have social security
cards.
In addition to determining eligibility the Housing Authority may deny assistance to an
applicant under the Section 8.Program if the applicant:
• Currently owes rent or other amounts to the Housing Authority or another public
housing authority in connection with Section 8 or public housing assistance.
However, if the applicant pays the amount owed in full by the time they reach the top
of the waiting list, the Housing Authority will consider the applicant to be eligible for
assistance.
• As a previous participant in the Section 8 Program, has not reimbursed the Housing
authority or another public housing authority for any amounts paid to an Owner under
a HAP contract for rent or other amounts owed by the family under its lease, of for a
vacated unit However, if the applicant pays the amount owed, the Housing Authority
will consider the applicant to be eligible for assistance.
• Has engaged in drug-related or violent criminal activity as defined by this manual.
2
• Breaches a repayment agreement with the Housing Authority.
• Has committed fraud in connection with any Federal housing program.
• Has failed to comply with the requirements under the family's contract of
participation in the Family Self-Sufficiency program.
• Does not sign and submit consent forms (and have all household members sign and
consent) as required by HUD regulations.
If the applicant is denied a Certificate by the Authority they will be given prompt written
notice of the decision to deny assistance. Applicants who are denied Section 8 assistance
by the Housing Authority are given an opportunity for an informal review in accordance
with HUD requirements.
This two-tiered approach means the Housing Authority continues to handle the Section 8
program administration while the Health Services Department and other local partners
provide support services and make recommendations to the Housing Authority based
upon their own individual criteria.
The organizational partners in this two-tiered system have included the County's Health
Department Home Team which receives 66 certificates for Shelters in Concord, and
Richmond and a separate allocation for Mt. View House -27, Volunteers of America-12,
Battered Women's Alternatives - 37, Pittsburg Family Shelter- 30 and Rubicon- 27. All
together, the partners have received 209 certificates and vouchers, 199 of which are
recyclable. These certificates and vouchers have no "expiration", however, their
availability is contingent upon continued HUD appropriation. Those 199 that"revolve",
3
can be recycled and distributed to someone new if the initial recipient no longer needs or
uses the assistance.
Shelter Plus Care
In addition to the existing pool of certificates targeted for the Homeless Assistance
Program, the Housing Authority in conjunction with Health Services Department,and
over thirty local service providers is also implementing a Shelter+ Care program
involving approximately 172 certificates These certificates are tied to a mandate by HUD
that the local jurisdiction provide recipients with support services which equal or exceed
the value of the Section 8 subsidies. These services are provided by a variety of local
community-based organizations and appropriate county departments. The Housing
Authority hired a coordinator for this program May 1, 1995 and is currently in the initial
stages of coordination and implementation.
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ATTACHMENT 3
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597 CENTER AVENUE, SUITE 375
MARTINEZ, CALIFORNIA 94553
(510) 313-6166
MEMORANDUM
TO: ALL SECTION 8 APPLICANTS
FROM: BRENDA BLASINGAME, HOMELESS PROGRAM SERVICES DIRECTOR"
DATE: MAY,. 15, 1995
RE: SECTION 8 CRITERIA .
The following information is to clarify some of the specific criteria for Section 8:
Criteria #3:
The sobriety requirement is for people who have a pre-existing history of substance
abuse issues. The verification of sobriety can be through a residential or day treatment
program.
Criteria #4:
Instead of showing a current history of saving money, the client must show the ability
to make the necessary deposits that are consistent with obtaining the housing they are .
pursuing. The client will still need to meet the income verification and budget requirements.
Criteria #8:
Change to the following: Client must provide verification that utility debts are paid
off on any utility that a client will need to start up the household, such as PG&E, or work
out,a payment plan while at the shelter or the transitional program. Client must not have an
a past eviction from public or subsidized housing.
Criteria#11:
The 6 month period of time is removed but you still must provide verification as
stated.
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SPONSORED BY THE HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CONTRA COSTA COUNTY,
THE CONTRA COSTA COUNTY HEALTH SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE CONTRA COSTA COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT
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597 CENTER AVENUE, SUITE 375 UAC
MARTINEZ. CALIFORNIA 94553
(510) 313-6166
TO: All Emergency Shelter and Transitional Program Residents
FROM: Brenda Blasingame, Homeless Program Services Director
Sue Crosby, PHN, MBA Homeless Project Field Coordinator
RE: Section 8 Certificates
New Criteria for Homeless Project Recommendation
DATE: May. 8, 1995
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Attached is the Homeless Project Section 8 recommendation criteria approved by the
Housing Authority.
Section 8 is an independent living situation which will NOT,provide any on-going support
services. There are not enough-Section 8 Certificates available for all those that meet the
criteria or have need. Therefore, you must go through the criteria, gather the required
information and present your completed packet to your case manager. The packet will be
reviewed by the case manager to confirm its completion.
If the packet is incomplete, it*will be returned to you with a,checklist stating the items
that are missing. Once your packet is complete, we will schedule the presentation of your
packet to the Homeless Project Team.
1) I have received a Section 8 criteria packet, pages numbering I thru 6 from my case
manager.
Applicant Signature Date
Case Manager Signature Date
2) I understand residence at one of the above shelters or transitional programs and
successful completion of the criteria outlined in the Section 8 criteria packet does NOT
guarantee receipt of a Section 8 certificate.
Applicant Signature Date
3) I understand application to Section 8 does NOT preclude pursuit of alternative options
for housing. Furthermore, I understand I am responsible for continuing to pursue those
options.
Applicant Signature Date
(APPLICANT COPY)
Page 1
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SPONSORED 3Y THE HOUSING AUTHORITY OE THE CONTRA COSTA COUNTY.
THF (-.ntJTRA (.ngTa (-.(1I tt\ITY WIZ-hi Tt-t C RtJI( FS nFPARTNAFN)T ARir)TWP r(1NITP6 ((1CTA f GHANAI INI ITV CFIi111 FC rIFPARTNAI~NIT
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TO: All Emergency Shelter and Transitionali Program Residents
FROM: Brenda Blasingame, Homeless Program Services Director
Sue Crosby, PHN, MBA Homeless Project Field Coordinator
RE: Section 8 Certificates '
New Criteria for Homeless Project Recommendation
DATE: May 8, 199.5
Attached is the Homeless Project Section 8 recommendation criteria approved by the
Housing Authority.
Section 8 is an independent living situation which will NOT provide any on-going support
services. There are not enough Section 8 Certificates available for all those that meet the
criteria or have need. Therefore,.you must go-through the criteria, gather the required
information and present your completed packet to your case manager. The packet will be
reviewed by the case manager to confirm its completion.
If the packet is incomplete, it will be returned to you with a checklist stating the items
that are missing. Once your packet is complete; we will schedule the presentation of your
packet to the Homeless Project Team.
1) I have received a Section 8 criteria packet, pages numbering 1 thru 6 from my case
manager.
Applicant Signature Date
Case Manager Signature Date
2) 1 understand residence at one of the above shelters or transitional programs and
successful completion of the criteria outlined in the Section 8 criteria packet does NOT
guarantee receipt of a Section 8 certificate.
Applicant Signature Date
3) I understand application to Section 8 does NOT preclude pursuit of alternative options
for housing. Furthermore, I understand I am responsible for continuing to pursue those
options..
Applicant Signature Date
(FILE COPD
Page 3
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SPONSORED BY THE HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CONTRA COSTA COUNTY"
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PRIOR TO PRESENTATION FOR SECTION 8
1. CLIENT AND CASE MANAGER MUST ESTABLISH WHICH CATEGORY CLIENT IS IN:
-LOW INCOME SINGLE -SINGLE PERSON ON SSI OR SSDI
-LOW INCOME FAMILY
2. CLIENT MUST BE A CURRENT RESIDENT AT THE SHELTER AND HAVE AT LEAST 15
DAYS OF SHELTER STAY FROM TIME OF SECTION 8 RECOMMENDATION
PRESENTATION. ALL PERSONS WHO WANT TO BE CONSIDERED MUST HAVE A
COMPLETE PACKET TURNED IN TO THEIR CASE MANAGER BY 5:OOPM, THE FIRST
WEDNESDAY OF THE MONTH SELECTION WILL TAKE PLACE. PRESENTATIONS ARE
MADE TO THE HOMELESS PROJECT TEAM ON THE 2ND WEDNESDAY OF JUNE 1995,
AUGUST 1995, OCTOBER 1995, DECEMBER 1995, FEBRUARY 1996 AND APRIL 1996.
3. CLIENT MUST HAVE 5-6 MONTHS SOBRIETY VERIFIED IN WRITING BY SUCCESSFUL
COMPLETION OF RESIDENTIAL REHAB PROGRAM WITH ONGOING FOLLOW-UP IN
DAY-TREATMENT, STEP MEETINGS; SPONSOR MEETINGS AND COUNSELING. IF ON
PROBATION/PAROLE WITH A DRUG-TESTING REQUIREMENT MUST HAVE 6 MONTHS
OF VERIFIED CLEAN TESTS. ,
4. CLIENT MUST BE ABLE TO SHOW A CURRENT HISTORY OF SAVING MONEY FOR A
MINIMUM OF AT LEAST THREE (3) MONTHS. (TWO MONTHS IF NON-GA AND THREE
MONTHS IF GA). THIS CAN BE IN THE FORM OF A CHECKING ACCOUNT, SAVINGS
ACCOUNT, MONEY ORDER OR CASHIER'S CHECK. CLIENT WILL NEED TO PROVIDE A
RECENT within the last 15 days VERIFICATION OF INCOME AND A VERIFICATION OF
MONEY SAVED. NEED TO SHOW COMPLETION OF TWO BUDGETS:
A. (internal)HOW MONEY IS SPENT MONTHLY WHILE A RESIDENT AT THE SHELTER
B. (external, on the form provided)HOW MONEY WILL BE BUDGETED WHEN LIVING ON
OWN INCLUDING A LIST OF ANTICIPATED RECURRING MONTHLY EXPENSES.
5. CLIENT WILL NEED TWO CURRENT PIECES OF IDENTIFICATION FOR SELF AND ALL
MEMBERS OF FAMILY i.e., BIRTH CERTIFICATES AND/OR CCHP OR MEDICAL HEALTH
PLAN CARDS AND/OR SOCIAL SECURITY CARD AND/OR CAID AND/OR MILITARY
IDENTIFICATION CARD.
6. PROVIDE TWO WRITTEN CHARACTER REFERENCES, HOWEVER, THESE LETTERS
CANNOT BE FROM THE SHELTER OR THE TRANSITIONAL PROGRAM EMPLOYEES OR
RESIDENTS. THESE CHARACTER.REFERENCES MUST INCLUDE; HOW LONG THEY
HAVE KNOWN THE CLIENT; WHAT THEIR INTERACTION WITH THE CLIENT HAS BEEN
TO THIS DATE; AND IF THIS RELATIONSHIP WILL BE ON-GOING WHEN THE CLIENT IS
IN HOUSING.
7. CLIENT MUST PROVIDE AT LEAST ONE CREDIT REFERENCE, SUCH AS A PREVIOUS
LANDLORD, PG&E, PACIFIC BELL, CURRENT LANDLORD (IF IN THE TRANSITIONAL
PROGRAM) MD/DENTIST TO WHOM THE CLIENT PAYS FOR SERVICES OR A SHARE OF
COSTS, INSURANCE COMPANY.
Page 2
8. CLIENT MUST PROVIDE VERIFICATION THAT UTILITY DEBTS ARE PAID OFF,
ESPECIALLY PG&E, TELEPHONE, WATER, GARBAGE (OR ANY UTILITY THAT A�CLIENT
WILL NEED TO START UP THE HOUSEHOLD) OR WORK OUT A PAYMENT PLAN WHILE
AT THE SHELTER OR THE TRANSITIONAL PROGRAM. ALSO, THERE MUST NOT BE
ANY PENDING EVICTIONS OR UNSETTLED DISPUTES INVOLVING THE.CLIENT.
9. CLIENT MUST PROVIDE A WRITTEN STATEMENT, INDICATING FROM THEIR
PERSPECTIVE, THE. STEPS THEY HAVE TAKEN TO ADDRESS THEIR ISSUES OF
HOMELESSNESS AND STEPS THEY HAVE TAKEN TO ACHIEVE STABLE HOUSING IN THE
COMMUNITY DURING.THEIR SHELTER STAY.
10. CLIENT MUST SHOW A BASIC UNDERSTANDING OF THE FOLLOWING:
A. THE PUBLIC TRANSIT SYSTEM, i.e., POSSESSION OF BUS PASS (UNLESS THEY
OWN PRIVATE TRANSPORTATION).
B. HOUSEKEEPING TASKS; CLEANING, LAUNDRY AND COOKING.
C. 'COMMUNITY RESOURCES AVAILABLE TO THEM.
11. CLIENT MUST PROVIDE WRITTEN VERIFICATION OF SIX (6) MONTHS CONTRA
COSTA COUNTY RESIDENCY PRIOR TO ENTERING THE SHELTER/THE TRANSITIONAL
PROGRAM.
12. TO QUALIFY FORA RECOMMENDATION FOR A HOMELESS PROJECT SECTION 8, IF .
YOU ARE ELIGIBLE FOR OTHER PROGRAMS, YOU MUST FIRST OR SIMULTANEOUSLY
APPLY TO THOSE PROGRAMS AS PART OF AN ALTERNATIVE PLAN FOR HOUSING. IN
ADDITION, YOU MUST DEVELOP-A DETAILED, WRITTEN ALTERNATIVE HOUSING .
PLAN FOR USE IN THE EVENT THAT YOU DO NOT RECEIVE A SECTION 8
CERTIFICATE.
13. PREFERENCE WILL BE GIVEN TO CLIENTS WHO PREVIOUSLY HAVE NOT RECEIVED
A SECTION 8 CERTIFICATE IN THE PAST.
14. DECISIONS MADE BY THE HOMELESS PROJECT TEAM MAY BE APPEALED. THE
APPEAL PROCESS IS IN PLACE. APPEAL OF THE RECOMMENDATION FOR SECTION 8
MUST BE MADE`IN WRITING WITHIN 14 DAYS FROM THE PRESENTATION DATE.
WRITTEN APPEAL REQUESTS SHOULD STATE ON WHAT GROUNDS THE CLIENT IS
APPEALING.
15. IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE A SECTION 8 CERTIFICATE RECOMMENDATION, YOUH
MAY REQUEST THAT YOUR COMPLETED APPLICATION BE HELD AND CONSIDERED IN
THE NEXT SELECTION ROUND AS LONG AS.,YOU WILL BE A RESIDENT OF THE
EMERGENCY SHELTER OR TRANSITIONAL PROGRAM AT THAT TIME.
MAIL TO: HOMELESS PROJECT/SECTION 8 RECOMMENDATIONS
597..CENT,ER STREET, SUITE 375
MARTINEZ, CA 94553
Page 3
J '
HOMELESS PROJECT =`EXTERNAL BUDGET
EXPENSES
Rent/Mortgage $
Utilities
PG&E $
Telephone $
Water/Sewer $
Garbage $
Cable $ $
Transportation
Bus/BART/Taxi $
Auto Payment $
Gas $
Insurance $
Service $ $
Laundry and Cleaning
Soap, Shampoo, Toothpaste & Razors
Groceries
Food $
Alcohol $
Cigarettes $ $
Clothing
Child Support/Alimony
Medical
Doctor $
Dentist $
Eyeglasses $
Prescriptions $
Aspirin, Bandaids,
Sinus, etc. $ $
Entertainment
Movies, Ballgames, circus and other fun stuff $
Other
TOTAL EXPENSES
BUDGET TOTALS
Income Totals $
$
Expense Totals - $
Savings Plan + $
Page 4
CLIENT NAME CASE MANAGER
SECTION 8 CRITERIA CHECKLIST
1. Low Income Single
Single Person on SSI
Low Income Family.
2. Current Date
Number of days remaining in shelter
3. Verification of Sobriety.
4. Verification of Savings (withing last 15 days).
Internal Budget.
External Budget.
5. Two (2) pieces of identification.
6. Two (2) written character references.
.7. Credit reference.
8. Verification of utility debts(paid off or payment plan).
9. One page biography.
10. Understanding of:
Transit System
Housekeeping Tasks
Community Resources
11. Verification of six (6) months Contra Costa County.residency.
12. Verification of denial-to other housing.
Incomplete (see items checked above)
Complete (Section 8 presentation date
Page 5
Section 8 Selection Process
After you have completed a Section 8 packet and submitted it to your case manager, the following
procedure will take place:
1) All completed application packets for Section 8 consideration will be given to the Homeless
Program Services Director of Contra Costa County.
2) The Homeless Project Team will review all application packets. Each packet will have a 3" x 5"
card attached that identifies.the application by the last four (4) digits of the person's Social
Security number. A list of names along with Social Security numbers will be kept by the
Homeless Program Services Director.
3) Your completed packet will have a checklist attached for review by the Committee. The checklist
will include all the necessary information that should be included in your packet. The review
committee will verify that all necessary information has been included.
4) Upon successful completion of the review, the 3" x 5" cards will be removed and placed in the
Section 8 pool. It is from this pool that a random drawing will take place. The number of
people that will receive Section 8 Certificates during each drawing is as follows:
Site June August October December February April
Transitional 3. 3 2 3 3 2
Program
Emergency 5 4 5 4 5 4
Shelter Programs
Page 6
ATTACHMENT 4
sK--- Contra Costa County
Health Services Department
• _ = :. PUBLIC HEALTH DIVISION
" -< S Administrative Offices
.p O 597 Center Avenue
`� • — __ vti4 Suite 200
Martinez,California 94553
S1A,COUIZ"�
TO: Homeless Services Clients
Homeless Services Providers
FROM: Wendel Brunner, M.D.
Assistant Health Services Director for Public Health
DATE: May 1, 1995
SUBJECT: OMBUDSPERSON FOR HOMELESS SERVICES CLIENTS
Duane Chapman has been appointed Ombudsperson for Contra Costa County homeless services
clients. Duane will assist clients in conflicts with the bureaucracy and advocate for the rights and
needs of homeless persons in our system.
Duane Chapman's knowledge of the Health Department's system and his long experience in the
community with the problems of homeless people make Mr. Chapman well qualified for this job.
Duane's strong community advocacy was recognized by the Northern California Public Health
Association, which presented Duane with it's "Outstanding Community Activist" award in 1991.
Duane Chapman can be reached at 313-6182.
WB:ah
- PLEASE POST
-
COPi'MA COSTA COUNTY HOMELESS SHELTER PROGRAM BUDGET ATTACHMENT 5-
-July 1, 1995 — June 30, 1996
Inccxne
DSS/General, F=Ws FY 95/96 587,706
State EUM II 20,000
State FESG 110,376
FEM XIII 57,000
County CABG FY 95/96 75,000
CoLm•ty FESSG FY 95 80,000
concord CDBG FY 95 15,000
Richmond C am maity Services 25,000
. Anticipated Savings: Food 35,000
Other Grants 126,000
Donations/fundraising for winter relief 25,000
1,156,082
Expenditures
Central Cbunt_v Shelter
operations 425,000
Food 87,600
Trash F"awal 8,000
Water 5,500
Sanitary District Fees 4,500
Utilities itis 20,000
Repairs & Maintenance 6,000
Lease Payments/g�� 48, 00
604,6600
Broo}csikie Shelter
Ope�Catinns 300,000
Food 81,760
Water and Sewer 31000
Utilities 4,000
Repairs & Maintenance 6,000
394,760
prpcGCt
Staff
.5 Programm 30,700
1.0 Homeless Referral/Staff Support 30,000
2.0' Case Managers ti 76,000
Program EqpenSes 20,000
156,700
TOTAL 1,156,060
C-\123R34\4OMELGSS\BUDGE -WWK3 19-May-95
TOTAL P.02
ATTACHMENT 6
Contra Costa Transitional Housing Program
Year 1: (short program year w/rehab) Families Single adults
Total Served: 11 14
Ethnicity: 50% Black
22% Hispanic
28% )yWte
Number that left for permanent housing: 4 1
Housing type: Section 8
unsubsidized rental 2
public housing I
w/family/friends I
Length of stay- > 3 mo. 2
3-6 mo. I
7-12 mo. I
Number that left w/out permanent housing: 1 13
Housing type: needed safe house I
yam; (9/93 - 8/94)
Total Served: 24 35
Ethnicity: 45% Black
26% Hispanic
3% Native American
38% White
Number that left for permanent housing., 12 16
Housing type- Section 8 8 2
unsubsidized rental 3 4
other sub. housing I
comm. residential facility 3
w/family/friends 4 2
other 2
Length of stay: > 3 mo. 2 6
3-6,mo. 9 6
7-12 mo. 1 4
Number that left w/out permanent housing: 4 10
Length of stay: >3 mo. 2 3
3-6 mo. 2- 4
7-12 mo. 3
Primary reason for departure.
psychiatric 1
substance abuse problem/
active use 1 ]
failure to meet program
expectations/rules 2. 2
moved in w/family/ friends ]
unknown 1 3
Year 3: to date (9/94- 5/17/95)
Total number served:
Mt. View:
Total number served: 12 14
Average length of stay: 7,4 months 5.2 months
Number that left for permanent housing: 4 4
Housing type: Section 8 3 1
unsubsidized rental 1 2
w/family/ friends 1
Length of stay:3-6 mo. i
6-12 mo. 4 3
Number that left w/out permanent housing:
but now in permanent housing: 2
Housing type: hospital to housing 2
Length of stay: > 3 mo, 1
3-6 mo. 1
Number that left w/out permanent housing: 1' 1
Housing type: shelter/ shared housing 1
unknown 1
Length of stay: 3-6 mo. 1
6-12 mo. ]
Number still in program: 7 7
San Joaquin II:
Total served: 6 10
Number that left for permanent housing:
Housing type: unsubsidized rental
w/family/friends
Length of stay: 3-6 mo.
6-12 mo,
Number that left w/out permanent housing:
Housing type: treatment program
w/family/friends
Length of stay: 3 mo.
3-6 mo.
Number currently in program:
ATTACHMENT 7''
RECOMMENDATION #8 LENGTH OF SHELTER STAY
Currently in the Emergency Shelter programs in Richmond and Concord we are providing a
length of stay of either 90 or 180 days during a two year period. When a person enters the
shelter and they are on General Assistance (GA) they are allowed a 180 day stay, if the
person is non-GA then the length of stay is 90 days. If after enter the shelter a person
begins receiving GA then their stay is 180 days.
There are times when a person's length of stay may be extended. Extensions are generally
granted for the following reasons:
1. The person has applied for a supported housing program and is awaiting
acceptance or is awaiting an appeal decision;
2. The person has been accepted into a supported housing program and is currently
seeking housing;
3. The person has made arrangements to move into housing and has a move in date
verified and scheduled;
4. The person is leaving the area and has purchased tickets or made arrangements for
transportation;
Extensions are granted by the Homeless Program Services Director only and range in length
from a few days up to a one month period, depending on the individual circumstances.
Many of the individuals using our emergency shelter services are people that have a history
of mental health issues, substance abuse issues, or both. There are people that come through
the shelter program because they have lost their housing due to a family problem (such as
divorce), loss of a job, loss of temporary housing (they were living with friends or family),
or they may have a history of being homeless continually or periods of homelessness.
The following are some options for serving more people yearly through the emergency
shelter programs, while still offering effective services:
1. Change the period of stay from two (2) years to one (1) year. This would mean
that during any given calendar year the a person would have an opportunity for shelter stay
of 90 or 180 days depending on their income situation.
2. Another option is to have a certain number of beds in the shelter designated as one
night stay.beds. This would mean that everyday a designated number of beds would be
available on a first come, first serve basis and that the person would get a bed and a meal for
the night and would leave the next morning. Services would not be provided for these beds
and individuals would need to get on a waiting list each day.
3. In addition to #2 there would be certain beds designated as service beds with case
management and support services. The length of stay for these beds could be a three (3) to
six (6) month period. People who had these beds would be expected to work with a case
manager on a plan to address the issues that have lead to their homelessness and move
towards a stable housing situation.
4. Explore the option of a facility that is only a bed/meal for the night and then to
establish transitional housing only sites that would have the longer stays.
ATTACHMENT S
Planning for the Homeless in the Bay Area
As part of HUD requirements for McKinney Fund in the Super NOFA process this spring, most
Bay Area Counties prepared Continuum of Care plans to describe their particular community
based process of planning to address the issues of homelessness and the provision of housing and
supportive services to meet the needs of the homeless and those at risk of homelessness in their
communities. Many Counties had already prepared homeless plans or homeless prevention plans
during the past four to five years to help focus their attention, identify needs, and target resources
to address the growing problem of homelessness in their communities. We have had the
opportunity to review draft plans from other Bay Area counties and have summarized some of
their concerns, findings, and priorities.
Alameda County:
The draft report on Homeless in Alameda County (1/95) provides information on homeless needs,
available resources, and service gaps for the development of a county-wide continuum of care.
This report is only the first step in the County's effort to develop a continuum of care. The next
steps include convening one or more task forces or working groups representing all concerned
and affected sectors of the community to identify specific actions needed to further develop the
continuum. These groups will continue the work of identifying specific needs and gaps and will
set priorities for the future with respect to available funding and resources.
The exact number of homeless people in Alameda County is not known, but is estimated to be
between 9000-15,000 people at any given time, and between 27,000 - 60,000 annually. The
homeless population is diverse and includes families and individuals of all ages and of many ethnic
groups and backgrounds. Among adults, the average age is 37, although homeless women tend
to be younger than homeless men(average age 35), and homeless women with children tend to be
even younger than homeless women (average age 31). Homelessness is concentrated in the north
part of the County and is disproportionately high among African Americans. The homeless
population is extremely poor, and many homeless people have life issues that make them even
more vulnerable, such as mental illness, alcohol or drug problems, HIV/AIDS and domestic
violence.
Homeless services in Alameda County developed over time in response to the crisis. Federal,
state, and local funding streams with little flexibility targeting different services, populations, and
jurisdictions have resulted in a fragmented service delivery system. Currently efforts are
underway to unify these services through a comprehensive continuum of care that can address
emergency needs of homeless people as they enter the system and move them as quickly as
possible to stability and greater levels of independence. Alameda County has many of the
components of the continuum in place, but the resources do not approach the level of need.
Increases in emergency shelter, transitional housing with services, permanent housing including
housing with supportive services are needed to fill gaps in the continuum. In addition, supportive
l
services such as job training, child care, alcohol and drug treatment, health and mental health
services need to be increased and made available within the continuum to stabilize those who are
currently homeless and to prevent future homelessness.
While the homeless population in Alameda is diverse, certain issues have been found to occur
frequently within the homeless population which are sometimes a primary or contributing factor
to the individual or family's homeless condition. In other cases, these issues may be brought on or
exacerbated by homelessness. The single shared characteristic of virtually all homeless individuals
and families is extreme poverty. Whatever other life issues they may have that may lead to a crisis
and an episode of homelessness, homeless people lack the resources to remain housed. And
whatever other services a homeless person may require to stabilize, s/he will not be able to obtain
housing or remain housed without a source of income that is adequate to pay for housing.
Income supports include a number of federal, state, and locally funded programs that provide
low- and no-income individuals and families with income to live on, based on certain qualifying
factors and indicators of need. AFDC provides income to poor families, especially single parents
(usually women) with children. The amount of assistance depends on the size of the family, but
tends to only bring families to roughly two-thirds of the official poverty threshold. According to
Emergency Services Network (ESN) data, only 13% of homeless people seeking services
reported they received AFDC, and according to Social Services data, less than 3% of those
receiving AFDC are homeless. This indicates that while AFDC does not provide enough support
to lift families out of poverty, it may be effective in preventing homelessness for many at risk
households.
ESN reports that 24% of homeless people applying for services in the first quarter of 1994
received SSI. This indicates that in spite of higher support levels than AFDC (approximately
$614 to a single individual), for many people with disabilities, this income is not sufficient to keep
them housed and it may also indicate a need for supportive services.
In Alameda County, GA pays a single individual a maximum of$300 a month; 26% of GA
recipients in Alameda County are homeless. Of service users in the ESN data who reported a
problem with receiving income assistance, 41% said their assistance was still pending, 12% said
the amount of assistance was inadequate, and 32% said they had not applied for assistance.
Only 8% of service users in the ESN data reported income from a job as their primary source of
income at the time they applied for services; however many had held jobs prior to becoming
homeless. Nineteen percent reported loss of a job as the reason they were no longer able to pay
rent and 23%reported inadequate income from a job as being the primary cause of their
homelessness. In previous studies of the Bay Area, 14-22% of homeless people were working.
Perhaps the single greatest contributing factor to homelessness besides poverty is addiction to
alcohol or drugs. In the ESN report, 38% of respondents to a question regarding special needs
reported having an alcohol or other drug problem and 12% of respondents to a question on the
primary reasons for their homelessness identified a long term drug or alcohol problem. An
2
ongoing study by the Alcohol Research Group in Berkeley found that 48% of homeless persons in
Alameda County have current alcohol or drug problems. Another study by this group found that
homeless adults in treatment programs had more severe and chronic alcohol problems than their
housed counterparts. While substance addiction may contribute to homelessness for some
people, it also may develop as a result of homelessness. One study in San Francisco found that
19% of homeless adults developed an alcohol or drug problem after being homeless 1-5 years.
Many homeless people are on the streets today because of changes in the mental health system
and deinstitutionalization; others cycle through homelessness because of an untreated or
uncontrolled mental disability or mental illness. Of respondents reporting a special need in the
ESN report, 42% described themselves as mentally disabled. The Alameda County Department
of Mental Health Services' Community Crisis Response Team estimates that 1/4 to 1/3 of all the
clients it sees are homeless. Although ESN does not collect data indicating whether a service user
has more than one special need concurrently, there is general agreement that a large percentage of
the homeless population with a mental disability also have an alcohol or drug problem. The City
of Berkeley estimates that 40% of the homeless people in their city are "dual diagnosed".
Veterans make up a disproportionate share of the homeless population. Nationally, veterans
account for approximately 1/3 of the homeless population, but only 10% of the work force.
Homeless veterans nationally are 98% male, with a median age of 42. Vietnam veterans account
for 40-60% of the homeless veterans and those who suffer from post traumatic stress disorder
(PTSD) are more likely to become homeless. many veterans with untreated PTSD use alcohol or
other drugs,to "self-medicate" to dull the symptoms.
Homeless people have higher rates of health problems than the overall population. These
problems may contribute to an episode of homelessness or may result from homelessness. Once
homeless, the adverse conditions on the streets contribute to declining health in many homeless
people. A study of the health status of homeless people conducted at food service sites in
Alameda County found that homeless adults were twice as likely as the general population to
report fair or poor health status, twice as likely to report a disability that interfered with their
work, and 60% more likely to have been hospitalized. They were also 5 times as likely to report
untreated medical problems. A city-wide study in Berkeley found that 51% of the homeless
population had some type of medical problem. Thirty different medical problems were identified;
the most frequently mentioned were asthma, diabetes, epilepsy, alcoholism, and migraine
headaches. In the Alameda County study, 73% of the homeless people interviewed reported
having no health insurance coverage at all, seven times the uninsured rate of the general
population. Although 17% reported VA medical coverage, only I% reported use of any VA
facility for medical care.
Domestic violence is a major cause of homelessness among women. The San Francisco Domestic
Violence Consortium estimates that 30% of homeless women are homeless as a result of domestic
violence, while Alameda County shelter providers serving women, particularly those in South and
East County, estimate as many as 60% of their female clients may be homeless as result of leaving
3
domestic violence. Nationally, 4 million women reported they were battered by their husbands or
partners in 1990, double the number reported in 1980. it is estimated that only 7% of domestic
violence incidents are actually reported to law enforcement officials; 19,733 incidents were
reported to police in Alameda County in 1993. Incidents of domestic violence are not
unduplicated individuals, and all victims of domestic violence do not seek emergency shelter
services or become homeless.
There are no specific estimates of the number of youth among Alameda's total homeless
population; however the City of Berkeley estimates that homeless youth may constitute as much
as 15% of their homeless population. It is particularly hard to count homeless youth because they
frequently do not seek out shelters and homeless services and are more likely to end up with
friends, other family or in another institutional system such as emergency foster care, Juvenile
Hall, group homes, mental health facilities, or the California Youth Authority.
As homelessness has emerged and grown in Alameda County over the past 15 years, a service
system has evolved to address the crisis. Interim, emergency services were put in place and
thought to be sufficient to address the need. Over time, new agencies were created and
organizations that had previously served other clientele began to focus their resources on those
now called "homeless". Prior to the 1980's, most services for low-income people were divided
among a number of agencies and delivered over a period of time. For homeless people, however,
the need for services of all types is more immediate. The fragmentation of the mainstream
delivery system and the lack of coordination between agencies made it virtually impossible for
existing services to meet the needs of the newly homeless and agencies that specifically served the
homeless population were established. Federal, state, and_local dollars became available to serve
the homeless, with each funding stream carrying different requirements. At the federal level
alone, there are more than 20 programs to provide homeless housing and services, overseen by 6
different agencies. Fragmented funding and lack of coordination at the local government level led
to a system of largely unconnected service providers and agencies trying to meet a host of needs
for their client populations without strong ties to other programs.
In Alameda County, however, there has been a strong interest among providers for some time to
work together. In spite of continued fragmentation at the funding and oversight levels, agencies
and service providers have collaborated around funding applications and service delivery in an
effort to eliminate overlap, fill gaps, and strengthen the service system. There is growing
recognition that the fragmented delivery system does not make the most effective use of limited
resources and that the system that has been developed is difficult for most persons to navigate.
Alameda County is currently working to transform its loosely connected programs into a
coordinated and comprehensive system of housing and support services to reduce homelessness.
While meeting immediate needs, the focus of the continuum of care is to provide people with
permanent exits from homelessness and increased self-sufficiency. One of the factors that allows
people to become and remain homeless is the sense of alienation and isolation they experience
during the crisis precipitating their homelessness, and which is often reinforced once they become
4
homeless. To exit homelessness requires the building of support systems that end isolation and
build community and self-esteem . Self-sufficiency is the ability to draw upon both one's own
resources as well as the resources of a network of providers, benefits, and a social network.
People are by nature social, interactive and interdependent. Alameda County's Continuum of
Care must therefore facilitate the development of a system of linkages through which homeless
people come to support themselves. Not every homeless person will access every portion of the
continuum, but the system must be designed to ensure that people make the housing and service
connections they need.
Resources in Alameda County:
Outreach and Emergency Services:
Eden Information and Referral's Homeless,Hotline
Food programs (hot meals, grocery bags, vouchers) at 37 sites
Drop-in centers w/on-site services and referrals
Mobile health and mental health teams: Health Care for the Homeless(HCH) &
Community Crisis Response Team In 1993, HCH provided almost 30,000
"encounters" (consisting of primary care, alcohol and drug services, and case
management services)to 8,001 different homeless persons.
Emergency shelter: 23 programs provide 825 beds; average length of stay is 45 days
Additional 90 winter beds
Some short term hotel or motel vouchers distributed through about 16 agencies
3 emergency shelters for victims of domestic violence
gaps:
Too few beds for demand; of those who seek shelter, more than 2,500 are turned away
each week because of lack of space
Limited shelter beds for single men, the mentally disabled, or those w/HIV/AIDS
Fewer beds in Mid, South or East County
Too few beds for victims of domestic violence; shelter operators estimate 5 individuals are
turned away for every one served each year.
Transitional Housing and Services:
173 transitional beds in shared living facilities and 115 scattered units in the County, the
majority targeted for families
30 additional transitional beds for veterans
Rental subsidies for up to 18 months in the Transitions Program for graduates of other
Berkeley-Oakland Support Services(BOSS) programs with services and support
to continue to promote greater levels of self-sufficiency through a network
of appropriate support (permanent housing with transitional services)
Job training/employment
Childcare/education for homeless children: need for on-site child care, structured
tutoring programs on-site
Alcohol or drug treatment programs: 506 licensed alcohol or drug treatment beds in the
County including 3-5 day detox, short (30-90days) and long-term (6-18 months);
5
of these 364 are funded by the County and available to people with very-low
incomes. No County beds are specifically dedicated for homeless people although
62% of persons in County paid beds may be homeless.
gaps:
Too few beds in residential recovery facilities to meet the needs of homeless people
Need for supportive THE to provide clean and sober living/life skills needed to live
independently
Need for supportive permanent housing for those not able to stay clean and sober and
housed in the community at large
Transportation
Permanent Housing and Services:
Rental housing too expensive; in Alameda County, approximately 54,000 very-low income
households pay more than 50% of their income as rent
Some subsidized units and programs for low and very low-income people.
Shelter Plus Care: 379 homeless households will be served by the County's program and
an additional 129 households by Berkeley's program
29 other units for homeless people with disabilities
25 rooms in shared living facilities and 28 independent units for homeless people with
HIV/AIDS
1,748 units of public housing (1,141 in Oakland and Berkeley)
15,387 Section 8 certificates or vouchers for Alameda County with waiting lists several
thousand names and several years long
Future trends:
Proposed cuts and/or time limits for income support programs: SSI, AFDC, GA
Closures of 3 military bases in Alameda County,job losses (60% of projected job losses
are in the Bay Area)
Increase in unemployment
Already overloaded service system does not have the capacity to meet increased demands
that may be placed on it
Santa Clara County:
Santa Clara County (SCC) developed a formalize, community based process to address the issue
of homelessness in 1991. The organization, the Santa Clara County Collaborative on Affordable
Housing and Homeless Issues(Collaborative), coordinates all groups serving the homeless and
near homeless to create a comprehensive, seamless continuum of care. The Collaborative has
formally established its vision statement to be partners cooperating together to create a
community without homelessness through the provision of affordable housing and a continuum of
supportive services. A steering committee comprised of members from each provider category,
local government, private industry, and homeless or formerly homeless persons serves as the locus
for planning, implementation, and evaluation of Collaborative activities and meets monthly. The
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entire Collaborative, which consists of over 100 partners, meets twice a year. Subcommittees of
the Collaborative meet regularly to address specific issues related to coordination of specific
services, prioritizing identified gaps, and/or developing special projects. Thus the entire
Collaborative, its steering committee, or one of its subcommittees meets at least once a week
demonstrating this is a working group organized to serve the entire County and its population of
homeless or near homeless persons.
The collaborative envisions a system linking each support service and housing provider with all
the other providers in the County. Access to the system is multi-point and available anywhere
within the comprehensive continuum of care. Support services are provided to the homeless or
near homeless person or family's relative to their particular location on the continuum..
Comprehensive prevention strategy: to maintain people in permanent housing
the United Way's Emergency Assistance Network (EAN) consists of 8 agencies throughout the
county assists individuals and families maintain their current housing. EAN provides
comprehensive, one-stop emergency services such as food, clothing, information& referral, and
utilities and rental/mortgage assistance. Each EAN agency is located in a different area of the
county to provide services to people in their own neighborhoods and to prevent duplication of
efforts.
1995 Collaborative Survey major findings:
• 16300 people experienced an episode of homelessness in FY 1994.
• The length of time in homelessness is increasing, with over 41% of respondents being
homeless for more than one year(an increase of 40% from the 1989 report).
• 26% of families with children reported being homeless for over one year.
• The number of children who are homeless comprised 23% of the total sample population,
and of this number, 64%were under the age of twelve.
• The number of working homeless has more than doubled from the 12% identified in the
1989 report to 25% in 1995.
• 82% of the County's homeless population state that their income is well below the national
poverty level.
• mental illness and substance abuse continue to be significant factors for the County's
homeless population. One third of respondents had alcohol and drug abuse problems,
11% suffered from severe mental illness, and 8% combined an alcohol/drug problem with
severe mental illness.
The County's homeless population and their specific needs guide the Collaborative in the
development and continual refinement of its continuum of care. During 1994, the Emergency
Housing Consortium served 6,000 unduplicated homeless people through all of the shelter,
housing, and supportive service programs that the agency provides, and over 3,000 were served in
its three cold weather shelters in Gilroy, Sunnyvale, and San Jose. The County's Social Service
Agency documented 3,232 requests for housing assistance from homeless families receiving
AFDC in 1994. This represents 6,328 children and was a 27% increase from 1992 data.
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The Collaborative has developed a comprehensive inventory of existing housing and services
available in Santa Clara County. The inventory showed that a Continuum of care currently exists,
but not with the number of housing units or services to address the tremendous need. The County
has 682 emergency shelter beds available year round, with an additional 607 winter shelter beds.
There are currently 465 transitional housing beds available, with the last 6 youth beds to be
phased out in June due to lack of funding. There are 228 permanent supported housing beds
currently available in the County.
There.are almost no outreach and assessment workers in Santa Clara County, and virtually no
outreach and assessment is performed for the general homeless population. Currently, there are
two service agencies providing outreach and assessment to youth, two service teams for the
homeless mentally ill, and one team for homeless persons with alcohol/drug abuse problems.
Gaps not currently met'in Santa Clara County:
Emergency Shelters:
Year-round emergency shelter
Day Center facilities*
Electronic networking of all emergency shelters and other supportive services such
as Client VoiceMail, Shelter Bed Hotline, Electronic Housing Listing or
JobMatch
Transitional housing:
Too few facilities
Too few year-round facilities*
Too few facilities for homeless families*
No facilities or sufficient supportive services for homeless youth*
Too few facilities for homeless disabled persons*
Too few facilities for homeless persons with HIV/AIDS
Permanent Housing:
Too few total facilities with supportive services
Supportive Services:
Comprehensive job training and placement programs
Affordable child care
Coordination and availability of outreach, intake, and assessment*
Rehabilitation services for substance abusers
Rental and utility assistance
Veterans
The * indicates the most critical gaps identified by the Collaborative to be filled, and program
areas for which proposals to HUD were prepared. The County also submitted Safe Havens and
Shelter Plus Care proposals.
One of the primary responsibilities of the Collaborative has been to coordinate and develop
linkages between the service and housing providers and other public and private resource
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providers. The membership contains organizations from city'and county government, developers,
service providers, homeless and formerly homeless, education and training groups. As a result of
effective County-wide collaboration, the various agencies and non-profit organizations are
coordinating applications for federal funds and utilizing a broad range of mainstream services and
resources available including County Mental Health Services, income assistance programs(GA,
SSI & AFDC), Section 8 rental assistance, public and private subsidized housing, local CDBG
and HOME funds, Department of Social Services, local police department crime prevention
programs, and other related services.
San Francisco:
The Mayor's Homeless Budget Advisory Task Force has prepared the first draft of San
Francisco's Continuum of Care (10/94), a five year strategic homeless plan which outlines the
major goals of the plan and the problems of current approaches to addressing homelesness. This
document links the development of a Continuum of Care Plan to a fiscal assessment of homeless
expenditures. The major recommendations of the Continuum of Care Plan include the following:
1. A five year housing production plan to provide housing and support services to very-low
income people.
2. Integrated and expanded substance abuse, mental health and primary health care services.
3. Centralization and computerization of information to provide more immediate, accessible,
and effective service delivery.
4. Prevention programs such as family support centers to provide early intervention to
reduce homelessness among families with children.
5. Employment strategies to create new jobs and more effectively use mainstream training
programs to increase skill development,job training and job placement.
6. Improved coordination between City departments to eliminate barriers to efficient service
delivery and to ensure accountability and monitoring of the Plan.
A major goal of the Plan is to ensure that the Continuum of Care is endorsed by the Mayor and
the Board of Supervisors as the official Homeless Plan for the City and County of San Francisco.
It must be the long range strategy which governs and guides all homeless policy and budget
decisions in San Francisco. This authority is essential to executing the recommendations of the
Plan. The Plan requires the establishment of a Local Board to govern homeless policy and budget
and to promote coordination among City departments, contract agencies, and community groups.
The first draft has been broadly distributed for public review and comment. The second draft will
include priorities for funding, costs associated with recommendations, sources of funding, and
identification of responsibility for carrying out recommendations. I have requested a copy of the
second draft and will summarize it next month.
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