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Authorize $5,845,000 of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds be allocated to the following projects: Transition-Age Foster Youth Support ($700,000), Foster and Former Foster Youth Transitional Housing Program ($1,575,000), Vallejo Early Learning Center ($1,875,000), Education and Career Pathways for At-Promise Youth ($530,000), Transitional Housing for Domestic Violence Survivors ($700,000), Habitat for Humanity Woolner Avenue ($215,000), and Housing Counseling ($250,000)
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Published Notice Required? Yes ___ No _X _
Public Hearing Required? Yes ___ No _X _
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends the Board approve $5,845,000 of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) allocations for the following:
1. Transition-Aged Foster Youth Support ($700,000) US Treasury Category 3: Services to Disproportionately Impacted Communities.
2. Foster and Former Foster Youth Transitional Housing Program ($1,575,000) US Treasury Category 3: Services to Disproportionately Impacted Communities
3. Vallejo Early Learning Center ($1,875,000) US Treasury Category 3.1 Early Learning
4. Education and Career Pathways for At-Promise Youth ($530,000) US Treasury Category 3.5 Education Assistance
5. Transitional Housing for Domestic Violence Survivors ($700,000) US Treasury Category 3: Services to Disproportionately Impacted Communities.
6. Habitat for Humanity Woolner Avenue ($215,000) US Treasury Category 3: Services to Disproportionately Impacted Communities.
7. Housing Counseling ($250,000) US Treasury Category 2, Negative Economic Impacts, Household Assistance: Eviction Protection; US Treasury Category 3: Services to Disproportionately Impacted Communities.
SUMMARY:
Solano County received a direct federal funding allocation under the ARPA Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) program of $86,949,405. These funds are intended to provide support to the County in responding to the economic and public health impacts of COVID-19 and impacts on our communities, residents, and businesses. The Board of Supervisors has had multiple discussions on ARPA guidelines, received significant public input.
Based on the public input and data regarding the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is recommended that $5,845,000 in ARPA SLFRF funds be allocated to supporting children and youth from early childhood to transition age, as well as supporting youth and other at-risk populations, such as people experiencing domestic violence with housing support.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Solano County has received its full direct allocation of $86,949,405 in ARPA SLFRF funding. The recommended allocation of $5,845,000 will be fully funded by ARPA SLFRF funds. There is no impact to the County General Fund.
DISCUSSION:
Background/Data:
Homelessness is a chronic and growing challenge not only in Solano County but across the state. According to the most recent California Healthy Kids Survey (CHKS) 1% of 7th and 11th graders and 2% of non-traditional students are experiencing homelessness with an additional 10% of 7th graders, 7% of 9th graders, 5% of 11th graders and 10% of non-traditional students reporting their living arrangements as “other.” In California nearly 31% of transition-age foster youth experience homelessness, with young men being 82% more likely to experience homelessness. In 2021, former foster youth were 4 times more likely to experience homelessness than current foster youth.
Also, according to the 2022-23 CHKS data, only 26% of non-traditional students reported meaningful participation in school. Additionally, in 2023, the unemployment rate for people without a high school diploma was 5.6%, which is the highest among all education levels. Students who do not feel supported or have meaningful participation in school are less likely to finish and get their diplomas. Youth who do not have a high school diploma are more likely to be reliant on public assistance programs and need additional support to achieve completion of their diploma and career opportunity services. The COVID-19 pandemic had a devastating impact on the social-emotional experiences for children and youth. According to the 2023-24 CHKS data, 33% of 7th and 9th, 37% of 11th and 36% of non-traditional students reported chronic sadness or hopeless feelings over the past 12 months and 16% of 7th, 14% of 9th, 15% of 11th, and 18% of non-traditional students seriously considered attempting suicide in the past 12 months. Nearly 18% of 7th, 9th, 11th and non-traditional students reported “Dissatisfied” or “Very Dissatisfied” with themselves. Finally, 28% of 7th, 27% of 9th, 31% of 11th, and 24% of non-traditional students reported they suffered social emotional distress; that is nearly 1 in 3 students.
The pandemic did not just impact school age youth, but many childcare spaces were temporarily or permanently closed. Research has shown that 90% of brain development happens by age 5; making early childhood education vitally important for our community.
In addition to the devastating impacts on children and youth, domestic violence shelters are facing cuts nationwide, and there were more than 13,000 people in domestic violence shelters in 2021-22. According to state data during the first part of 2023, of those seeking homeless services, 21% had experienced domestic violence (this was outside of shelters serving survivors). The first federal law to address human trafficking was in 2000, with California passing its law in 2005. In 2021, 13% of human trafficking cases and 13% of trafficked people were in California. Human trafficking does not have to involve crossing state or national borders, survivors can be trafficked in their own home communities. Those who may be at greater risk of trafficking have unstable housing, previous experience with violence, runaways, justice involved, facing poverty or economic need, and/or substance abuse/use.
These challenges are further compounded by California’s housing crisis. In 2023, only 16% of homebuyers reported they could afford the median-priced single-family house. California housing values are more than twice the national average and rents are about 50% higher. The median home values grew from $456,000 to $753,000 and rents rose from a monthly rate of $1,300 to $1,800. California has the nation's second-lowest home ownership rate. Solano County has seen a 29% cost increase in homes since 2019. Solano County was once known for being the “most affordable county in the Bay Area.” This is no longer the case, due to an influx of people moving from the Bay Area to Solano County. In 2022, there was a high inventory of homes and a large demand, so the housing prices climbed, with $30,000 - $40,000 over asking price on homes valued at $500,000.
In response to these devastating outcomes of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is recommended that the Board consider funding the following projects:
Transition-Aged Foster Youth Support - $700,000
Transition-Aged Foster Youth Support would provide transitional housing for transition-aged foster youth who are aging out of the foster care system. This pilot program would provide a 15-month program of crucial support services for 6-8 youth. These services include mental health and wellness/substance use counseling, case management, work readiness, independent living skills, rental assistance, financial literacy and much more, all while providing stable housing. At the end of the program, participants would be better prepared for independent living outside of the foster care system.
Foster and Former Foster Youth Transitional Housing Program - $1,575,000
Foster and Former Foster Youth Transitional Housing Program would create a transitional housing center for 5 - 10 foster and former foster youth up to age 27 who may be justice-involved and/or have mental health issues. This would be a one-time funding opportunity to secure and furnish an already identified 4,000 square foot home (6 bedrooms and 5 baths) in Fairfield, and salary and benefits for one full-time Program Supervisor/Case Manager and part of a Program Director.
Vallejo Early Learning Center - $1,875,000
Vallejo Early Learning Center (ELC) will be converted using an already identified school site (Beverly Hills Elementary School). The site was identified by Vallejo City Unified School District, in partnership with Solano County Office of Education, Child Start Inc., and the First 5 Solano Children and Families Commission. The school site has 22 classrooms and was last operational in 2022. The classrooms will be converted into infant, toddler, and preschool classrooms. The ELC will offer a mix of childcare and learning programs, both privately and publicly funded, and available for all income levels. The program is looking to secure additional funding to cover the total costs, and VCUSD is offering in-kind support in the form of project and construction management and the use of the facility for 20 years at no cost. Providers at the site will pay their share of utilities and other costs, creating program sustainability.
Education and Career Pathways for At-Promise Youth - $530,000
The goal of the program would be for youth to make progress towards obtaining a high school diploma or equivalent, receive additional support to meet basic needs, gain hands-on experience for what they are learning in the workplace, and ultimately make a self-sufficient wage. Solano County Office of Education (SCOE) would work with districts to identify up to 90 students for the 3-year program. SCOE will engage and support youth to complete the job readiness and employment activities and necessary work experiences. SCOE staff will develop an Individualized Learning Plan (ILP) with all youth participating, and youth will show reasonable progress and engagement in achieving their high school diploma (or equivalent).
Transitional Housing for Domestic Violence Survivors - $700,000
Transitional Housing for Domestic Violence Survivors is a collaboration between the City of Benicia, Soroptimist International of Benicia, SafeQuest Solano, and Home Aid Northern California. The project (still in the development stage) would renovate an existing single-family residence owned by the city. The home would accommodate a minimum of four families/individuals who have experienced domestic violence, sexual assault, and/or human trafficking. The program will provide supportive services and ultimately provide residents with the stability to move to permanent housing.
Habitat for Humanity Woolner Avenue - $215,000
The Habitat for Humanity project would build three single-family homes on Woolner Avenue for low-income families. Homes would be 1,289 sq. feet with 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and one car garage. Land for the project was provided by the City of Fairfield, and additional funding for the project was provided by foundations, local businesses, fundraisers, individuals, gifts, in-kind, national businesses, charitable organizations and financial institutions. The environmental impact report has been completed, and the project is ready to break ground, with the first house expected to be completed within a year.
Housing Counseling - $250,000
Housing Counseling provides counseling on a variety of housing topics and is identified as a form of emergency housing support, making this an eligible use. Services would include education and counseling related to tenant/landlord rights and responsibilities, homelessness prevention, pre-foreclosure assistance, and first-time homebuyer education. Currently, only the City of Vacaville has a HUD-approved Housing Counseling agency for Solano County, and resources are limited to redevelopment-area services. There are a number of fair housing agencies in Northern California that operate in Solano County; however, the county does not have a contract with any. The program would provide Solano County residents with education on their specific housing situation, follow-up, and referrals to appropriate services. The number of households receiving counseling services would depend on the complexity of the individual cases. Those being served may include: individuals experiencing homelessness, renters, landlords, first-time homebuyers, or homeowners facing foreclosures.
Future Considerations:
K-12 Education Mental Health Support
In addition to the projects identified above, it is recommended that an additional project for K-12 Education Mental Health Support ($1,650,000) US Treasury Category 3.4 Education Assistance: Social, Emotional, and Mental Health Services be considered by the Board at a later date.
Funding for K-12 Education Mental Health Support would go to SCOE to support the mobile mental health crisis team. The degree of youth in crisis was significantly underestimated and has overwhelmed available resources. The project would allow current staff to address the crisis services and better address the needs in Solano County Schools over the course of a 3-year period. The project estimates 5,000 students would be served, allowing them to better cope with difficult emotions and/or request support when feeling overwhelmed. Funding will further allow the program to shift from a crisis intervention model to prevention and/or early intervention services.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board could choose not to approve one or more of the recommended projects. This is not recommended as the selection of these projects has been informed by a community planning process and data and has been identified as a need in Solano County.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Solano Youth Coalition and Solano County Friday Night Live.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION