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Affirm the County Administrator’s acceptance of $8,352,207 in Behavioral Health Bridge Housing Program revenue from the California Department of Health Care Services to address the immediate and sustainable housing needs of people experiencing homelessness who have serious behavioral health conditions for the period of June 23, 2023 through June 30, 2027; Affirm the County Administrator’s signature on the subcontract agreement with Advocates for Human Potential, the California Department of Health Care Services contracted administrative entity supporting the implementation of the Program; and Delegate authority to the County Administrator to execute related documents or amendments necessary to accept the program revenue
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Published Notice Required? Yes ___ No _ X_
Public Hearing Required? Yes ___ No _ X_
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
The Department of Health and Social Services (H&SS) recommends the Board of Supervisors affirm the County Administrator’s acceptance of $8,352,207 in Behavioral Health Bridge Housing Program revenue from the California Department of Health Care Services to address the immediate and sustainable housing needs of people experiencing homelessness who have serious behavioral health conditions for the period of June 23, 2023 through June 30, 2027; Affirm the County Administrator’s signature of the County’s subcontract with Advocates for Human Potential, the California Department of Health Care Services contracted administrative entity supporting the implementation of the Program; and Delegate authority to the County Administrator to execute related documents or amendments necessary to accept the program revenue.
SUMMARY:
Through the Behavioral Health Bridge Housing (BHBH) Program, the California Department of Health Care Services will provide a total of $1.5 billion in funding to county behavioral health agencies to operate bridge housing settings to address the immediate and sustainable housing needs of people experiencing homelessness who have serious behavioral health conditions, including serious mental illness and/or substance use disorder. The BHBH Program, which was signed into law in September 2022 under AB 179 (Ting, Chapter 249, Statutes of 2022), provides funding through June 30, 2027 and is designed to enable counties to meaningfully contribute to the implementation of the California Interagency Council on Homelessness (Cal ICH) Action Plan for Preventing and Ending Homelessness in California. The BHBH Program builds on the California Health and Human Services’ Guiding Principles and Strategic Priorities and the Governor’s Behavioral Health Reform.
In April 2023, the H&SS, Behavioral Health Division submitted a BHBH Program proposal for Solano County’s noncompetitive allocation, and in June 2023, Solano County was selected to receive an award of the funding. In anticipation of this noncompetitive allocation and overall housing program needs, H&SS, Behavioral Health issued an RFP and, in May 2023, selected Abode Services to facilitate the design and implement housing programs for the H&SS Behavioral Health Division, which included the anticipated non-competitive BHBH Program award to ensure maximizing funding and immediate implementation of sustainable housing needs of people experiencing homelessness who have serious behavioral health conditions and complex systems involvement. Furthermore, the BHBH Program must be implemented in alignment and prioritize individuals in the Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment (CARE) Program. Solano County must implement the CARE Program by December 2024.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The H&SS Behavioral Health Division’s FY2023/24 Working Budget includes BHBH funding anticipated to be expended in this fiscal year. Staff are continuing to evaluate expenditures for this fiscal year and will return to the Board at Midyear to request additional appropriations if needed. The costs associated with preparing the agenda item are nominal and absorbed by the Department’s FY2023/24 Working Budget.
DISCUSSION:
The California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) reports that in January 2022, point-in-time estimates of homelessness conducted nationwide revealed that Californians accounted for nearly half (49.6%) of Americans experiencing homelessness. Serious behavioral health conditions are prevalent among people experiencing homelessness in California: 24% reported having serious mental illness (SMI), and 25% reported a substance use disorder (SUD). However, because these figures rely on self-reports, DHCS suggests the prevalence of SMI and SUD may be significantly higher and serious behavioral health conditions (SMI and SUD) can pose a significant obstacle to exiting homelessness and establishing housing stability.
In February 2023, the California Department of Health Care Services released a Request for Applications (RFA) for the BHBH Program. In April 2023, the H&SS Behavioral Health Division submitted the BHBH proposal for its noncompetitive allocation, and in June 2023 was selected to receive the funding.
Abode Services was selected to facilitate the design and implement the Solano County BHBH grant program and will work with Behavioral Health to develop a comprehensive and targeted approach that addresses the unique challenges faced by individuals experiencing homelessness with serious behavioral health conditions. This effort will include collaborating closely with local service providers, medical professionals, and community organizations to ensure that the program aligns with existing support systems and leverages available resources effectively. The contractor will identify suitable housing options, which will include Respite Housing, Rapid Re-Housing, Subsidized Rent, and Permanent Supportive Housing, all tailored to meet the specific needs of individuals with SMI and SUD.
Abode Services will be responsible for creating a holistic support framework that addresses not only housing but also access to behavioral health services. This will involve establishing a network of qualified professionals, ensuring timely and adequate treatment options, and providing case management services to help clients navigate the complex intersect of homelessness and behavioral health challenges. Prioritization of the BHBH program must support and prioritize individuals flowing through the Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment (CARE) program; this new required program will be launched for Solano County by December 2024.
Abode Services will be instrumental in translating this conditional award into a comprehensive program that not only addresses the immediate housing needs of those experiencing homelessness with serious behavioral health conditions and for those involved with CARE Court, but also empowers them to regain their independence and stability by connecting them to the necessary support services and fostering community involvement.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board may choose not to affirm the County Administrator’s acceptance of BHBH Program funding or affirm the County Administrator’s signature on the subcontract agreement with Advocates for Human Potential; however, H&SS, Behavioral Health Division has been conditionally awarded this grant and this opportunity will provide funding for enhancing housing opportunities that benefit Solano County community members.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
None.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION