REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Approve an Agreement in the amount of $407,430 with HomeFirst Services of Santa Clara County for Case Management Services and Shelter Beds for the Unhoused Population in Sunnyvale
Report
REPORT IN BRIEF
Staff recommends the approval of an Agreement with HomeFirst Services of Santa Clara County (HomeFirst) in the amount of $407,430 for case management services and shelter beds for the unhoused population in Sunnyvale. Staff also recommends Council delegate authority to the City Manager to extend the agreement for two additional one-year periods if services and pricing remain acceptable, subject to available budget.
EXISTING POLICY
Council Policy 5.1.1 - Socio-Economic - Goal 5.IJ
Encourage and support a network of human services that provides for the basic needs of Sunnyvale’s residents.
General Plan, Housing Element, Goal E, Policy E.6
Participate in the County Collaborative on Affordable Housing and Homeless Issues (the CoC) to provide a continuum of care of services and facilities for the homeless. Facilitate and sponsor the provision of housing for homeless people if the Onizuka base conversion plan is approved by the federal agencies. Support local service providers that offer facilities and support services to homeless individuals and families, and persons at risk of homelessness.
Pursuant to Chapter 2.08 of the Sunnyvale Municipal Code (SMC), contracts for this type of service are awarded pursuant to a Request for Proposals (RFP) best value process, unless otherwise exempt from the competitive bidding process. Additionally, pursuant to SMC Section 2.08.040 City Council approval is required for the procurement of goods and/or services exceeding $250,000 in any one transaction.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The action being considered does not constitute a "project" with the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378 (a) because it has no potential to result in either a direct, or reasonably foreseeable indirect, physical change in the environment.
BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION
In 2021, the City engaged with HomeFirst to provide case management and shelter beds for the unhoused population located at Fair Oaks Park. Subsequently, HomeFirst and the City entered into an agreement with services beginning July 1, 2022 for a one-year pilot program. As the end of the one-year term of the agreement approached, staff proposed an extension of the pilot program for a second year of services. The City used funds remaining in the original project budget to develop a bridge agreement with HomeFirst for services to continue through September 30, 2023. Based on approval of the FY 2023/24 Recommended Budget, staff is returning to Council with an agreement with HomeFirst for an additional one-year term to continue the pilot program.
The Agreement with HomeFirst (Attachment 1) is for a period of 12 months with an option for two additional one-year extensions starting on October 1, 2023. The City established a core team to work with HomeFirst during this pilot project. The Community Development Department is leading the core team, with support from the Department of Public Works, Environmental Services, Library and Recreation Services, Public Safety, Office of the City Attorney and the Office of the City Manager.
The Agreement with HomeFirst is for a total amount of $407,430. It includes one (1) Outreach Specialist, one (1) Case Manager and the appropriate personnel resources tasked with supporting unsheltered individuals within the City of Sunnyvale. Five shelter beds at the Boccardo Reception Center are under the administration of HomeFirst. They have the ability to make these beds available the entire year. The shelter in Sunnyvale is managed by the County of Santa Clara and beds were not able to be secured. However, HomeFirst will work with the Sunnyvale shelter and make this shelter a priority for shelter beds if that option becomes available.
Staff will use excess funds in the project budget for additional expenditures that may be necessary for clean-up of homeless sites, as well as other resources that may be required for transition services.
FISCAL IMPACT
Funding for this contract and ancillary services is available in Project 835820 - Temporary Housing for Unhoused Individuals.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Council meeting agenda on the City's official-notice bulletin board at City Hall, at the Sunnyvale Public Library and in the Department of Public Safety Lobby. In addition, the agenda and this report are available at the NOVA Workforce Services reception desk located on the first floor of City Hall at 456 W. Olive Avenue (during normal business hours), and on the City's website.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Approve the following actions:
- Authorize the City Manager to execute an Agreement in substantially the same format as Attachment 1 in the amount of $407,430 with HomeFirst Services of Santa Clara County for Case Management Services and Shelter Beds for the Unhoused Population in Sunnyvale.
- Delegate authority to the City Manager to extend the agreement for two additional one-year periods if pricing and services remain acceptable and subject to available budget.
Staff
Prepared by: Tim Kirby, Director of Finance
Reviewed by: Trudi Ryan, Director of Community Development
Reviewed by: Jaqui Guzmán, Deputy City Manager
Approved by: Kent Steffens, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. Draft Agreement with HomeFirst Services of Santa Clara County