REPORT/RECOMMENDATION TO THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
AND RECORD OF ACTION
March 11, 2025
FROM
CARRIE HARMON, Director, Community Development and Housing Department
SUBJECT
Title
Budget Adjustment for Emergency Homelessness Assistance Funding
End
RECOMMENDATION(S)
Recommendation
Authorize the Auditor-Controller/Treasurer/Tax Collector to post necessary budget adjustments to the Community Development and Housing Department’s 2024-25 budget, as detailed in the Financial Impact section, for the provision of emergency homelessness assistance (Four votes required).
(Presenter: Carrie Harmon, Director, 382-3983)
Body
COUNTY AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER GOALS & OBJECTIVES
Promote the Countywide Vision.
Operate in a Fiscally-Responsible and Business-Like Manner.
Provide for the Safety, Health and Social Service Needs of County Residents.
Pursue County Goals and Objectives by Working with Other Agencies and Stakeholders.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Approval of this item will not result in the use of Discretionary General Funding (Net County Cost). The requested budget adjustment will allow for the provision of emergency homelessness assistance, in an amount not to exceed $1,358,610. This assistance will be funded by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG). The following adjustments to the Community Development and Housing Department (CDH) and the Office of Homeless Services (OHS) 2024-25 budgets are requested:
|
Cost Center |
Commitment Item/GL |
Description |
Actions |
Amount |
|
6210002482 |
40509094 |
Federal - Grants |
Increase |
$1,358,610 |
|
6210002482 |
55405018 |
Internal Cost Allocation Out |
Increase |
$33,272 |
|
6210002482 |
55305030 |
Operating Transfers Out |
Increase |
$1,325,338 |
|
6210001000 |
40909975 |
Operating Transfers In |
Increase |
$1,325,338 |
|
6210001000 |
53003205 |
Public Assistance |
Increase |
$1,325,338 |
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
CDH administers ESG funding through non-profit providers and other County departments to provide homeless services, such as emergency shelter, street outreach, rapid rehousing, and homeless prevention. These federal ESG funds are part of CDH’s annual allocation of Community Planning and Development Grant funds. The recommended budget adjustment will bolster funding for emergency housing and services addressing the unsheltered population throughout the county. This adjustment will utilize reallocated ESG funding, the use of which was authorized by HUD on December 4, 2024.
CDH has partnered with OHS through a memorandum of understanding and has developed an expenditure plan to augment and support OHS’s homeless encampment response efforts. These efforts encompass a comprehensive approach, including:
• Homeless encampment mapping: To better understand the scope and location of encampments.
• Outreach services: To engage individuals experiencing homelessness and connect them with resources.
• Emergency housing: To provide immediate shelter and stability.
• Case management: To offer individualized support and coordinate services.
• Medical care, substance use services, and behavioral health care: To address the complex needs of individuals experiencing homelessness.
• Housing navigation: To assist individuals in securing permanent housing.
• Transportation: To facilitate access to services and housing opportunities.
Through this homeless encampment response initiative, CDH and OHS will improve the lives of individuals and families experiencing homelessness. OHS, with its committed Homeless Assistance team and network of local service providers, will utilize these funds to deliver assistance to an estimated 400 individuals residing in encampments across the county.
PROCUREMENT
Not applicable.
REVIEW BY OTHERS
This item has been reviewed by County Counsel (Suzanne Bryant, Deputy County Counsel, 387-5455) on January 23, 2025; Auditor-Controller/Treasurer/Tax Collector (Mima Ugbo, Auditor-Controller Manager, 382-3035) on January 23, 2025; Finance (Paul Garcia, Administrative Analyst, 386-8392) on January 28, 2025; and County Finance and Administration (Cheryl Adams, Deputy Executive Officer, 388-0332) on January 28, 2025.