Project Roomkey SISKIYOU COUNTY HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Project Roomkey SISKIYOU COUNTY HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY TRISH BARBIERI, DIRECTOR – SOCIAL SERVICES DIVISION

Project Roomkey is a collaborative effort by the California Department of Social Services and individual counties to provide emergency noncongregate shelter for homeless individuals at risk of contracting COVID-19.

Project Roomkey aims to not only protect high-risk individuals, but to also prevent the spread of the deadly virus in our communities and protect the capacity of our hospitals and healthcare system.

In early 2020, the Governor worked with CDSS and Cal. OES to identify motels to be used as temporary residences for homeless individuals impacted by COVID-19.

The state then collaborated with Cal. OES, distributing 1, 345 trailers throughout the state as an emergency response to the pandemic.

Communities that received trailers were expected to use the trailers in coordination with local Project Roomkey initiatives, specifically, housing people experiencing homelessness within the priority populations as outlined on the next slide.

Project Roomkey guests must be: 1) COVID+; or 2) Subject to a quarantine due to known exposure to COVID (does not require hospitalization); or 3) High-risk factors such as age over 65, or specific chronic health conditions.

Through Project Roomkey, Siskiyou County HHSA was gifted six trailers by CDSS. The trailers were received on April 17 th and were placed in two mobile home parks in Yreka. In October, all six trailers were placed in one park.

SB 89, Section 36, augmented the 2019 Budget Act, making funding available to support state and local governments to support the Project Roomkey initiative.

Statewide, the Governor provided: * 100 million directly to local governments and Co. Cs; * 50 million for Occupancy Agreements; and * 61 million for continued support for Project Roomkey.

Through the Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency, HHSA received an allocation in the amount of $41, 058.

This allocation has been fully expended and was used for the following costs: * Trailer set-up costs and supplies * Space rent * Electricity * Propane * Janitorial services and supplies * Household supplies * Personal Hygiene * PPE supplies * Bed bug oven and heaters * Food costs * Trailer repairs and ongoing maintenance * Trailer damages

Through the Shasta County Community Action Agency, lead agency for the Nor. Cal Continuum of Care, HHSA received an allocation in the amount of $45, 017.

As of December 31, 2020, HHSA expended $21, 841. 00 and encumbered an additional $9100. 00 for rent, laundry and electricity costs. Expenditures are as follows: * Space rent * Janitorial services and supplies * Laundry service * Personal Hygiene supplies * On-site shed * Trailer maintenance and repair * Electricity * Propane * Household supplies * Food * Trailer supplies * Winterization costs

Through CDSS, HHSA was provided a $50, 000 allocation to secure motel rooms for COVID impacted individuals. In November, HHSA received an additional $32, 000 to supplement these funds.

With this allocation, HHSA entered into an Occupancy Agreement with a local motel to provide motel rooms for individuals with access or functional needs who are not appropriate candidates for the Project Roomkey trailers. This funding has been fully expended.

Beginning May, 2020 through December 2020, HHSA also provided the following supports to all Project Roomkey guests including but not limited to: * Daily, in-person check-ins * Essential transportation * Weekly laundry services * Case management services * Mental Health and Public Health services including crisis response * Referral to community services and supports * Site management including landlord/guest mediation * Assistance with applying for Section 8 and Mainstream Vouchers * Assistance with locating permanent housing

Date of First Placement: May 22, 2020

Number of Individuals Served in Project Roomkey (through 12/31/20): 45

Number of Individuals Served in trailers: 22

Number of Individuals Served in contracted motels: 23

Number of Individuals who transitioned to Permanent Housing: 6

* COVID + individuals: 6 * Subject to quarantine: 1 * Number of At Risk individuals: 38

Average Length of Stay: 49 days

Due to a lack of continued funding for Project Roomkey, our local HHSA Project Roomkey formally ended on December 31.

SCHHSA has now launched “The Bridge” Temporary Housing Program. This program is funded by the Whole Person Care grant. This program continues to serve homeless individuals previously served under Project Roomkey.

Whole Person Care coordinates health, behavioral health and social services in a patient-centered manner with the goal of improved health and well-being.

This new program is in alignment with expected use of trailers as outlined by CDSS, and with requirements of the Whole Person Care grant. (CA Department of Social Services, Letter to County Welfare Directors and Federally Recognized Tribal Governments, dated June 1, 2020. )

Transfer of Ownership & Acceptance of Donated Goods

HHSA is here today with a formal request to the BOS to accept the donated trailers.