TO: Committee of the Whole - Parks and Human Services
FROM: Mayor Angela Birney
DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR CONTACT(S):
|
Planning and Community Development |
Carol Helland |
425-556-2107 |
DEPARTMENT STAFF:
|
Planning and Community Development |
Alaric Bien |
Senior Human Services Planner |
TITLE:
title
Human Services COVID Response - 2020 Year-End Summary
OVERVIEW STATEMENT:
recommendation
Human services staff have been working through 2020 and continue to respond to community needs related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The work has been focused on:
• Identifying emerging needs,
• Supporting non-profit partners to ensure continuity of services,
• Allocating additional funding available through federal and state sources,
• Advocating for equitable distribution of resources with partner agencies,
• Coordinating our efforts with other funding jurisdictions to maximize effective and efficient distribution of limited resources,
• Working with local partner agencies and the RPD in homeless outreach efforts; and
Sharing critical information and resources with the broad community and agencies.
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☒ Additional Background Information/Description of Proposal Attached
REQUESTED ACTION:
☒ Receive Information ☐ Provide Direction ☐ Approve
REQUEST RATIONALE:
• Relevant Plans/Policies:
Long-Term Disaster Recovery Plan
• Required:
N/A
• Council Request:
N/A
• Other Key Facts:
Staff has adhered to these overarching principles to guide our work in this unprecedented event:
• Ensure that we are supporting the most collaborative effort possible to prevent fragmented approach and response.
• To the extent possible, activate necessary resources to ensure continuity of operations and provision of critical services.
• Anticipate, plan for, and respond to other unexpected needs that arise during this time.
OUTCOMES:
Outcomes include:
• Regular collaboration with Eastside jurisdictional funders to assess needs, coordinate distribution of funds and advocacy,
• Strong partnerships with Police Department and local agencies and shelters to respond to upsurge in homeless needs and changing conditions; and
• Contract administration and compliance to disburse new federal resources, CARES Act Funding and Community Development Block Grant - COVID funding.
Human Services Situational Report for 2020 is provided in Attachment A
COMMUNITY/STAKEHOLDER OUTREACH AND INVOLVEMENT:
• Timeline (previous or planned):
March 2020 to present
• Outreach Methods and Results:
1. Conducted a targeted provider survey to assess emerging needs and challenges due to COVID-19.
2. Social media, email, web pages, Communications and Economic Development departments were used to disseminate critical information to the community in a timely manner.
• Feedback Summary:
1. Feedback from the provider survey (nearly 100 respondents) was used to inform subsequent funding decisions for COVID response (e.g. nearly all providers indicated technology costs as a challenge).
2. Local community-based partners reported receiving several grants from funding sources such as the Seattle Foundation and King County as a result of these communications. They also shared that they disseminated information to their respective constituents and were particularly grateful for information in languages other than English.
BUDGET IMPACT:
Total Cost:
N/A
Approved in current biennial budget: ☐ Yes ☐ No ☒ N/A
Budget Offer Number:
N/A
Budget Priority:
N/A
Other budget impacts or additional costs: ☐ Yes ☐ No ☒ N/A
If yes, explain:
Nearly 800 hours in staff time spent on COVID-19 related activities through the end of 2020. Navigating federal requirements for timely disbursement of dollars was critical, leaving limited staff capacity for other work during that time.
Funding source(s):
N/A
Budget/Funding Constraints:
N/A
☐ Additional budget details attached
COUNCIL REVIEW:
Previous Contact(s)
|
Date |
Meeting |
Requested Action |
|
4/7/2020 |
Committee of the Whole - Parks and Human Services |
Receive Information |
Proposed Upcoming Contact(s)
|
Date |
Meeting |
Requested Action |
|
N/A |
None proposed at this time |
N/A |
Time Constraints:
N/A
ANTICIPATED RESULT IF NOT APPROVED:
N/A
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment A: COVID -19 Pandemic Response Report