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 |
Brooke Buckingham |
Human Services Manager |
|
Planning and Community Development |
Alaric Bien |
Senior Human Services Planner |
TITLE:
title
Human Services Quarterly Update
OVERVIEW STATEMENT:
recommendation
Staff will provide a quarterly update on the work of the Human Services staff to advance the workplan, the activities of the Human Services Commission, and the local and sub-regional response to pandemic-related community needs.
body
☐ Additional Background Information/Description of Proposal Attached
REQUESTED ACTION:
☒ Receive Information ☐ Provide Direction ☐ Approve
REQUEST RATIONALE:
• Relevant Plans/Policies:
Redmond Comprehensive Plan, Human Services Strategic Plan
• Required:
N/A
• Council Request:
Requested at February 2, 2021, Committee of Whole meeting
• Other Key Facts:
The following is a summary of second quarter activities.
Contracts and Grant Administration
• All 64 contracts for programs through the 2021-2022 Human Services Fund have been executed.
• CDBG-CV3 contracts with Youth Eastside Services and The Sophia Way have been executed.
• A Request for Proposals for services addressing housing stability, food insecurity, and behavioral health was issued on May 18 and closed on June 7, 2021. Thirteen applications were received.
COVID Response Planning
• In partnership with neighboring jurisdictions, staff developed a brief provider survey to better understand the current landscape, emerging client needs, and funding gaps. The results of this survey, which closed on June 25, 2021, will be analyzed to inform future planning efforts and potential funding opportunities (e.g. American Rescue Plan Act).
• Staff continues to promote rental assistance resources and informational workshops on understanding your rights as a renter and landlord. These are being shared via social media, website, and non-profit partners. A flyer promoting the King County Eviction Prevention and Rental Assistance Program will be included in all residential utility billings.
• Staff has been working closely with community-based organizations (CBOs) that are providing direct outreach and navigation support for vaccinations. Staff continues to share resources, monitor ongoing needs, and participate in weekly calls with CBOs, Microsoft, and Evergreen Hospital in planning for community-based vaccination events.
• To address ongoing inequities in vaccination access and awareness among BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) and immigrant communities, funds were set aside to support community-based organizations that are providing education, outreach, and increased access to vaccinations. An RFP was released on May 18 and closed on June 4, 2021. The Commission reviewed four proposals and is recommending funding to three organizations at this time. Staff is proceeding with the required contracts.
Human Services Commission
• The Commission reviewed proposals in response to the above RFPs and provided staff with their recommendations for programs to consider for funding.
• Commissioners received a briefing on the draft Redmond 2050 plan and provided input, particularly around the equity and technology themes.
• In May, the City of Kent staff and Human Services Commission Chair presented an overview of their funding process and efforts to ensure more equitable funding outcomes to grant applicants.
Human Services Strategic Plan
• Six consultants responded to the City’s Request for Proposals to develop the Human Services Strategic Plan. Following interviews with two candidates, staff has selected Equitable Future <https://www.equitablefuture.com/> whose work is grounded in anti-racism and social justice.
Supplemental FTE Status
• The supplemental position remains vacant. After a conditional offer fell through, the position was reposted. At this time, no qualified candidates have been identified and staff is working with HR to assess next steps.
OUTCOMES:
A continued focus on responding to existing and emerging community human services needs in a dynamic environment.
COMMUNITY/STAKEHOLDER OUTREACH AND INVOLVEMENT:
• Timeline (previous or planned):
N/A
• Outreach Methods and Results:
N/A
• Feedback Summary:
N/A
BUDGET IMPACT:
Total Cost:
$1,407,280 for staff resources needed to manage the human services work program, Human Services Commission support, and homeless outreach.
Approved in current biennial budget: ☒ Yes ☐ No ☐ N/A
Budget Offer Number:
000248 - Housing and Human Services
Budget Priority:
Vibrant and Connected
Other budget impacts or additional costs: ☐ Yes ☐ No ☒ N/A
If yes, explain:
N/A
Funding source(s):
100 General Fund
Budget/Funding Constraints:
N/A
☐ Additional budget details attached
COUNCIL REVIEW:
Previous Contact(s)
|
Date |
Meeting |
Requested Action |
|
N/A |
Item has not been presented to Council |
N/A |
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:
N/A