HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda 6-a - Request to Utilize Social Justice Funds for Emergency Assistance Payments
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: March 8, 2018
Action Agenda
Item No. 6-a
SUBJECT: Request to Utilize Social Justice Funds for Emergency Assistance Payments
DEPARTMENT: Social Services
ATTACHMENT(S):
Historical Use of Social Justice Fund
INFORMATION CONTACT:
Nancy Coston, 919-245-2802
PURPOSE: To consider allocating $125,000 from the Social Justice Fund for emergency
assistance payments for Orange County residents.
BACKGROUND: The Department of Social Services (DSS) supports individuals and families
experiencing financial crises through emergency payments for rent, utilities, deposits and other
essentials. Although federal and state sources provide some of this support, the County
provides most of these funds.
As of the end of January, the County had served over 800 Orange County residents and at the
current rate would serve nearly 1,400 during fiscal year 2017-18. In fiscal year 2016-17 these
funds served 1,240 clients. Although some of the increase in emergency assistance this year is
explained by demand, much is related to rising housing costs. In previous years, a greater
percentage of funds was spent on utilities but now a greater percentage is spent on rents,
deposits and related costs.
From July through January of the current fiscal year, DSS has made $120,919 worth of rent
payments on behalf of 325 households as compared to $94,812 during all of the previous year.
In addition to rent, the County has also spent $93,546 on electric bills and $19,680 on water bills
thus far this fiscal year.
DSS has also assisted with some extremely difficult situations this year and those cases have
been more costly. Often these included serious safety issues for a child, a senior or a person
with a disability. Extreme weather also contributed to higher needs as DSS tried to assure that
all families were safe during the recent cold temperatures.
Based on current spending trends, DSS will need approximately $125,000 in additional funds to
meet the need for the remainder of the fiscal year and is requesting this amount from the
existing Social Justice Fund.
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FINANCIAL IMPACT: The original FY 2017-18 budget for the Social Justice Fund was
$250,000. The current balance is $225,000. There will be $100,000 remaining in Social Justice
funds for this fiscal year if the funding request of $125,000 is approved.
The funds for this request are in the Social Justice Fund and therefore already budgeted by the
County.
SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: By assisting low income residents to meet basic needs, this
request addresses the following Social Justice Goals:
• GOAL: FOSTER A COMMUNITY CULTURE THAT REJECTS OPPRESSION AND
INEQUITY
The fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race or color;
religious or philosophical beliefs; sex, gender or sexual orientation; national origin or
ethnic background; age; military service; disability; and familial, residential or economic
status.
• GOAL: ENSURE ECONOMIC SELF-SUFFICIENCY
The creation and preservation of infrastructure, policies, programs and funding necessary
for residents to provide shelter, food, clothing and medical care for themselves and their
dependents.
• GOAL: CREATE A SAFE COMMUNITY
The reduction of risks from vehicle/traffic accidents, childhood and senior injuries, gang
activity, substance abuse and domestic violence.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board approve the allocation of
$125,000 from the Social Justice Fund to the Department of Social Services to address the
continuing need for emergency assistance.
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SOCIAL JUSTICE FUND
The Social Justice Fund was established in the General Fund in FY 2014
Budget Actuals Remaining Uses
FY 2018 250,000$ 25,000$ 225,000$ $25K for Food Council
FY 2017 350,000$ 79,628$ 270,372$ $79.6K for Immigrant services to support El Centro, Refugee Community Partnership and Refugee Support
FY 2016 450,000$ -$ 450,000$ No expenditures
FY 2015 450,000$ 450,000$ -$ $100K for Family Success Alliance and $350K for Child Care Subsidy
FY 2014 250,000$ 250,000$ -$ $150K Day Care needs and $100K DSS
Note:Remaining amounts at the close of each fiscal year do not carryforward as an encumbrance. These amounts lapse to unassigned fund balance.
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