HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - Item 8-j - Contract between Social Services and Orange Congregations in Mission
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: June 19, 2018
Action Agenda
Item No. 8-j
SUBJECT: Contract between Social Services and Orange Congregations in Mission
DEPARTMENT: Social Services
ATTACHMENT(S):
INFORMATION CONTACT:
Nancy Coston, 919-245-2802
PURPOSE: To approve and authorize the Manager to sign a contract combining the existing
outside agency contract with a new contract between the Department of Social Services (DSS)
and Orange Congregations in Mission (OCIM) to provide emergency assistance to Orange
County residents.
BACKGROUND: During the recent reviews of outside agency proposals, DSS staff analyzed
data outlining emergency rent and utility payments made by DSS and two other organizations –
the Interfaith Council (IFC) and OCIM. The frequency and amount of assistance varied between
the three organizations and often DSS funds were combined with IFC or OCIM funds due to the
total amount needed to alleviate the crisis. Both IFC and OCIM receive County and other funds
for emergency payments including funds for rent and water bills.
After meeting with each organization, DSS is proposing to contract with each of them to provide
assistance with water bills and rental assistance using standardized amounts and frequencies.
The new plan should improve the experience for County residents since IFC or OCIM will be
able to combine funds and pay a higher amount to alleviate a crisis and receive reimbursement
for some of the costs from DSS. This will be more efficient since this payment can be generated
without workers for the agencies needing to discuss the joint plan. At times, that process can be
difficult and can result in delays and cause hardships for the persons being served. This plan
also promotes standard payments and assistance, regardless of a family’s geographic location.
DSS will continue to provide emergency payments for individuals involved in agency social work
programs such as child welfare and adult services.
To improve overall coordination, OCIM will receive one contract from Orange County
administered by DSS. This will include the funds approved during the outside agency process
and the funds provided for emergency assistance through DSS. Funds from the DSS budget for
emergency assistance will include both reimbursement for client payments and administrative
costs.
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FINANCIAL IMPACT: Funds for this contract are in the proposed outside agency funding
($77,715) and proposed funding for DSS ($51,000) in the Manager’s Recommended FY 2018-
19 budget. An additional allocation of one time funding ($14,700) was approved by the Board to
assist with the need for Meals on Wheels and is included in the FY 2018-19 budget.
SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: The following Orange County Social Justice Goals area applicable
to this item:
• 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.
Provision of emergency assistance promotes these Social Justice Goals.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board authorize the County
Manager to sign the contract with OCIM, pending final review and approval by the County
Attorney, in the amount of $143,415 and also to sign future renewals and amendments to the
contract.
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