HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 06-19-2018 8-i - Contract between Social Services and the Interfaith Council
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: June 19, 2018
Action Agenda
Item No. 8-i
SUBJECT: Contract between Social Services and the Interfaith Council
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 Interfaith Council (IFC) 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 –
IFC and Orange Congregations in Mission (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 contracting 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 from 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, IFC 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
($55,150) and proposed funding for DSS ($85,000) in the Manager’s Recommended 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 IFC, pending final review and approval by the County
Attorney, in the amount of $140,150, and also to sign future renewals and amendments to the
contract.
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