Agenda - 12-02-2013 - 4d - Laserfiche WebLink

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2 Another impact is related to a change in policy by the DSS Board. In order to contain costs, DSS stopped last year serving families without children or that did not have a vulnerable adult in the household. Because there were so many individuals needing assistance who did not meet these new criteria, the DSS Board changed the policy in July 2013 to allow limited assistance to persons without children. Through October, DSS has spent approximately $150,000 of the $180,000 approved for crisis services. Of these costs, over $100,000 has been spent on rental assistance and $30,000 of that will be reimbursed through the Emergency Food and Shelter Program. Most of the other funds paid for electric, gas and water services. In addition to other strains, the agency facilitated recovery efforts needed as a result of flooding in parts of Orange County in late June. Social workers assisted Red Cross efforts at the shelter and staffed the recovery center. At the time the shelter was closed by the Red Cross, sixteen families were identified for shelter at local hotels. Additionally, the Town of Chapel Hill provided shelter at hotels for some public housing residents impacted by the flood. Some families originally placed in hotels by the Red Cross did not have housing within the week and DSS extended the hotel stays for these families. Some additional families were also placed in hotels after they were no longer able to stay or return to their homes. Forty-five agency staff worked with state officials to provide ongoing services to ninety-two impacted families. Although funds for impacted families from the State Division of Emergency Management were given to Social Services to assist families with relocation and replacement of personal items lost in the flood, hotel costs incurred by the County will not be reimbursed. The agency did receive donations from the public to help these families, but staff anticipates the County's cost to be approximately $20,000 after donated funds and state reimbursement. No actions or funding concerns are being requested as part of this agenda item, but will be addressed with the Board after the agency reconciles all expenditures supported by the state funds. Given the continuing impact of the slow economy, the anticipated delays in some NCFAST benefits and the rising costs of rent and utilities in Orange County, DSS is requesting $100,000 in additional funds to continue serving Orange County residents with these situations. The commitment of these funds and the social work services provided to these families is one of the County's strategies for reducing homelessness and stabilizing families. These funds also assure that utilities are in place to meet the basic needs of families. The attached report summarizes the impact of the government shutdown and other fiscal issues impacting the DSS budget. FINANCIAL IMPACT: The BOCC approved $250,000 for the Social Justice Reserve Fund during this year's budget process. The request for $100,000 could be accommodated with a transfer from this account or an appropriation from the General Fund. RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends the Board receive the update, and approve Budget Amendment#3-A to transfer $100,000 from the Social Justice Reserve Fund to the Department of Social Services for General Assistance for client payments. With approval of this allocation, a balance of $150,000 will remain in the Social Justice Reserve Fund for FY 2013-14.