Why it matters?
The Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention Program provides some of the most flexible funding for homelessness. Tulare County is estimating an 8 to 14% decrease in round three of this funding, which could result in fewer resources available for the county's homeless population.
Last week, Governor Newsom announced he would pause the latest round of funding for HHAP until local leaders convene in mid-November to review the state's collective approach to homelessness.
Here’s what you need to know
- The Tulare County Board of Supervisors met on Nov. 8, 2022 and presented a proclamation recognizing Nov. 18, 2022, as National Injury Prevention Day in Tulare County. Tim Curley, Director of Community and Government Relations of Valley Children’s Health Care, accepted the proclamation as well as said injury is the leading cause of death for kids.
- The board approved a fee for the new electric vehicle charging stations at Government Plaza in Visalia. The fee for the public will be 34 cents/kilowatt hour which is to be paid through an app. The fee does not apply to county employees.
- The submission of a grant application for the Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention Program (HHAP) Round 4 was approved. The Health and Human Services Agency estimates a 8-14% decrease in funds from Round 3. There is a 10% minimum for youth based programs. A stakeholder meeting regarding the government’s pause on HHAP will be held later this month.
Follow up questions
- Does the General Services Agency plan to increase the electric vehicle charging fee over time?
- Why did the Governor pause HHAP? How will this action help fight against homelessness? When does he plan to resume funding?
- Larry Micari, District One
- Pete Vander Poel III, District Two
- Amy Shuklian, District Three
- Eddie Valero – Chairman, District Four
- Dennis Townsend – Vice Chair, District Five
- Jason T. Britt, County Administrative Officer
- Jennifer M. Flores, County Council
- Melinda Benton, Chief Clerk
The Scene
The Tulare County Board of Supervisors meeting was held simultaneously both in-person and streamed via YouTube and Zoom at 9 a.m. on November 8, 2022. The meeting began with the pledge of allegiance and a moment of silence. Supervisor Micari was absent.
- Board of Supervisors matters
- Supervisor Townsend
- Last week was the Tulare County Office of Education awards, LAFCO meeting, Eastern Tule GSA, Our Heroes Dreams fundraiser, National Association of Counties call, and election day today.
- Upcoming, he will be speaking at Harmony Magnet Academy, an interview with Kent Hopper, call with HHSA, Porterville Veterans Day parade, California State Association of Counties meeting, and the Porterville Knights of Columbus annual golf tournament.
- Supervisor Shuklian
- Last week was a Mental Health Board meeting, Boys and Girls Club golf tournament, reading for kids at the library, and interviews for Chief of Staff.
- Upcoming is a study session for the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control district and a CSAC Board meeting.
- She said she thinks the governor should look at what Tulare County has done for homeless people instead of withholding funding.
- Supervisor Vander Poel
- Last week he spoke at Tipton Elementary school and today is election day.
- Upcoming is the CSAC Conference, KT Master Plan for Aging Committee meeting, and the Tulare Hospital Foundation Festival of Trees event.
- Supervisor Valero
- Last week was a Veterans dinner and parade in Cutler-Orosi and a AT&T meeting for Three Rivers,
- Upcoming is a Library Advisory board meeting, Tulare County Regional Transportation Authority, Dancing with the Stars at the Visalia Country Club, CSAC Conference.
- Supervisor Townsend
- Present a proclamation recognizing November 18, 2022, as National Injury Prevention Day in Tulare County.
- Tim Curley, Director of Community and Government Relations of Valley Children’s Health Care, thanked the board for the proclamation. He spoke about injury prevention in kids. Injury is the leading cause of death for kids. Valley Children’s is currently impacted by children with respiratory viruses and flu. Supervisor Valero presented the proclamation. Valley Children’s is the only pediatric trauma center in Central California.
- (Approved) Consent Calendar (Items 6-27)
- Some of the approved items included the approval of a letter of concern regarding a policy proposal to lower the price of gasoline in the state (Item 6), reaffirmation of a proclamation of a local emergency due to tree mortality in the county (Item 15), and an agreement with the Arts Consortium in an amount not to exceed $115,000, effective November 8, 2022 through June 30, 2028 (Item 19).
- (Approved) Public Hearing: Request from the General Services Agency to approve the proposed fee schedule for the public’s use of county-owned electric vehicle charging stations located at Government Plaza, Visalia. Authorize waiver of proposed fee for county employees charging their personal electric vehicles at county-owned electric vehicle charging stations located at Government Plaza, Visalia.
- Laura Silva, General Services Agency Deputy Director, explained the use of five electric vehicle charging stations at Government Plaza.
- They are open to county employees as well as the public.
- Public users will pay a fee of 34 cents/kilowatt hour through an app. This fee will be waived for county employees.
- Approved
- (Approved) Public Hearing: Request from the Resource Management Agency to consider establishing Williamson Act Agricultural Preserves.
- Aaron Bock, Assistant Director of RMA, explained the item. A public notice was provided to the nearby property owners. This item describes 12 new AG preserves under 5,000 acres.
- Approved
- (Approved) Request from the Health and Human Services Agency to authorize the submission of a grant application for the Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention Program (HHAP) Round 4 with California Interagency Council on Homelessness in an amount not yet determined by the state for Fiscal Years 2022/2023 through 2026/2027. Receive a presentation on the HHAP-4 Local Landscape Analysis, Outcome Goals and Strategies Achieving Goals.
- Noah Whitaker, Homeless Initiative Program Coordinator, explained that HHAP is some of the most flexible funding for homlessness. They do not know how much funding they will receive but they are estimating a 8-14% decrease from Round 3. There is a 10% minimum for youth based programs.
- Eligible use of funds
- Rapid rehousing
- Operating subsidies in unoccupied time periods
- Delivery of permanent housing and innovative housing solutions
- Street outreach
- Service coordination, systems support for activities to create regional partnerships
- Prevention and shelter diversion to permanent housing
- Interim shelter
- Last week the governor announced pausing the funding for HHAP, although project contracts have already been signed in the county. A stakeholder meeting will be held to discuss these issues.
- Based on the state’s data. There are 3,816 people experiencing homlessness, 2,171 people who are unsheltered, and 823 who are sheltered.
- They expect a 20% increase in people experiencing homelessness, although more people will receive access to housing services. There is a decrease in outreach because there are not enough rooms.
- Supervisor Valero recommended a partnership with Open Gate.
- Approved
- There were no board matter requests
Public Comment
- Tammy Weyker-Adkins, Chief of Staff, said she is resigning at the end of the month due to relocating out of state. She thanked the board and staff for her career.
The meeting adjourned to a closed session.
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