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Agenda Item
5 25-0575 Subject: Homelessness Prevention Program Extension
From: Housing And Community Development Department
Recommendation: Adopt A Resolution Amending Resolution No. 90475 C.M.S., Which Authorized Funding For The Homeless Prevention Pilot Program Grant To Bay Area Community Services, Inc. For A Total Amount Not To Exceed Four Million Dollars ($4,000,000.00) And Grant Term Through June 30, 2026 To: (1) Extend The Grant Term To June 30, 2027; (2) Increase The Authorized Grant Amount To A Total Amount Not To Exceed Five Million Dollars ($5,000,000.00) And Allocating Previously Budgeted Funds To BACS' Homeless Prevention Pilot Program; And (3) Authorize The City Adminstrator To Accept, Appropriate, And Increase The Grant Agreement Using Any State, Federal, Local, And/Or Private Funding That Becomes Available For BACS'Homeless Prevention Pilot Program During The Term Of The Grant Agreement, Without Return To Council
My name is Mira Joseph and I’m part of the Stanford-Penn team that evaluated the Keep People Housed program. Our research found that the program’s effectiveness and was facilitated by the staff-intensive case coordination and community partnerships that are essential for reaching highly vulnerable residents, in addition to financial assistance.
Program staff play a critical role in helping households overcome application barriers like limited computer access, language gaps, and documentation challenges. Research on pandemic-era rental assistance shows that these obstacles often prevent those most in need from receiving aid. One applicant, a 66 year old Black woman, shared that program staff helped her complete the application online, despite her unfamiliarity with computers. Beyond applications, staff assist with job searches, landlord negotiations, benefits enrollment, and budgeting. 80% of interviewed applicants reported that their case coordinators helped them stay housed.
Partnerships with community-based organizations in underserved Oakland communities help the program reach those most in need. For example, East Oakland Collective referred nearly 20% of the program’s target demographic, Black men, who may not have found the program otherwise. Applicants supported by community partner were more likely to receive assistance through the program relative to other applicants, also suggesting that these organizations also play a central role in connecting families to aid.
My name is Mira Joseph and I’m part of the Stanford-Penn team that evaluated the Keep People Housed program. Our research found that the program’s effectiveness and was facilitated by the staff-intensive case coordination and community partnerships that are essential for reaching highly vulnerable residents, in addition to financial assistance.
Program staff play a critical role in helping households overcome application barriers like limited computer access, language gaps, and documentation challenges. Research on pandemic-era rental assistance shows that these obstacles often prevent those most in need from receiving aid. One applicant, a 66 year old Black woman, shared that program staff helped her complete the application online, despite her unfamiliarity with computers. Beyond applications, staff assist with job searches, landlord negotiations, benefits enrollment, and budgeting. 80% of interviewed applicants reported that their case coordinators helped them stay housed.
Partnerships with community-based organizations in underserved Oakland communities help the program reach those most in need. For example, East Oakland Collective referred nearly 20% of the program’s target demographic, Black men, who may not have found the program otherwise. Applicants supported by community partner were more likely to receive assistance through the program relative to other applicants, also suggesting that these organizations also play a central role in connecting families to aid.