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HEALTH SERVICES AGENCY - Executive Director Jayme Bottke
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Requested Action(s)
recommendation
a) RESOLUTION - Request adoption of a resolution authorizing the County of Tehama to submit a joint application with Pacific West Communities, Inc. to participate in the Homekey+ Program and to accept the Homekey+ Program funds up to the amount authorized by the Guidelines and applicable state law; and further authorization for the Executive Director to act on behalf of the County by signing the necessary documents in connection with the application and award of Homekey+ Program funds for The Bluffs Community Housing, a Permanent Supportive Housing Project
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Financial Impact:
There is no impact to the general fund. The Tehama County Health Services Agency is a Co-Applicant for funding. The developer, Pacific West Communities, Inc., would receive or draw down on any funds directly with the State Department of Housing and Community Development, Homekey+ Program.
Background Information:
The Homekey+ program is administered by the State Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). On November 26, 2024, HCD released a Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for approximately $2.145 billion of Homekey+ grant funding. The Homekey+ Program is part of Proposition 1, passed by California voters in March 2024. It is considered a critical step in advancing the state’s goals to reduce homelessness and protect our most vulnerable populations through the support of the development of Permanent Supportive Housing. This program provides funding for housing that serves individuals with mental health or substance use disorder challenges who are at risk of or experiencing homelessness.
Permanent supportive housing is affordable, long-term, multi-family housing that serves homeless persons with serious mental health disabilities. The housing is linked with supportive services that are volunteer-based and provided on-site and off-site by the Tehama County Health Services Agency-Behavioral Health (TCHSA-BH) and other community-based service providers. The services are designed to assist the supportive housing tenant in retaining housing, improving his or her health, and increasing the person’s self-sufficiency. Permanent Supportive Housing reduces the demand for services from first responders, emergency rooms, and the police.
The Bluffs Community Housing Background and Overview
No Place Like Home (NPLH)-Round 4 Award
On December 21, 2021, the Board of Supervisors approved Resolution No. 2021-142, which authorized submitting a No Place Like Home-Round 4 application to HCD for the Bluffs Community Housing project. On June 28, 2022, HCD awarded funds to support the project's fifteen (15) NPLH units ($2,721,998). The NPLH program provides financing for the development of Permanent Supportive Housing for persons who require mental health services and are either homeless, chronically homeless, or are at risk of chronic homelessness.
Pacific West Communities, Inc. (PWC) proposes to develop Bluffs Community Housing, a 41-unit affordable housing complex that will serve extremely low-income homeless adults 18 years or older. Fifteen (15) of the units will be reserved for No Place Like Home (NPLH) tenants. The developer proposes stacking the Homekey+ supportive housing funds onto the 15 NPLH units (similar target population) and reserving an additional eleven (11) units for Homekey+ tenants, totaling 26 units. The balance of the units, fourteen (14) will be available for homeless adults, and one (1) unit will be reserved for the on-site resident manager. The project site is located on the southeast corner of Vista Way and Southridge Drive in Red Bluff (APN 035-022-015). The 1.84-acre parcel is near public transportation, grocery stores, services, and a pharmacy.
The Bluffs Community Housing will be newly constructed apartments in one three-story residential building with an elevator and a community building. The type of construction will be a wood frame supported by perimeter foundations. The exterior will combine vinyl lap and shake siding with Class A composite roof shingles. Architectural accents will be incorporated, providing an aesthetically appealing exterior that blends with the character of the surrounding neighborhood and the City of Red Bluff.
The building will be oriented appropriately throughout the site to create a community concept for residents to enjoy while remaining social and active. Outdoor amenities include a covered picnic area with barbeques, a designated smoking area that is covered, bicycle lockers, a community garden with raised planter beds, a fenced dog park, and a covered seating area. The development will include a large community building (approximately 1,394 sq. ft.) with accessible common spaces, including office space, exercise room, case management offices, and a community room with a common kitchen. The Project will contain one laundry room per floor and multipurpose rooms on the second and third floor, totaling approximately 1,207 sq. ft. An on-site resident manager will provide assistance and management while residing in a two-bedroom unit.
The unit mix will be thirty-five (35) one-bedroom units (est. 607 sq. ft.) and six (6) two-bedroom units (est. 799 gross sq. ft.). Within the units, tenants will enjoy standard features such as refrigerators, exhaust fans, and ranges with ovens. All the units are fully accessible or easily adaptable to meet the needs of the tenants. Approximately 36 parking spaces will be available, with 4 being ADA-accessible spaces.
Key security features of the apartment complex include a 6’ fence that will be installed along the property’s boundary. Entrance and exit to the apartment complex may only be gained from Southridge Drive. Tenants will utilize a card/keypad to access a security gate, and a security camera system will be installed to cover the entrance to the site, building, and other areas of concern.
Supportive Services
Tehama County Health Services Agency-Behavioral Health (TCHSA-BH) is the Lead Service Provider and will provide on-site and off-site support for the No Place Like Home and Homekey+ supportive housing tenants. The types of services provided will include, but not be limited to, the following:
• Case Management with individual service plans
• Peer support activities
• Mental health care
• Substance use services
• Support in linking to Physical Health Care
• Benefits counseling and advocacy
• Basic housing retention skills
• Services for persons with co-occurring mental & physical disabilities
• Services for persons with co-occurring mental and substance use disorders
• Recreational and social activities
• Educational services
• Employment services
Project Timeline (Subject to Change)
§ February/March 2025 HOME Funds Award
§ Summer of 2025 Homekey+ Award
§ Winter of 2025, begin construction
§ Winter of 2027, complete construction and 100% rent up