Subject:
Title
Interlocal with Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office for Case Management Services at Safe Harbor.
label
Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval and execution by the County Administrator of the Interlocal Agreement (Interlocal) with Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) for Case Management Services at Pinellas Safe Harbor (Safe Harbor) an emergency homeless shelter.
• To ensure sufficient resources following implementation of the Unauthorized Public Camping and Public Sleeping law, PCSO will employ case managers for individuals experiencing chronic homelessness. Case Managers will work with individuals to address various social determinants of health including behavioral health concerns, in the community and at Safe Harbor.
• Safe Harbor offers alternative, temporary housing for individuals experiencing homelessness in Pinellas County. Case Managers will facilitate connection to shelter, community resources, and appropriate housing opportunities through linkages with pertinent referral agencies and programs.
• The Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 budget for the Sheriff was amended on May 21, 2024 to include $60,100.00 for this Interlocal Agreement. The Sheriff’s FY25 budget request includes $225,300.00 for this program.
Body
Strategic Plan:
Ensure Public Health, Safety, and Welfare
2.2 Be a facilitator, convener, and purchaser of services for those in need
2.4 Support programs that seek to prevent and remedy the causes of homelessness and move individuals and families from homelessness to permanent housing
Deliver First Class Services to the Public and Our Customers
5.3 Ensure effective and efficient delivery of county services and support
Summary:
This Interlocal provides PCSO funding to employ two (2) Case Managers to assist individuals experiencing chronic homelessness. Case Managers will work with individuals to address various social determinants of health including behavioral health concerns, in the community and at Safe Harbor.
Background/Explanation:
Pinellas Safe Harbor opened in January 2011 as an emergency homeless shelter and a jail-diversion program designed to be a safe haven for people who are experiencing homelessness and require services to get back on their feet. Pinellas Safe Harbor is operated by the PCSO in partnership with participating cities and community-based organizations to provide men and women a safe environment while receiving support such as employment assistance, behavioral health, and housing referrals.
On March 20, 2024 the Governor signed HB1365 on Unauthorized Public Camping and Public Sleeping into law. To ensure sufficient resources are available in Pinellas, PCSO Case Managers will support homeless individuals at Safe Harbor address various social determinants of health, including behavioral health concerns, with the goal of moving individuals from homelessness to permanent housing.
Fiscal Impact:
The FY24 budget for the Sheriff was amended on May 21, 2024 to include $60,100.00 for this Interlocal Agreement. The Sheriff’s FY25 budget request includes $225,300 for this program.
Delegated Authority:
Authority for the County Administrator to sign this Interlocal is granted under (Code Section 2-62 (a)(1).
Staff Member Responsible:
Karen Yatchum, Director, Human Services
Partners:
PCSO
Attachments:
Interlocal