Subject:
Title
Service Area Competition grant award from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources Services Administration for the Health Care for the Homeless program and Co-Applicant Board Bylaws.
label
Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval of the Service Area Competition grant award for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration for the Health Care for the Homeless (HCH) program and Co-Applicant Board Bylaws.
It is also recommended that the County Administrator be given delegated authority for adjustments and supplemental awards given by HRSA for this program during the grant project period.
• Grant award from HRSA provides continued support for the Pinellas HCH program for a four-year project period from March 1, 2026, through February 28, 2030.
• Federal funding in the amount of $1,926,977.00 per year supports the provision of medical, dental, and behavioral health care for individuals experiencing homelessness and receiving care at the Bayside Clinic and Mobile Medical Unit.
• The HCH Co-Applicant Board maintains shared oversight and authority of the HCH program as defined in the Co-Applicant Agreement, last approved on March 9, 2021.
• The Co-Applicant Board Bylaws were revised to reflect updates from HRSA regarding quorum requirements for meetings, the length of the upcoming grant award period, and recommendations for alternate members. These changes and recommendations are required to ensure compliance with the health center program requirements
• The Co-Applicant Board accepted the grant award and revised Bylaws on February 10, 2026.
• The County anticipates applying non-federal funds to the program totaling approximately $5,411,699.00 per year.
• Funding for this grant is included in the Fiscal Year 2026 Adopted Budget for Human Services within the General Fund. Funding for future years is dependent on approval in the annual County Operating Budget.
Body
Strategic Plan:
Healthy and Safe Communities
2.1 Improve public health.
Smart Service Delivery
4.2 Achieve and maintain a high level of customer satisfaction.
4.4 Pursue continuous improvement.
Summary:
This award for federal funding supports the County’s Health Care for the Homeless program for a four-year project period starting March 1, 2026 through February 28, 2030. The purpose of this grant program is to improve the health of the Nation’s underserved communities and vulnerable populations by assuring continued access to comprehensive, culturally competent, quality primary health care services. In 2025, the program provided basic health care services on the Mobile Medical Unit (MMU) and at Bayside Health Clinic to 2,192 homeless patients. Most of these clients have an income at or below 100% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).
The HCH Co-Applicant Board serves as the patient/community-based governing board to set health center policy for the Healthcare for the Homeless Program on behalf of the Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners. As a public center, the HCH Co-Applicant Board includes a representative majority of consumer/patient representatives, meets monthly, and fulfills all the required authorities of a governing board.
Per HRSA’s recommendations to achieve compliance, the HCH Co-Applicant Board amended and approved Bylaw changes on February 10, 2026.
Body
Background Information:
Since 1988, medical and dental care referrals have been provided to the homeless population in the County via the MMU. The MMU visits shelters, soup kitchens, drop-in centers and other locations where the homeless congregate. In April 2016, the County opened the Bayside Health Clinic located adjacent to the Safe Harbor homeless shelter. In 2025, the County served 2,192 unduplicated homeless patients through the MMU and Bayside Health Clinic. This award will allow the County to continue providing primary medical care and prevention services to homeless residents.
Fiscal Impact:
Federal funding in the amount of $1,926,977.00 per year for four years, starting March 1, 2026, through February 28, 2030. While no cash match is required, the County anticipates applying non-federal funds to the program totaling approximately $5,411,699.00. This grant is included in the FY26 Adopted Budget.
Funding for this grant is included in the FY26 Adopted Budget for Human Services within the General Fund. Funding for future years is dependent on approval in the annual County Operating Budget.
Staff Member Responsible:
Karen Yatchum, Director, Human Services
Partners:
Health Care for the Homeless Co-Applicant Board
Florida Department of Health in Pinellas County
Attachments:
Notice of Award
Service Area Competition Grant Application
Healthcare for the Homeless Co-Applicant Board Bylaws