Subject:
Title
Service Area Competition grant application for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources Services Administration for the Health Care for the Homeless program.
label
Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval of the Service Area Competition grant application for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and delegation of authority to the Human Services Department Director to serve as the Authorized Organizational Representative role to administer the grant through HRSA’s grant management system, the Electronic Handbook (EHB).
Also included for approval is the Health Care for the Homeless Co-Applicant Board Roster.
• The next four-year grant period of federal funding supports the County’s Health Care for the Homeless program for a project period starting March 1, 2026, through February 28, 2030.
• Federal funding in the amount of $1,926,977.00 annually 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.
• HRSA’s EHB is the grant management system utilized to submit applications, reporting and any changes to the grant. Delegating Authority to the Human Services Director allows for administering the grant activities in the federal system and has no impact on funding received.
• While no cash match is required, the County anticipates applying non-federal funds to the program totaling approximately $4,237,136.00.
• Funding for this grant was anticipated and is budgeted in the Fiscal Year 2026 Adopted Budget in the General Fund portion of the Department of Human Services.
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:
Summary
This application 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. Applications are due for submission by October 29, 2025.
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 2024, the program provided basic health care services on the Mobile Medical Unit (MMU) and at Bayside Health Clinic to 2,311 homeless patients. According to the 2024 UDS Report, the majority (93%) of these clients have an income at or below 100% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).
The HCH Co-Applicant Board maintains shared oversight and authority of the HCH program as defined in the Co-Applicant Agreement, last approved on May 21, 2024. The Co-Applicant Board will review and approve the grant application submission on October 14, 2025.
Background Information:
A SAC application is a request for federal financial assistance to continue support of comprehensive primary health care services in a service area currently served by a health center program grantee whose project period is ending in FY 2026.
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 2024, the County served 2,311 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:
The grant award for the current budget period is $1,926,977.00 in federal funds. While no cash match is required, the County anticipates applying non-federal funds to the program totaling approximately $4,237,136.00. This grant is included in the FY26 Proposed 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
Operation PAR
Directions for Living
Attachments:
Intent to Apply Approval
Grants.Gov Application Preview
HCH Co-Applicant Board Roster
HCH Co-Applicant Board Application Portfolio