Title
Recommendation to Authorize the City Manager to Execute an Agreement with Alameda Family Services to Provide Full-Time On-Site Mental Health Support at Dignity Village in an Amount Not-to-Exceed $109,031. (City Manager 10021830)
Body
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Jennifer Ott, City Manager
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The City of Alameda (City), DignityMoves and Five Keys Schools and Programs (Five Keys) received a Homekey 2 grant to construct and operate Dignity Village, a 47-unit, 61-bed interim supportive housing program for homeless individuals and unhoused transitional age youth, located at 2350 5th Street. Since opening in May 2023, Dignity Village has housed a total of 74 individuals. Five Keys provides housing navigation services, case management, facilities maintenance, and 24/7 security services. Individuals served come directly from unsheltered and congregate shelter settings, have experienced severe trauma, and often self-medicate. The need for access to immediate, on-site mental health services is acute. Despite budgeting and actively recruiting for a mental health care worker, Five Keys was unable to attract a candidate to fill the position. Alameda Family Services (AFS) staff possess the skills, experience, ability, certifications, and knowledge to provide essential services and are part of a coordinated social service provider network serving residents of Alameda.
Staff recommends City Council authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with AFS to provide a full-time, onsite therapeutic clinician to support Dignity Village residents and staff.
BACKGROUND
In November 2021, City Council approved a Memorandum of Understanding with DignityMoves and Five Keys, which ultimately led to the Homekey 2 application submission and award.
In October 2022, City Council approved a five-year service agreement with Five Keys, which included funding for a mental health care worker. In May 2023, Dignity Village opened. Upon...
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