Adopt budget resolution amending the Health and Human Services Agency budget for Fiscal Year 2025-26 to reflect an increase of $102,337 to the Adult & Aging Criminal Justice Behavioral Health cost center; and approve agreement with Yolo Wayfarer Center dba Fourth and Hope in the amount of $500,000 for the period of January 1, 2026 through September 1, 2026 for the provision of Emergency Shelter beds and supportive Services for Proposition 47 (Prop 47) Connections to Care (C2C) clients. (No general fund impact) (4/5 vote required) (Morales)

Budget Resolution
On September 23, 2025, the Board of Supervisors for the County of Yolo adopted a budget for fiscal year 2025-26 for the Health and Human Services Agency (“HHSA”). During the adopted budget development process, the need to include additional Proposition 47 grant funding for fiscal year 2025-26 was not identified; as a result, these funds were not included in the adopted budget process.

For reference, on or about November 22, 2022, HHSA entered into a revenue agreement with the California Board of State and Community Corrections (agreement number BSCC 556-22), to participate in the Proposition 47 grant funding for people involved in the criminal justice system who have mental health and/or substance use disorders.

Approval of the request herein will enable HHSA to add the amount of $102,337 to the Health and Human Services Agency adopted budget for fiscal year 2025-26, and subsequently enter into a contract with Yolo Wayfarer Center for emergency shelter services.

Agreement
Proposition 47 Grant funds target a reduction in recidivism by expanding access to substance use disorder (SUD) treatment and trauma-informed intensive case management, peer support, housing, and other wrap-around supportive services for adults with a history of SUD and current or recent justice system involvement, with an emphasis on individuals experiencing homelessness. Yolo County HHSA’s Prop 47 program, Connections to CARE (Community, Assistance, Recovery, and Engagement (C2C)) aims to improve the behavioral health of participants with identified behavioral health needs through engagement in appropriate services and reduced risk/harm related to ongoing substance use; increase the self-sufficiency of participants through secured stable housing, improved income, and enrollment in health insurance; and reduce the justice system involvement for participants through prevention of further justice system involvement and diversion in which participants may have their SUD-related charge dismissed.

The target population of the Connections to CARE program includes adults with a history of SUD or Co-occurring Disorders (COD) who have had recent involvement (most recent within 3 years) with the justice system, with an emphasis on individual experiencing homelessness.

At the inception of the C2C program, it became clear that a significant number of participants were experiencing extreme homelessness, highlighting the program’s critical role in serving individuals with complex and urgent needs. Bay Area Community Services (BACS), a valued collaborator in the C2C program, provides housing services designed to promote long-term self-sufficiency by increasing participants’ income and supporting clients in securing permanent housing. This model emphasizes helping clients build income and stability as foundational steps toward sustained independence.

While many participants (particularly those who have experienced severe and chronic homelessness) are in the process of increasing their income and financial stability, this presents an important opportunity to strengthen supportive pathways to housing. Additionally, the limited availability of affordable housing in Yolo County underscores the broader community need. These insights have reinforced the importance of expanding the housing continuum of care by providing a safe, supportive space where clients can stabilize as they reintegrate into society and fully engage in C2C’s wraparound services. Establishing immediate emergency shelter beds for C2C participants represents a proactive and responsive step toward meeting this need and advancing long-term housing success.

Fourth & Hope, a trusted local nonprofit and valued partner within the Yolo County community, is well positioned to support C2C participants by providing essential services such as shelter, clothing, and nutritious meals. Through this contract, dedicated emergency shelter beds will be reserved specifically for C2C participants, ensuring they have a safe and supportive environment where they can access hygiene services, stabilize, and focus on treatment while reintegrating into employment and housing responsibilities. These services are thoughtfully designed to strengthen participant stability, deepen engagement in C2C case management, accelerate progress toward self-sufficiency, and support successful placement into stable housing.

Approval of this agreement will significantly enhance outcomes for C2C clients by reinforcing stability, encouraging meaningful participation in services, and promoting long-term housing success. Collectively, this partnership will contribute to reducing justice involvement and decreasing chronic homelessness among Yolo County residents, fostering a healthier and more resilient community.

County Counsel has approved the budget amendment as to form.
Department of Financial Services has reviewed the budget amendment.
County Counsel has approved this Agreement as to form

On December 30, 2025, the County’s then Acting Deputy Director of GSD/Manager of Procurement/County Purchasing Agent approved a single-source procurement for these critical services, ensuring timely and uninterrupted support for C2C participants. At that time, Fourth & Hope’s emergency shelter had available capacity due to funding constraints and was exploring opportunities to strengthen and refocus its service model. This agreement provided a strategic solution that both maximized existing shelter capacity and advanced Countywide program goals.

Key factors supporting this decision included:

Approval of the sole-source agreement strengthened the County’s ability to meet grant requirements and achieve program outcomes, protecting future funding opportunities. It also ensured that C2C participants had immediate access to safe shelter, enhancing their ability to engage in treatment and pursue employment. Furthermore, this partnership helped maintain full shelter operations during the winter months, providing critical stability and protection for vulnerable community members.

Performance Measures
Performance Measures associated with this Agreement are included in Attachment B, Exhibit F. Performance data has yet to be collected or analyzed. Performance data will be tracked and analyzed as specified in the Agreement.