Adopt resolution in support of Friends of the Mission’s funding application to the California Department of Health Care Services for the Behavioral Health Continuum Infrastructure Program Round 3 for the Walter’s House Residential Treatment Program and authorize the Interim County Administrator and Alcohol and Other Drug Administrator, or designee, to submit letters of support for the program. (No general fund impact) (Sullivan)

The California Department of Healthcare Services (DHCS) was authorized through 2021 legislation to establish the Behavioral Health Continuum Infrastructure Program (BHCIP) and award $2.2 billion statewide to construct, acquire, and expand properties and invest in mobile crisis infrastructure related to behavioral health. DHCS is releasing these funds through six grant rounds targeting various gaps in the state’s behavioral health facility infrastructure. This is the third round, and through it, DHCS will award $518.5 million for “launch ready” behavioral health infrastructure projects serving Medicaid beneficiaries. Projects are considered launch ready if they have clear control of the property, required permits and licensure, preliminary construction plans, construction timeline, capacity to meet funding match requirements, and approval and engagement from the community. Proof of support from the County Board of Supervisors is required, as are letters from the County’s Behavioral Health Agency indicating that the nonprofit or private applicant will have a contract in place to ensure the provision of Medi-Cal services once the financed facility’s expansion or construction is complete.
 
Friends of the Mission is a nonprofit public benefit corporation founded to support the Yolo County Wayfarer Center, now doing business as Fourth and Hope (“Fourth and Hope”). Friends of the Mission is submitting a BHCIP launch ready funding application for Walter’s House Residential Treatment Program’s relocation to the new East Beamer Way project, for which Fourth and Hope will be the service provider.  This is the third phase of the East Beamer Way project and funding received from this grant would allow for the construction of the new 60-bed Walter’s House Residential Treatment Program.  The current Walter’s House program is a 44-bed facility, so in addition to creating a comprehensive campus at East Beamer Way with the 100-bed emergency shelter and 61 permanent supportive housing units, the construction of the new Walter’s House would expand the availability of much needed, local residential treatment beds for Yolo County beneficiaries.  Staff recommends that the Board of Supervisors adopt a resolution in support of Friends of the Mission’s funding application and authorize the Interim County Administrator and Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) Administrator to submit letters of support as required for the application.