Approve fifth amendment to Agreement No. 18-55 with OLE Health dba Communicare OLE to add funding in the amount of $95,000 to Fiscal Year 2023-24 for a new contract maximum of $972,797.73, for the period of February 1, 2018 through June 30, 2024; for the provision of Housing and Disability Advocacy Program Services; and update and clarify language in the agreement. (No general fund impact) (Sullivan)

Approve fifth amendment to Agreement No. 18-55 with OLE Health dba Communicare OLE to add funding in the amount of $95,000 to Fiscal Year 2023-24 for a new contract maximum of $972,797.73, for the period of February 1, 2018 through June 30, 2024; for the provision of Housing and Disability Advocacy Program Services; and update and clarify language in the agreement. 

In August 2017, the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) requested proposals from counties for its Housing and Disability Advocacy Program (HDAP), which aims to assist individuals who are experiencing homelessness apply for disability benefit programs while also providing housing assistance.

In October 2017, the Yolo County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) submitted an application to CDSS for Housing and Disability Advocacy Program funding. HHSA’s proposed project aims to improve the overall well-being of individuals and families in Yolo County (County) with disabilities who are experiencing homelessness, by providing services that focus on four key areas, including (1) financial self-sufficiency (through access to disability income and/or workforce development), (2) housing stability, (3) physical health, and (4) behavioral health.

The project was structured as an enhancement to the General Assistance program in the County, with a contracted HDAP provider working closely with General Assistance staff to identify individuals in the target population who require assistance with securing disability income. On March 20, 2018, the County entered into Agreement No.18-55 with CommuniCare OLE to provide HDAP services. At that time, Communicare OLE was to employ one (1) Disability Benefits Advocate (1 full-time employee) to assist clients in the target population with preparing and submitting benefits claims to any appropriate disability benefits program, including but not limited to:

The Disability Benefits Advocate works with project partners to conduct screenings, assess each person’s appropriateness for disability benefits, assist with preparing and filing disability applications, assist with gathering required documentation, and ensure the timely submission of benefits claims.

This fifth amendment adds CalWORKs funding to FY 2023-24 based on utilization; and updates and clarifies language in the Agreement. Disability benefits advocacy services are also needed for CalWORKs families where a disability for any member of the household can present barriers to employment. CalWORKs staff also work closely with the provider to refer and identify families who require assistance with securing disability-based income sources.  

Performance Measures included in this Agreement are as follows:
The Performance Measures were included in the underlying Agreement and are not being revised at this time (See Att. B. Performance Measures).

County Counsel has approved this Agreement as to form.
Department of General Services, Procurement Division.

On November 9, 2017, Yolo County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) from qualified community-based organizations to provide Benefits Linkage Program services.

HHSA received two proposal(s) from this solicitation.  The proposal submitted by CommuniCare OLE was evaluated and determined to meet all the required qualifications necessary to successfully provide these services.  The Competitive Bid Process below provides a summary of the RFP evaluation criteria.

Request for Proposals (RFP) Service Requested:
Benefits Linkage Program

Evaluation Criteria Included in RFP

Bids Received