The Sierra County Board of Supervisors approved an agreement to provide Whole Person Care grant funds to the Plumas Crisis Intervention & Resource Center (PCIRC) to support housing, case management and related wraparound services for Sierra County residents with serious mental health needs.

Behavioral Health Director Sherry Prince McMillan said the statewide Whole Person Care program ended in 2024, but the state allowed some jurisdictions an extension of funds through 2027. Sierra County’s behavioral health department proposed partnering with PCIRC — an existing provider in Plumas County that also serves Sierra residents — rather than creating a new local program.

McMillan told the board the funds would pay case managers and support services already provided by PCIRC, and that the contract would enable continued transitional housing, rental assistance and job support for eligible residents. "This would just fund the program we already have," she said, explaining the county’s goal of using funds to expand assistance rather than return money to the state.

Supervisors asked whether Sierra County residents currently access PCIRC services; staff said the agency has assisted Sierra County clients through tiny-home transitional housing and rental assistance, and that the agreement anticipates PCIRC reestablishing more local presence in Sierra County.

The board voted to approve the agreement and authorized the behavioral health director to execute related grant paperwork on behalf of the county.