Committee backs amendment adding 28 subsidies to Homeless Prenatal Program’s rapid‑rehousing grant, extending term to 2029

The Budget and Finance Committee on May 7 voted to forward to the full Board of Supervisors a resolution authorizing the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing (HSH) to execute a second amendment to its grant with the Homeless Prenatal Program for the Supportive Housing Assistance and Readiness (SHARE) family rapid‑rehousing program.

Emily Cohen of HSH said the amendment would extend the grant term through June 30, 2029, maintain funding for 32 ongoing rental subsidies and add funding for 28 additional one‑time subsidy slots, bringing the total number of families served to 60. The department said families may receive rental assistance for up to five years under the Safer Families Plan; the grant is 100% funded by Proposition C revenues. HSH described program services as housing location assistance, landlord liaison, subsidy administration and ongoing supportive services.

HSH staff said the provider generally meets service and outcome objectives but noted one metric — average time between referral and move‑in — exceeded the target: the goal is 75 days or less and the Homeless Prenatal Program averaged 93 days, a result the department said was comparable with peer providers. HSH reported that in fiscal year 2023–24 the program served 39 households (143 individuals, including 81 children), and that 20 of 21 families who left the program during the year exited to permanent housing.

A speaker from Homeless Prenatal Program during public comment emphasized that the program combines rental assistance with intensive case management covering childcare, workforce development, mental‑health supports and financial management to improve long‑term housing stability. The committee voted 3‑0 to forward the amended grant agreement to the full board with a positive recommendation.