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Burke County DSS seeks to use state'allocated "essential services" dollars to repair veteran''s unsafe home; bid process extended
Summary
Social services staff asked commissioners to allow use of adult essential services funds distributed after the September storm to repair or replace a veteran's damaged home that is now uninhabitable, describing urgent safety risks and limited alternate funding; procurement deadline for the project was extended.
Burke County Department of Social Services told the Board of Commissioners on Monday it is asking the county to approve use of state-provided adult essential services funds to address an urgent housing and safety issue for a long-time county resident and veteran.
Brett Porter, social work supervisor, said the county received $131,444 in adult-services essential service funds from the state after the Sept. 28 storm and has used the money to assist adults under four eligible service codes: Adult Protective Services evaluation (202), adult services planning and mobilization (204), guardianship (107) and contracted guardianship (111). Porter said this type of funding is rare in adult services and can be used for housing supports, repairs, appliances, utilities and personal-care items.
Porter and social worker Tiffany Breeden described one case involving a 64-year-old veteran, identified in the meeting as Mr. Williams, whose home suffered storm damage and additional structural decline. Breeden said Mr. Williams is living in a towable camper provided by the VA but remains at risk because the camper relies on small propane tanks and an extension cord for electricity. Breeden said contractors assessed the house as beyond reasonable repair, the VA has exhausted its housing options for him, FEMA denied assistance and there is limited contractor capacity locally because of storm-related demand.
"He has to show he is looking for sustainable housing to continue using the camper," Breeden said. She described floor collapse inside the home and declining structural supports, and said volunteers could not safely salvage items during a cleanout because of the hazard.
Porter said the county had received one bid for repairs before the original April 30 deadline; following county procurement policy the bidding period was extended 10 days to encourage participation. He asked the board to consider using the remaining essential funds for this type of individual casework, arguing the funds were intended to be spent to help adults affected by the storm.
Commissioners discussed timelines and the fact the state had recently provided an additional $20,000 for these purposes. Several commissioners said using the state funds now avoids returning the money to the state or allowing it to be reallocated elsewhere.
The board agreed to move the item to the consent agenda so staff can proceed under county procurement rules; no final appropriation was recorded at the pre-agenda meeting.
