Task force hears HAP‑6 update, warming‑center gains and new transitional‑rent benefit

Tulare County staff updated the task force that a revised HAP‑6 application (submitted jointly with KTHA and Kings County) remains pending and that, if awarded, funds would not realistically be available in the current fiscal year. Staff outlined contracting steps if the county is awarded a letter of award: Board of Supervisors acceptance, grant agreements and potential union-notice requirements under AB 339 that could add roughly 45 days to contracting timelines.

Partners reported front-line service results. Cisco (faith-based warming-center representative) said the low-barrier emergency shelter recorded 100 unduplicated clients and 304 services during the December period; from December through January 33 new HIMS clients entered services, and in 17 days of February the site logged 138 unduplicated check-ins and an average nightly census of 60–70 people with some nights exceeding 70. Cisco described the warming-center as an important outreach and engagement point that often leads people to the navigation center and other services.

Separately, county behavioral-health partners described a new transitional‑rent benefit that will pay up to six months of rent for people experiencing homelessness who are engaged in the county behavioral-health system; managed‑care plans have contracted with a single local provider and referrals will flow through Tulare County Behavioral Health. Staff said more details and a fuller presentation on the benefit are planned later in the year.

What’s next: if HAP‑6 award occurs, staff will seek Board permission to accept the award and then execute grant agreements; distribution of funds to partners will follow after contracting and any statutorily required notices.