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HP Contigo program reports thousands served, $14,186 spent so far; council discusses reimbursement model
Summary
Staff and program representatives told the council HP Contigo has helped thousands through outreach, food distribution and legal referrals; the program has expended $14,186 of an approved $150,000 and councilmembers discussed whether to move from a reimbursement model to direct payments to speed assistance.
Representatives of the HP Contigo program presented a program report to the Huntington Park City Council outlining outreach, partnerships, services delivered and expenditures to date.
A program representative summarized activities including food distributions, "know your rights" workshops, clinic and hotline support and outreach to businesses. The report said the program has reached thousands of people and, to date, the city has paid $14,186 against an original $150,000 allocation. Program materials distributed include 13,000 "Know Your Rights" cards, 600 business posters and other educational collateral, and staff said volunteers and partner organizations have donated substantial in-kind time and materials.
The presentation included service metrics: the HP Contigo hotline received about 1,600 calls between July and September and about 208 calls from Oct. 27 to the present; the program reported assisting approximately 6,765 families and referring about 225 cases to other organizations. A program representative said the legal-fee line was limited by contract to support detained individuals appealing detention, which explained why legal reimbursements were relatively small.
Council members questioned the program's reimbursable spending model and whether the city should instead pay vendors or provide a direct-access fund to speed assistance to families who cannot front legal costs. One council member suggested reconvening the social impact committee to examine a reimbursement model for families who already incurred legal expenses and to explore alternative direct-payment models. Staff said the contract outlines how funds are expensed and how individuals qualify; staff also proposed that the social impact committee evaluate a reimbursement approach for past expenditures if eligible.
Councilmembers praised the program's partnerships and the ability to leverage in-kind support, and the council accepted the report as "received and filed." Any changes to the reimbursement model and additional funding or contracting approaches would return to the council or committee for further discussion.
