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Board approves $1.21 million shared-housing contract with Madera Rescue Mission to reserve 34 beds
Summary
The Board of Supervisors approved a two-year agreement (not to exceed $1,212,576) to reserve 34 shared-housing beds at Madera Rescue Mission for behavioral-health clients; staff said funds come from Mental Health Services Act dollars transitioning to the Behavioral Health Services Act.
The Madera County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday approved a two-year agreement with Madera Rescue Mission to reserve 34 shared-housing beds for behavioral-health clients, a county official said.
County behavioral-health staff described the contract as a continuation of a partnership that began in 2018. The contract is not to exceed $1,212,576 for fiscal years 2026–28 and will reserve 34 beds: 23 for men, 10 for women dedicated to behavioral-health clients, plus 10 beds paid for by the county probation department under AB 109 obligations. Staff said the county pays $1,486 per month per bed and that bed occupancy on the clinical sides has averaged 70–100 percent.
Funding and eligibility: When asked where the money comes from, staff said the funds are drawn from Mental Health Services Act resources (transitioning July 1 to the Behavioral Health Services Act) and that state transition guidance requires dedicating approximately a third of funds to housing interventions. On eligibility requirements, staff said individuals placed in the beds are required to be sober and participate at least to a minimal degree in available programming. Board members asked whether any religious activity was mandatory; staff stated participation in religious programming is not forced and that sobriety is the stated requirement.
Board reaction and vote: Supervisors generally expressed support for the partnership; one supervisor raised questions about program components and whether pets are allowed. After discussion, a motion to approve the agreement carried in roll call, recorded as a unanimous approval (4–0).
What the contract does and does not do: The agreement preserves bed capacity for behavioral-health clients and probation-related placements, maintains regular county oversight with partner meetings, and is intended to support transition planning to more permanent housing. The board did not modify program requirements during the meeting; staff said they meet regularly with Madera Rescue Mission to review progress and exits.
Next steps: Staff will execute the agreement and continue coordination with the rescue mission and probation to manage referrals and occupancy.
