1. SCOPE OF WORK/PURPOSE Contractorshall provide technical expertise and consultation countywide on permanentsupportive housing development, partnership engagement, funding, and opportunities to leverage Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) services and harm reduction services with integrated supportive housing. Services shall be coordinated with the County of San Diego (County) Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA), Behavioral Health Services (BHS), and operate through collaboration with mental health and substance use providers, public housing agencies, housing developers, and local government housing departments to accomplish objectives. 2. BACKGROUND INFORMATION 2.1. MHSA. The MHSA provides funding for mental health services for unserved and underserved persons with serious mental illness (SMI). Many individuals served by MHSA are homeless, at risk of homelessness, or living in unstable or inappropriate housing. Addressing the need for housing by ensuring and securing appropriate supportive housing for individuals with a mental illness has proven to be a hallmark of community-based recovery services. Supportive housing is a community-based service model that provides housing integrated with support services to help individuals experiencing homelessness with mental illness gain stability and live more productive lives. Contractor will support the Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA) transition. 2.2. No Place Like Home (NPLH). The NPLH program provides approximately $127 million to the County for the creation of permanent supportive housing units for persons who are 1) diagnosed with a SMI or serious emotional disturbance and 2) experiencing homelessness, chronic homelessness, or are “at risk of chronic homelessness,” as defined by NPLH regulations. NPLH funding will be provided through the sale of bonds, which will be paid back using MHSA funds. 2.3. Live Well San Diego Vision: The County of San Diego, Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA), supports the Live Well San Diego vision of Building Better Health, Living Safely, and Thriving. Live Well San Diego, developed by the County of San Diego, is a comprehensive, innovative regional vision that combines the efforts of partners inside and outside County government to help all residents be healthy, safe and thriving. All HHSA partners and contractors, to the extent feasible, are expected to advance this vision. Building Better Health focuses on improving the health of residents and supporting healthy choices. Living Safely seeks to ensure residents are protected from crime and abuse, neighborhoods are safe, and communities are resilient to disasters and emergencies. Thriving focuses on promoting a region in which residents can enjoy the highest quality of life. Information about Live Well San Diego can be found on the its website dedicated to the vision http://www.LiveWellSD.org. Requirements, deliverables and measurable outcomes in Exhibit A: Statement of Work that support Live Well San Diego may be found in the following sections: Section 5 2.4. A Trauma-Informed System. The County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) is committed to becoming a Trauma-Informed System as part of its effort to build a better service delivery system. All programs operated and supported by HHSA shall be part of a Trauma-Informed System, which includes providing trauma-informed services maintaining a trauma-informed workforce. It is an approach for engaging individuals – staff, clients, partners, and the community – and recognizing that trauma and chronic stress influence coping strategies and behavior. Trauma-informed systems and services minimize the risk of re-traumatizing individuals and/or families, and promote safety, self-care, and resiliency. Trauma-Informed Principles include: • Understanding trauma and its impact to individuals; • Promoting safety; • Awareness of cultural, historical, disability, and gender issues, and ensuring competence and responsiveness; • Supporting consumer empowerment, control, choice, and independence; • Sharing power and governance (e.g., including clients and staff at all levels in the development and review of policies and procedures); • Demonstrating trustworthiness and transparency; • Integrating services along the continuum of care; • Believing that establishing safe, authentic, and positive relationships can be healing; and • Understanding that wellness is possible for everyone.
