Lake County board approves contract to keep Hamilton Haven shelter operating

The Lake County Board of Supervisors approved an agreement with Lake County Behavioral Health Services, acting as lead agency for the Lake County Continuum of Care, and Redwood Community Services to continue shelter services at Hamilton Haven, voting 5-0 to authorize the chair to sign.

Supervisor Sabatier said the agreement is written as a three-year contract but noted that "there is only, at this moment in time, enough funding for at least 1 year." He told the board the contracts were prepared and “approved by the Continuum of Care Executive Team on the 24th,” and that staff expects to submit amendments if additional funding becomes available. Sabatier described the facility at the Old Juvenile Hall as a "low barrier" shelter that follows a "Housing First" philosophy, will continue to operate 24 hours a day and provide 35 beds.

The item was offered from the consent/agenda addendum and was moved for approval by Supervisor Sabatier; a second was recorded and Chair Rasmussen called the vote. The board approved the motion with a recorded outcome of "That carries 5 0." The chair was authorized to sign the agreement. The board and staff indicated they expect future budget adjustments or amendments to extend funding for the remaining contract years if additional HAP or other funds are secured.

Next steps: staff will process the signed agreement and return any required amendments to the board for authorization if and when additional funding is obtained.