DATE:
April 9, 2024
09
TO:
Board of Supervisors
SUBJECT
Title
AUTHORIZE AMENDMENTS TO VOCATIONAL ENGLISH-AS-A-SECOND LANGUAGE CONTRACTS TO INCREASE THE CONTRACT FUNDING AMOUNTS TO PROVIDE HOUSING ASSISTANCE FOR UKRAINIANS (DISTRICTS: ALL)
Body
OVERVIEW
The County of San Diego (County) Health and Human Services Agency, Department of Homeless Solutions and Equitable Communities, Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs (HSEC-OIRA) utilizes various programs and funding to advance equity and opportunities for immigrant and refugee communities. This is accomplished by removing barriers to help achieve self-sufficiency, integrate into society, and thrive. On September 26, 2023 (5), the San Diego County Board of Supervisors (Board) authorized acceptance of Housing Assistance for Ukrainians (HAU) funding from the California Department of Social Services Refugee Programs Bureau, which is designated to provide housing and utility assistance to refugees displaced by the war in Ukraine.
HSEC-OIRA previously dedicated a portion of HAU funding into two Vocational English-as-a-Second Language (VESL) contracts. Both VESL contracts are administered by the International Rescue Committee and provide a range of supportive services to refugees. Services aim to bolster success in obtaining employment on the path to self-sufficiency. In addition, the HAU component of the VESL contracts offers critical housing and utility support for Ukrainian and non-Ukrainian eligible households who seek self-sufficiency in the San Diego County region. Today's action requests the Board authorize amendments to increase the contract funding amounts to ensure that enrollment in the HAU program is completed by the State funding deadline of September 30, 2024, and that refugees continue to receive critical support services.
Today's action supports the County vision of a just, sustainable, and resilient future for all, specifically those communities and populations in San Diego County that ha...
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