VOLUNTEER

The California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs) Housing Support Program (HSP) was established to combat homelessness among CalWORKs recipients. It's designed to help families secure stable housing and is a collaboration between county welfare departments and local housing providers.

Here's a general overview of how an agency might get paid for participating in the CalWORKs Housing Support Program:

• Funding Allocation: Every fiscal year, the California State Budget appropriates funds for the CalWORKs HSP. These funds are then distributed among counties based on specific allocation methodologies that consider factors like the local homeless population and the number of CalWORKs families.

• County Contracts: Once counties receive state funds for the HSP, they contract with local agencies, service providers, or housing entities to deliver the needed services. These contracts detail payment terms, service expectations, and other specifics.

• Service Provision: Depending on the agency's role, they might assist in various ways, such as case management, rental assistance, security deposits, utility payments, and even helping with moving costs.

• Billing & Reimbursement: After providing services, agencies submit billing or reimbursement requests to the county, detailing the services rendered and associated costs. The documentation required can vary by county and contract specifics.

• Regular Reporting: Agencies are often required to submit regular reports to the county detailing the services provided, the number of families served, outcomes achieved, and other relevant data. These reports ensure transparency, compliance with the program's goals, and can influence payment processing.

• Contract Renewal: Depending on the success and efficiency of the agency in providing services and the ongoing needs of the county, contracts can be renewed annually or upon expiration, ensuring continuous funding for the agency.

For agencies looking to participate or those already involved in the CalWORKs HSP, it's crucial to:

• Understand the terms and conditions of their contracts with the county.

• Keep meticulous records of services provided and expenses incurred.

• Stay updated with any changes in state or county guidelines regarding the HSP.

Finally, while the general process is relatively consistent, the specific procedures, documentation requirements, and payment timelines might vary by county. Agencies should always refer to their specific contractual agreements and maintain regular communication with county representatives to ensure smooth operations and timely payments.