AB 604

Pay for performance grant requirements

Under current law, the Department of Administration administers a number

of grant programs having the purpose of alleviating homelessness. This bill

establishes “pay for performance” requirements for certain grants issued under

those programs, which the bill terms “eligible grants.” For each eligible grant, DOA

must withhold between 10 and 50 percent of the amount of the eligible grant for at

least six months after the award. DOA may then pay the amount withheld to the

grant recipient only if the grant recipient demonstrates that it has met one or more

of the following performance objectives:

1. Increase the number of homeless individuals and families securing

permanent housing.

2. Increase the number of homeless individuals securing part-time or full-time

employment.

3. Reduce the number of homeless individuals and families returning to

homelessness after participation in programs offered by the grant recipient.

Structured camping facilities

This bill authorizes DOA to designate any public property for use as a

“structured camping facility,” at which DOA may assign a homeless individual or

family a specific location for the purpose of allowing the individual or family to set

up temporary residence at the facility. DOA may allow homeless individuals and

families assigned to a structured camping facility to bring camping equipment and

other personal items onto the facility. Additionally, DOA must provide for public

safety at structured camping facilities and must ensure that potable water and

adequate sanitary facilities are available at each facility.

The bill prohibits the setting up of a temporary residence on public property

that is not designated for recreational camping or as a structured camping facility

under the bill. A person who violates the prohibition is guilty of a Class C

misdemeanor and may be subject to a fine of not more than $500, imprisonment for

not more than 30 days, or both.

Finally, under the bill, DOA may condition a homeless individual's or family's

temporary residence at a structured camping facility on the completion of mental

health or substance use evaluations, and DOA may expel individuals who fail to

comply with department instructions.

Housing navigator grants

This bill requires DOA to provide grants to continuum of care organizations for

hiring housing navigators to engage in activities that include the following:

1. Acting as a liaison with landlords, rental property managers, and homeless

assistance programs.

2. Recruiting new landlords.

3. Identifying affordable housing for program participants.