Alameda County Behavioral Health Care Services seeks public comment on Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) Housing Program Application

Alameda County Behavioral Health Care Services seeks public comment on Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) Housing Program Application

The Alameda County Behavioral Health Care Services (BHCS) – Housing Services Office (HSO) is seeking 30-days of public comment on a proposed MHSA Housing Program application to be submitted to the California Department of Mental Health (DMH) and the California Housing Financing Agency (CalHFA). The proposed housing project – Ashland NSP – is a partnership between BHCS, Housing Consortium of the East Bay (HCEB), Hallmark Community Solutions (HCS), and Bay Area Community Services (BACS) for the acquisition and rehabilitation of 3-4 single family homes in the unincorporated area of Ashland within Alameda County. The project will operate as supported independent living for 9-12 adults with histories of homelessness and serious mental health issues. Tenants will live together in a shared housing situation with each tenant having their own room within a 3-4 bedroom house. The tenant portion of the rent will be fixed at 30% of the current Supplemental Security Income (SSI) rate or 30% of a tenant’s income whichever is higher. HCEB will own and manage the properties and BACS will provide supportive services to tenants at the housing sites. The project is scheduled for completion by the end of 2010 and will cost an estimated $1.35 - $1.8 million to complete the acquisition and rehabilitation of the properties. A proposed $1.8 -$2.4 million of MHSA Housing Program funds will be used to cover project acquisition, rehabilitation, ongoing rental subsidy and supportive services funding through a capitalized operating reserve. Program funds will be committed to the project pending approval from local and state agencies. Attached you will find a packet of documents related to the project – an overview letter, a 1-page project overview, and key sections of the application to be submitted to DMH and CalHFA. Please direct your comments, questions, and concerns related to the proposed project to:

Robert Ratner
Housing Services Director
Alameda County Behavioral Health Care Services
(510) 567-8124
rratner@acbhcs.org

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