TO: Housing Commission
FROM: Jennifer Palmer, Executive Director
REPORT BY: Alex Carrasco, Staff Service Analyst
SUBJECT: California Human Development Corporation Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Budget
RECOMMENDATION
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Review California Human Development Corporation (CHDC) budget for fiscal year 2024-2025 and recommendation to Housing Authority for an agreement with CHDC for a maximum amount of $1,105,783 for the term July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025, for onsite management of the three Napa County farmworker centers known as the River Ranch Center, Mondavi Center, and Calistoga Center.
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
California Human Development Corporation (CHDC) provides onsite management services for the three farmworker centers. CHDC specializes in working with the farmworker population and has provided excellent service to the Housing Authority for the past 16 years. CHDC staff, including managers, cooks, and janitors, are onsite 24/7 to provide three meals a day, collect and record rent rolls, perform ongoing and preventative maintenance, oversee general operations (including daily janitorial services) and ensure lodgers have access to safe, welcoming and affordable housing.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION: The proposed action is not a project as defined by 14 California Code of Regulations 15378 (State CEQA Guidelines) and therefore CEQA is not applicable.
BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION
The Napa County Housing Authority has contracted with California Human Development Corporation (CHDC) for the past 16 years as they provide specialized services for farm workers and provide the most cost-effective service. The proposed contract includes an increase from prior fiscal year of 5%, reflecting operational increases in information technology, fringe benefits, and insurance, for example.
CHDC will also be providing 18,810 possible bed nights for farm workers at each of the three centers. The opening and closing schedule is:
Calistoga: Open: 07/01/24 Close: 11/24/24 Reopen: 12/29/24
Mondavi: Open 07/01/24 Close: 11/17/24 Reopen: 12/22/24
River Ranch: Open 07/01/24 Close: 12/30/24 Reopen: 02/01/25
The operating schedule ensures there is always one center open, and times the closing of two centers to the slowest month of the year (December) when demand for agricultural work is reduced and many farmworkers return home to family outside of the Napa Valley. The centers have seen a resurgence in occupancy rates after significant decreases during the COVID-19 pandemic. County staff will continue marketing efforts and collaboration with CHDC to obtain a 95% occupancy rate to maximize revenues and meet State requirements. Historically, the centers have averaged above 90% overall throughout the eleven months each one is licensed to operate, owning to the year-round demand for specialized agricultural and vineyard management labor.
CHDC has a good working relationship with County staff and local non-profits such as Cinco de Mayo, Inc./Farmworker Committee, which hosts an annual golf tournament to fundraise for on-going maintenance needs at each of the centers as well as provide for an annual holiday meal and gifts for the farmworkers.