TO: Board of Supervisors
FROM: Jennifer Yasumoto, Director of Health and Human Services Agency
REPORT BY: Jennifer Ivancie, Staff Services Analyst
SUBJECT: Agreement No. 270210B with Community Health Initiative
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RECOMMENDATION
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Approve and authorize Agreement No. 270210B with Community Health Initiative for a contract maximum of $40,000 for the term November 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027 to provide targeted CalFresh outreach and retention services to Napa County residents impacted by reinstated CalFresh Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents work requirements. (Fiscal Impact: $40,000 Expense; Budgeted; Not General Fund)
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BACKGROUND
Effective June 1, 2026, federal rule changes enacted under H.R. 1 ended the statewide waiver for the CalFresh Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) time limit. Consequently, Napa County residents aged 18-64 who are classified as ABAWD are now strictly limited to receiving only three months of CalFresh benefits within a 36-month period, unless they meet the work/volunteer requirements or qualify for an exemption.
This policy change creates a risk of benefit loss for vulnerable local residents who may be unaware of the tracking rules or how to comply. To prevent significant case churn and protect food security, proactive community-based outreach is required to engage individuals subject to ABAWD requirements, guide them through reporting compliance or exempt status, and maintain enrollment in the program.
While HHSA is able to support CalFresh recipients, the goal is to supplement our outreach by contracting with Community Health Initiative (CHI). CHI will conduct targeted phone and on-site CalFresh outreach and retention services focusing specifically on households impacted by the reinstated federal ABAWD work requirements, outreach to individuals at risk of hitting their 3-month benefit time limit, or have been discontinued from benefits. Services include verifying contact information, educating clients on mainta...
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