Interoffice Memorandum
DATE: November 18, 2025
TO: Mayor Jerry L. Demings and County Commissioners
FROM: Carrie Mathes, FNIGP, CFCM, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, C.P.M., Manager II, Procurement Division
CONTACT: Isabelle Klier-Graham, Manager, Mental Health and Homelessness Division
PHONE: 407-836-3187
SUBJECT: Approval of Amendment No. 7, Contract Y23-2206, The Homeless Services Drop-in Center
ACTION REQUESTED:
title
Approval of Amendment No. 7, Contract Y23-2206, The Homeless Services Drop-in Center, with Samaritan Resource Center, Inc., in the amount of $335,500, for a revised total contract amount of $1,456,458.96. ([Community and Family Services Department Mental Health and Homelessness Division] Procurement Division)
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PROCUREMENT:
This amendment will enable more families to access bridge housing and receive the critical support needed for successful transitions into permanent housing and long-term sustainability. Currently, due to budget restrictions, the agency has been limited to placing approximately 20 families for an average period of 90-120 days in bridge housing. With additional funding, the agency will be able to utilize all 30 units, increasing the number of families served to approximately 100 families in crisis per year and provide the necessary financial assistance and support to achieve housing. During the bridge housing period, case managers often identify areas where additional funding and resources are essential such as basic daily necessities, childcare expenses to help parents maintain employment, health and wellness, transportation, job training, and costly move in costs due to past barriers, among others. With the funding increase, Samaritan Resource Center can address these critical needs and barriers, helping families move from instability to stability and reducing the risk of reverting back to homelessness.
FUNDING:
Funding is available in account number 0001-062-2501-8610.
APPROVALS:
The Mental Health and Homelessness Division concurs with this recommendation.
REMARKS:
On September 22, 2022, the Board approved Sub-Recipient Agreement Y23-2206, Provision of Mental Health and Homeless Services, with Samaritan Resource Center, Inc., in the total contract award amount of $160,000 for an initial performance period from October 1, 2022 to September 30, 2023. The Agreement allows for four one-year renewal terms.
Samaritan Resource Center, Inc. provides daily drop-in essential services at its East Orange County location, along with bridge housing supported by comprehensive case management. Families and individuals experiencing homelessness may receive case management, referrals, mental health counseling, food, clothing, shower, laundry services, and coordinated support.
The bridge housing component offers vulnerable families a stable temporary environment, allowing them to transition out of homelessness while working toward permanent housing. During this period, clients receive tailored case management, employment assistance, short-term rental support, and supportive services designed to eliminate barriers to housing and self-sufficiency. Bridge housing provides the critical time needed to address challenges that may have contributed to homelessness.
With additional funding, the agency will expand its capacity to serve approximately 100 families in crisis per year and provide the necessary financial assistance and support to achieve housing stability. Case managers will continue to guide families and individuals, ensuring they are connected to appropriate resources. The SOAR (SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access and Recovery Specialist) will continue to assist clients in accessing Social Security and disability benefits, when applicable. For many families, some basic needs cannot be met without the aid of an organization. The first step to helping someone towards self-sufficiency is making sure their basic daily needs are met, while incorporating discussions, support, and planning for the next steps.
Previous contract amendments are as follows:
Amendment No. 1: Renewed contract for the period of October 1, 2023, through September 30, 2024. Increased the contract amount by $3,200, for a revised total contract amount of $163,200.
Amendment No. 2: Renewed contract for the period of October 1, 2024, through September 30, 2025. Increased contract amount by $4,896, for a revised total contract amount of $168,096.
Amendment No 3: Increased budget to add 30 hotel units for Bridge Housing, two Case Managers, and one SOAR specialist. Increased contract amount by $933,193.74, for a revised total of $1,101,289.74. Board approved on April 8, 2025.
Amendment No. 4: Renewed contract for the period of October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026. Increased contract amount by $19,669.22, for a revised total contract of $1,120,958.96.
Amendment No. 5: Allowed the parties in this agreement to update, revise, or modify the budget from time to time at the discretion of the County representative/liaison, without the need for formal amendment to the contract agreement.
Amendment No 6: Allowed an advance payment disbursement in the amount of $120,000.00, to be recouped in twelve $10,000 increments over the duration of the contract term.