Santa Clara County Extends Homeless Services Contract Amidst Controversy Santa Clara County officials have made the decision to temporarily extend the contract for homeless support services, despite concerns regarding allegations of discrimination by the nonprofit provider. The Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a three-month, $2 million contract extension with HomeFirst, the homeless service provider responsible for operating the Boccardo Reception Center in San Jose and the Sunnyvale Family Shelter. However, this extension has been met with controversy, as advocates expressed their dissatisfaction with HomeFirst during the public comment period. They called for the county to divest from the organization and launch an investigation into the allegations of discrimination within the organization. The controversy stems from a recent incident involving a homeless Black woman who was removed from the Sunnyvale Family Shelter by the police in mid-November and subsequently banned from all HomeFirst shelters due to an alleged assault. Raj Jayadev, the co-founder of Silicon Valley De-Bug, an organization dedicated to criminal justice reform, economic justice, and housing rights, criticized the escalation of the situation and deemed the ban unwarranted. He urged the county to conduct an independent review or investigation of HomeFirst. In response to the concerns raised, HomeFirst Chief Operations Officer Rene Ramirez clarified that the commenters were misinformed about the specifics of the situation. He emphasized that race did not play a role in how the woman was treated. Ramirez also mentioned that the woman filed an appeal with HomeFirst to overturn the ban on the same day as the public comment. The ban was subsequently lifted. Despite the controversy, the Board of Supervisors clarified that the contract extension is necessary to allow county officials to explore other potential homeless service providers. It also provides the county with additional time to review its contract with HomeFirst. County policy mandates a review of third-party contracts after a five-year period, during which proposals from other potential vendors are considered. The county issued a request for qualified providers in August and invited them to submit bids in November. The deadline for these proposals is January 12, 2024. County Executive James Williams stated that supervisors requested a report on HomeFirst’s handling of the discrimination allegations before the January deadline. Supervisor Otto Lee emphasized the importance of treating all clients with dignity and respect. He highlighted the need for provider selection to be client-centered and compassionate. The call for divestment from HomeFirst comes following scrutiny from officials in San Jose and Sunnyvale. In October, the local NAACP alleged discrimination in HomeFirst’s termination of five employees at the Sunnyvale Family Shelter. Rev. Jethroe Moore II, president of NAACP San Jose/Silicon Valley, criticized HomeFirst, stating that they are not helping the system but rather clogging it. As the situation evolves, it is essential for Santa Clara County to address the concerns raised by advocates and thoroughly investigate the allegations of discrimination within HomeFirst. The county must ensure that all clients receive the necessary support, compassion, and respect they deserve. By undertaking a transparent and comprehensive review, the county can make informed decisions that prioritize the well-being of the homeless population and foster a more equitable and inclusive approach to addressing homelessness in the region.