Jefferson County commissioners approved three contracts this week to provide assistance to the homeless who are living at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds.

The county has a chronic homeless problem, and it’s grown during the COVID-19 pandemic. County officials have been searching for ways to help, and have talked with nonprofits to arrange for extra support that includes meals and supplies, as well as safety and security, for homeless residents at the county fairgrounds.

Commissioners have green-lighted three grants totaling $32,600 to a trio of Jefferson County nonprofits.

The first agreement approved Monday was a grant for Bayside Housing and Services to provide one meal a day for the homeless who are camping at the fairgrounds.

Commissioners agreed to tap the county’s general fund to give a $15,200 grant to Bayside so it can provide dinner meals to homeless at the fairgrounds.

The funding can be used for Bayside’s costs from Nov. 1 through March 31, 2021. Bayside must document its costs and submit invoices and supporting documents once a month. 

The agreement includes a provision that notes it can be increased to $30,000 with a future amendment.

Commissioners approved a separate grant agreement with Dove House.

The $4,800 grant can be used to buy supplies and sundries for eligible homeless people who are living at the county fairgrounds as temporary residents.

A third grant agreement was also approved Monday for OlyCAP.

Under the agreement, OlyCAP will handle night-monitoring services at the fairgrounds.

OlyCAP has agreed to monitor the fairgrounds from 7 p.m. to
7 a.m. seven days a week. Monitoring work done at the fairgrounds since Nov. 1 is eligible for reimbursement.

The county has agreed to spend $12,600 out of the general fund to pay for the grant, and the funding will be available to OlyCAP through March 31.