Community Action Partnership of Solano Joint Powers Authority (CAP Solano JPA), which coordinates Solano County’s homelessness and poverty-reduction programs, has undergone a leadership shakeup. Executive Director DeShawn Waters resigned on February 23, and program manager Michael Wilson was appointed interim executive director.
Waters stepped down amid allegations that he pushed for his former employer, Abode Services, to receive a $1.8 million contract to operate the county’s coordinated entry system for homeless services. Two members of the selection panel said he pressured them to change their scores to benefit Abode in the bidding process. Abode’s score ended up a half-point higher than that of the other finalist, the county’s current provider Caminar, and the contract was awarded to Abode.
After the allegations surfaced, the contract with Abode was placed on hold. Solano County extended Caminar’s contract for another six months while it convened a second panel to re-evaluate the applicants. The second panel also recommended selecting Abode, giving it an even higher score than the first panel. The outcome angered some community members who were satisfied with Caminar’s performance and now say they distrust the entire selection process.
Read more about the controversy at and Waters’ resignation at the Vallejo Sun.