DATE:
August 27, 2024
16
TO:
Board of Supervisors
SUBJECT:
REASSESSING ACTIONS RELATED TO THE COMPASSIONATE EMERGENCY SOLUTIONS AND PATHWAYS TO HOUSING FOR PEOPLE EXPERIENCING HOMLESSNESS IN EAST COUNTY IN LIGHT OF FORTHCOMING ENTERPRISE-WIDE ASSESSMENT OF COUNTY PROGRAMS ON HOMELESSNESS (DISTRICTS: ALL)Title
Body
OVERVIEW
On October 19, 2021, the Board of Supervisors (Board) voted unanimously to direct County staff to take several actions included in a Board Letter entitled Compassionate Emergency Solutions and Pathways for People Experiencing Homelessness in East County to address homelessness. Based on this Board action, staff developed an Implementation Plan to collaborate with developers and community partners to identify suitable locations for emergency shelters and safe lots, create a flexible funding program to overcome housing stability barriers, enhance outreach and case management services, and improve data collection and analysis throughout the County.
A key part of this plan was the introduction of emergency shelter concepts, including sleeping cabins, safe parking, and Recreational Vehicle (RV) safe camping, with wrap-around services provided to those utilizing these facilities. These options were identified to provide immediate, compassionate solutions for individuals experiencing homelessness while addressing their long-term needs. These efforts led to the launch of the Magnolia and Bancroft Safe Parking programs in the unincorporated communities of San Diego.
Additionally, the expansion of Department of Homeless Solutions and Equitable Communities (HSEC) Regional Homeless Services saw an increase in outreach and social worker staffing positions in East County, ensuring more comprehensive support for those in need and the potential to move people into more permanent housing. HSEC also established Specialized Funding for Imminent Needs, a flexible funding program instrumental in giving staff the necessary resources to assist individua...
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