DATE:
October 19, 2021
15
TO:
Board of Supervisors
SUBJECT:TitleCOMPASSIONATE EMERGENCY SOLUTIONS AND PATHWAYS TO HOUSING FOR PEOPLE EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS IN EAST COUNTY (DISTRICT: 2)
Body
OVERVIEW
The high cost of living, the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic, and our failure to produce enough housing for our population have significantly harmed all San Diego County communities. 2 District 2 is home to some of the lowest income communities in the County, including Lemon Grove, El Cajon and Campo, all with a median household income of under $55,000, far below the County median income of $95,100. These conditions have resulted in a 79% increase in first-time homeless individuals in 2021 who need behavioral health services, sheltering, and long-term solutions in order to regain stability.
East County has the largest number of people experiencing homelessness in San Diego County outside of the City of San Diego. Although specific data is hard to come by, over 4,350 East County residents received services to prevent or end their homelessness over one year, from June 1, 2020, to May 31, 2021. This included more than 1,850 families with children. Immediate and sustained help for people experiencing homelessness is a crucial component of revitalization and the renewal of safe, thriving communities for all. There is no city government to provide emergency sheltering or related support services to homeless individuals in the unincorporated areas. Although the County is the default agency to address homelessness in these areas, historically, few resources have been deployed in unincorporated communities.
Recently, the County has taken several important steps to establish trauma-informed outreach to those living on the streets, coordinating efforts with cities and regional organizations, expanding and funding supportive services. These efforts are substantial, but more is needed to uniquely and adequately support the residents of East County. There are curre...
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