DATE:
September 27, 2022
21
TO:
Board of Supervisors
SUBJECT: DECLARING HOMELESSNESS A PUBLIC HEALTH CRISIS (DISTRICTS: ALL)
B
OVERVIEW
A person's housing stability is inextricably linked to their health. Living on the streets is unsafe, inhumane, and causes harm to people's physical and mental health. The County of San Diego (County) has made deep investments to address homelessness and its associated public health ramifications. The County's recently created Department of Homeless Solutions and Equitable Communities (HSEC) has made great strides in a short time to address the needs of people experiencing and at-risk of homelessness. HSEC has created bold, specific, and attainable plans in the County's Framework for Ending Homelessness (Framework) as well as the County's Comprehensive Homeless Policy. These guiding documents speak to the significant actions HSEC has undertaken to provide outreach, services, and a path to permanent housing for people experiencing homelessness in the region. Additionally, virtually every department within the County's Health and Human Services Agency has programs that address the health and wellness of our unhoused community members. As a County, we are investing in behavioral health services, homeless outreach, strategic housing solutions, and working with local jurisdictions, non-profits, and businesses to tackle homelessness. The County's programs, services, goals, and investments acknowledge the intersection of homelessness and health. Formally declaring homelessness a public health crisis will advance the priority of solving homelessness with innovation and by further coalescing all County departments, local jurisdictions, community stakeholders, and resources toward the shared goal of preventing and ending homelessness.
RECOMMENDATION(S)
CHAIR NATHAN FLETCHER AND VICE CHAIR NORA VARGAS
1. Declare homelessness a public health crisis.
2. Direct the Chief Administrative Officer to:
a. Act as the lead conve...
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