FROM:
Development Services
SUBJECT:
Title
Adoption of Homeless Solutions Action Plan
End
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Adopt Resolution 2024-101, Homelessness Solutions Action Plan and direct staff to implement strategies laid out in plan.
End
COUNCIL GOALS:
• Concentrate on Inter-governmental relations by pursuing financial participation from county, state and federal governments.
• Create and maintain a dynamic team by promoting stability and predictability by providing consistent policy direction.
DISCUSSION:
In spite of the City’s efforts to reduce homelessness by providing additional housing options to the homeless population in 2023, the 2024 Department of Housing and Urban Development Point in Time Count (“PIT”) indicated an increase in the homeless population in the City. Of the 301 individuals identified as homeless in the City, a total 41 individuals were noted in the PIT as sheltered in 2024 versus 0 sheltered in 2023. Although significant steps are being taken, including the opening of the City’s first emergency temporary housing facility, there is much to be done and a framework to guide ongoing efforts is necessary. This Homeless Solutions Action Plan intends to serve as the guide for the City’s ongoing efforts.
Homelessness Solutions Action Plan
The 2024 Homeless Action Plan builds upon the successes and insights gained from prior initiatives by focusing on enhanced coordination efforts, expanding the City’s reach of homeless services, and fostering collaborative partnerships across the community. This four-year action plan aspires to increase affordable housing options in the City, while coordinating services to offer holistic support to the homeless community, including but not limited to mental health and substance-abuse treatment, job training, and healthcare.
Utilizing real time data to monitor progress and identify gaps in the current Plan, the City would adjust its strategies to insure effective resource allocation. Implementing an action plan aimed at preventing homelessness before it starts critical to reducing the homeless population in the city.
The Plan requires accountability and reporting structure to ensure resources are effective and appropriate for the task. The Plan's success will be measured by the reduction in the number of homeless individuals and families, the efficiency of service delivery, and the ability to prevent future homelessness.
The three foundational elements of the Plan are: 1) Network Enhancements- which aim to increase the support network for the homeless community, and foster greater communication between service providers and recipients, 2) Critical Support Services and Safety- which will increase the City’s capacity for case management and care plans for recipients, and 3) Housing Capacity- which focuses on increasing the City’s supply of housing options, including permanent housing and workforce housing options.
The Plan provides a specific timeline for action. Staff will provide the City Council with updates, and any recommended changes to the Plan, on a semi-annual basis.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The proposed Homeless Solutions Action Plan aims to address and mitigate homelessness within the city through a series of targeted initiatives. The plan encompasses the development of affordable housing, enhanced support services, and coordinated efforts among various stakeholders. There is no direct or immediate fiscal impact associated with adopting this plan. However, the plan anticipates both short-term and long-term initiatives that will have specific financial impacts. Information on funding requirements and funding sources will be provided upon approval any such future initiatives.
MOTION:
Approve staff recommendation