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Home My WebLink About2022-12-06; City Council; ; Update on Reducing Homelessness in Carlsbad and Continuing the Limited-Term Stay Motel Voucher ProgramCA Review _MK__ Meeting Date: To: From: Staff Contact: Subject: Dec. 6, 2022 Mayor and City Council Scott Chadwick, City Manager Mandy Mills, Housing & Homeless Services Director mandy.mills@carlsbadca.gov, 442-339-2907 Chris Shilling, Senior Program Manager chris.shilling@carlsbadca.gov, 442-339-2284 Update on Reducing Homelessness in Carlsbad and Continuing the Limited-Term Stay Motel Voucher Program District: All Recommended Actions 1.Receive an update on the city’s goal to reduce its unsheltered homeless population, covering the period from July 1– Sept. 30, 2022. 2.Adopt a resolution authorizing the continuation of the limited-term stay motel voucher program and appropriating $60,000 from the General Fund to fund the program for the remainder of fiscal year 2022-23. Executive Summary The City Council has made reducing homelessness and its effects on the community top priorities. This report presents an update on the city’s efforts to reduce homelessness in Carlsbad during the first quarter of the current fiscal year, from July 1, 2022, to Sept. 30, 2022 (Exhibit 2). In this first quarter, the city helped 18 people experiencing homelessness transition into permanent housing. This report also includes data on the limited-term stay motel voucher one-year pilot program and staff’s recommendation to continue the program and appropriate $60,000 from the General Fund to fund the program for the remainder of fiscal year 2022-23. Discussion Background In March 2021, the City Council set a goal of reducing the unsheltered homeless population in Carlsbad, among those who want help, by 50% within five years. In setting this goal, the City Council directed staff to develop a work plan to achieve a set of specific objectives over the following 12 to 18 months. The City Council also directed staff to provide quarterly progress updates. Dec. 6, 2022 Item #13 Page 1 of 24 These updates are intended to provide the City Council and the community with an opportunity to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the city’s homeless initiatives, discuss any potential concerns and make adjustments. In these updates to the City Council, staff provide information on the number of individuals experiencing homelessness in Carlsbad, performance metrics and outcomes, updates on the approved work plan and current program expenses. The City Council’s goal was updated in October 2022 with the approval of the city’s 5-Year Strategic Plan. The updated goal is to enhance the quality of life for everyone in Carlsbad by adopting and implementing an updated Homeless Response Plan that addresses the complex needs of individuals experiencing, or at risk of experiencing homelessness, in a compassionate and effective manner and reduces the impacts of homelessness on the community. First quarter FY 2022-2022 The city spent a total of $952,061 in support of the City Council work plan during the first quarter of FY 2022-23. Of this amount, $625,987.06 was attributed to Police Department expenses dedicated to homeless outreach. The Carlsbad Police Department temporarily reassigned one sergeant and one officer from the Homeless Outreach Team in August 2022 to conduct traffic enforcement due to the city’s declaration of a local emergency for traffic safety. Because these two HOT positions are budgeted to the Homeless Outreach Team, the salary and overtime expenses attributable to their traffic safety-related activities are included in the Police Department expenses totaling $625,987.06. The remaining $326,073.94 was spent on staff salaries for the new Housing and Homeless Services Department, contracts for social worker outreach and housing services, motel vouchers, portable toilets and trash cleanup. Additionally, this was the first quarter with expenditures for the Employment and Benefits Specialist position and the training and technical assistance funds provided to the La Posada de Guadalupe shelter. The work plan programs funded by the city interacted with 247 unique individuals experiencing homelessness during the quarter. Of these individuals, the city was able to transition: • 18 into permanent housing • 21 into shelter • 16 into temporary locations such as bridge housing and treatment programs Limited-term stay motel voucher program annual review The City Council approved a limited-term stay motel voucher one-year pilot program on Sept. 28, 2021. One objective of the pilot program was to enable lawful enforcement of the city’s unlawful camping ordinance. The city allocated $100,000 to the pilot program. This voucher program was intended for short-term stays – one evening authorized at a time – at economy hotels in Carlsbad, to provide an immediate shelter alternative to camping or sleeping on public property. The program began operating in November 2021 and was authorized for a period one year, with the expectation that progress would be reported after six months and at the end of the 12-month pilot program to determine whether the program should be modified and/or continued. At the six-month update on the motel voucher program presented to the City Council on June 7, 2022, staff reported that the short-term nature of the motel stays made it difficult to bridge Item #13 Page 2 of 24 people to shelter quickly enough, due to shelter availability and the intake process for some resources. The City Council approved adding longer stays to the program, not to exceed 30 days, in limited circumstances including households: • That have completed the intake process for shelter or residential care • With signed lease agreements with an upcoming move-in date • In possession of a Housing Choice Voucher actively looking for a rental unit • Enrolled in a rapid re-housing program actively looking for a rental unit For the remainder of the pilot program, staff authorized additional motel nights for households in these limited circumstances. To date, the program has served four clients with additional motel nights to help bridge them to permanent housing, which reflects the limited number of clients eligible for this program. Three of those four clients transitioned to permanent housing within their extended stay time periods. From the inception of the voucher program in November 2021, 61 vouchers have been issued to serve 51 households. The total cost of those motel stays was $30,911.58. A summary of the outcomes for persons issued vouchers is as follows: Households Outcome 23 Bridged to other short-term shelter (e.g., emergency shelter, other motel voucher resources, temporary housing) 13 Bridged to a more permanent housing solution (e.g., moved in with family, living facility, permanent supportive housing) 15 Declined alternatives or no resources available Based on the experience over the past year, staff have determined that both the short-term stays – one evening authorized at a time – and the longer-term stays – not to exceed 30 consecutive days – have been critical to serving the immediate needs of homeless individuals and families. Staff recommend the City Council authorize the continuation of the program. If the limited-term motel voucher program is continued, the Carlsbad Police Department would continue to operate the short-term stay component, and the Housing and Homeless Services Department would operate the longer-term stay component for clients who require additional nights to bridge to other housing. In the near term, staff estimate approximately $100,000 will be needed for the entire motel voucher program on an annual basis. Some of the original one-year pilot program funding allocation was carried forward to the current fiscal year, so only $60,000 is being requested to fund the program through the remainder of FY 2022-23 to June 30, 2023. In future fiscal years, the program will continue to be included in the normal annual budget request process for ongoing appropriation. Staff will continue to provide the City Council with updates on program operations so adjustments can continue to be made as needed. Item #13 Page 3 of 24 Options Staff provide the following options for the City Council’s consideration: 1. Approve the continuation of the limited-term stay motel voucher program. Pros • Provides short-term shelter options for people experiencing homelessness to help them stabilize and connect with long-term support to end their homelessness. • Supports the City Council’s goal of reducing the community impacts of homelessness. • Allows the Police Department to continue to enforce the city’s unlawful camping ordinance. Cons • None identified 2. Do not approve the continuation of the limited-term stay motel voucher program. Pros • None identified Cons • Reduces short-term shelter options for people experiencing homelessness to help them stabilize and connect with long-term supports to end their homelessness. • Limits the Police Department’s ability to enforce the city’s unlawful camping ordinance. Staff recommend Option 1. Fiscal Analysis An overview of fiscal year 2022-23 first quarter spending for the homelessness response goal is included in the quarterly report (Exhibit 2). The original allocation of funds toward the limited-stay motel voucher one-year pilot program was $100,000. Over the first year, $30,911.58 was expended. Although less than the $100,000 allocation was expended, a significant amount, approximately $70,000, was returned to the General Fund during the year-end budget closing process. Staff recommend appropriating $60,000 from the General Fund to fund the program for the remainder of FY 2022-23. In the near term, staff intend to request approximately $100,000 per year for the program through the annual budget request process. Currently, staff estimate that 30% of the annual funding will be used for short-term stays and 70% of the annual funding will be used for the additional nights. Next Steps With the City Council’s approval, staff will continue to operate the limited-term stay motel voucher program, providing both short-term and longer-term motel vouchers for stays not to exceed 30 days. Environmental Evaluation This action does not constitute a project as defined under the California Environmental Quality Act under Public Resources Code Section 21065 in that these actions may not cause a direct physical change in the environment or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment. Item #13 Page 4 of 24 Public Notification This item was noticed in keeping with the state's Ralph M. Brown Act and it was available for public viewing and review at least 72 hours before the scheduled meeting date. Exhibit 1. City Council resolution 2. Quarterly update on reducing homelessness, July 1-Sept. 30, 2022 Item #13 Page 5 of 24 RESOLUTION NO. 2022-278 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA, AUTHORIZING THE CONTINUATION OF THE LIMITED-TERM STAY MOTEL VOUCHER PROGRAM AND APPROPRIATING $60,000 FROM THE GENERAL FUND TO FUND THE PROGRAM OVER THE REMAINDER OF FY 2022-23 WHEREAS, unsheltered homelessness is a local, state, and national issue affecting nearly every community throughout the United States; and WHEREAS, the City of Carlsbad City Council has established reducing homelessness as a City Council priority; and WHEREAS, the 2022 annual Point-In-Time Count found a minimum of75 unsheltered individuals on a single night in Carlsbad; and WHEREAS, over a 12-month period from July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022, the City of Carlsbad funded homeless services programs that interacted with 749 unique individuals experiencing homelessness within the city; and WHEREAS, the City of Carlsbad has limited shelter options for people experiencing homelessness with the La Posada de Guadalupe Shelter providing a total of 50 congregate shelter beds for single men only; and WHEREAS, on Sept. 28, 2021, the City Council approved an ordinance limiting overnight camping when alternative shelter is reasonably available and refused by an individual; and WHEREAS, on Sept. 28, 2021, the City Council approved a limited-term stay motel voucher one year pilot program; and WHEREAS, during the one-year pilot period the city issued 61 motel vouchers to serve 51 households who used the vouchers for one-night stays or in some cases longer-term stays not exceeding 30 days; and WHEREAS, continuation of the limited-term stay motel voucher program provides short-term shelter options for people experiencing homelessness to help them stabilize and connect with long term support to end their homelessness; and WHEREAS, continuation of the limited-term stay motel voucher program supports the City Council's goal of reducing the community impacts of homelessness; and Exhibit 1 Dec. 6, 2022 Item #13 Page 6 of 24 WHEREAS, continuation of the limited-term stay motel voucher program allows the Police Department to continue to enforce the city's unlawful camping ordinance; and WHEREAS, a motel voucher program with both one-night and longer-term stays not to exceed 30 days are needed to ensure participants are connected with ongoing supports and permanent housing to end their homelessness; and WHEREAS, during FY 2021-22, $30,911.58 was expended to fund the limited-term stay motel voucher one-year pilot program; and WHEREAS, more funds will be needed in FY 2022-23 than expended in FY 2021-22 to continue the limited-term stay motel voucher program due to the need for more longer-term stays not to exceed 30 days and the greater expense of a longer-term stay; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Carlsbad, California, as follows: 1.That the above recitations are true and correct. 2.The City Manager, or designee, is authorized to continue the limited-term stay motel voucher program and appropriate $60,000 of the unassigned General Fund reserve balance to fund the program through June 30, 2023. PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED at a Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Carlsbad on the 6th day of December, 2022, by the following vote, to wit: AYES: NAYS: ABSENT: Blackburn, Bhat-Patel, Acosta, Norby. None. Hall. MATT HALL, Mayor for J.m._, FAVIOLA MEDINA, City Clerk Services Manager-t -(SEAL) Dec. 6, 2022 Item #13 Page 7 of 24 fgMJ Exhibit 2 During the first quarter of FY 2022-23, the City of Carlsbad achieved several important milestones towards its goal of reducing homelessness, which are detailed in this report. *The City Council Goal was updated following this quarter as part of the approved five-year strategic plan. City Council Goal* Reduce the homeless unsheltered population, among those who want help, by 50% within five years. Provide quarterly reports for five years or until this goal is met, whichever comes first. Dec. 6, 2022 Item #13 Page 8 of 24 QUARTERLY REPORT Reducing Homelessness {city of Carlsbad JULY 1 -SEPT. 30, 2022 SUMMARY 21 Shelter placements 247 Transitioned to permanent housing Unduplicated contacts Police calls for service Hotel voucher STAYS 2,548 Enca1mpment CLEANUPS Reducing Homelessness Q1 Report: July – Sept. 2022 ___________________________________________________________________ 2 The table below shows how data compares between each quarter, along with year-to-date data. (Staff adjusted some of the first and second quarter 2021 data to reflect additional information received since presenting the reports.) The same individual may have received more than one service and is reflected under each service category that applies to them. For example, the same individual may have received both a hotel voucher and later placed into permanent housing. Fiscal year Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 YTD Transitioned to permanent housing 2021-22 23 15 12 12 62 2022-23 18 18 Unduplicated contacts* 2021-22 253 269 309 324 749 2022-23 247 247 Police calls for service** 2021-22 1,542 2,169 2,585 2,701 8,997 2022-23 2,548 2,548 Shelter placements 2021-22 28 29 39 14 110 2022-23 21 21 Encampment cleanups 2021-22 10 7 16 17 50 2022-23 33 33 Hotel voucher stays*** 2021-22 N/A 5 17 15 37 2022-23 8 6 14 Shopping carts collected**** 2021-22 N/A 37 48 17 102 2022-23 31 31 * Some individuals experiencing homelessness were contacted in multiple quarters. The year-to-date total removes duplicate contacts. **Carlsbad Police went into the field for 2,548 calls for service in Q1 2022-23, of which 1,525 calls were in response to a specific request or complaint and 1,023 were proactive department-initiated calls for service to help carry out city goals and enforce city codes. ***This is through Nov. 15 to report on a full year of the motel voucher program. The next report will reflect through Dec. 31. ****This data was not collected until Q2 2021-22. Data by Quarter Dec. 6, 2022 Item #13 Page 9 of 24 Reducing Homelessness Q1 Report: July – Sept. 2022 ___________________________________________________________________ 3 Work plan tasks were identified to be accomplished over various stages during the FY 2021-22.* All work plan tasks have been completed within the identified timeline and budget with the exception of the last four objectives listed under the enhancement of clinical services at La Posada Emergency Shelter. Those are on track for completion in January 2023. A new work plan will be considered by the City Council after the Homeless Response Plan is updated in early 2023. Work plan timeline Employment and benefits specialist Progress on track Q1 2021 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 2022 Develop scope of work and budget for consultant services for a two-year contract Issue RFP for contract services Design program and informational materials Additional homeless outreach officers and social workers Progress on track Q1 2021 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 2022 Promote an additional sergeant to the Homeless Outreach Team Recruit for two new Homeless Outreach Team officers Create roles/responsibility and deployment model for enhanced Homeless Outreach Team Develop and provide necessary training for new Homeless Outreach Team members Identify metrics for data collection Partner with social workers from the County of San Diego’s contracts with the North County Homeless Pilot Program and PATH Enhancing clinical services at La Posada Emergency Shelter Progress on track Q1 2021 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 2022 Develop scope of work for expanded consultant services to include two licensed clinicians and additional training for staff Research and analyze best practice emergency shelter programs Design new program rules, expectations and outcomes Develop a training schedule, courses, programs and completion timeline Re-evaluate the program practices, as necessary Limited-term Stay Emergency Hotel Voucher Pilot Program Progress on track Q1 2021 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 2022 Identify and partner with hotel/motel vendors Develop pilot program rules, policies and expectations Train Homeless Outreach Team Officers and social workers Prepare public informational materials Develop and implement a tracking system to assess program efficacy Provide a report to the City Council (after first six months and following the 12-month program) to determine if the program should be continued and/or modified Develop and implement a contract with the Humane Society FY 2021/22 Work Plan Progress Dec. 6, 2022 Item #13 Page 10 of 24 Reducing Homelessness Q1 Report: July – Sept. 2022 ___________________________________________________________________ 4 Work plan progress continued Community Resource Center services Progress on track Q1 2021 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 2022 Contract with the Community Resource Center Develop scope of work for services Two-year contract with three, one-year extensions Revise policies and procedures based on lessons learned from year one Create a new Housing & Homeless Services Department Progress on track Q1 2021 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 2022 Create new positions (director, housing services manager and management analyst) Develop budget and purchase resources Advertise, recruit, hire the new positions La Posada de Guadalupe Facility Expansion Progress on track Q1 2021 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 2022 Work with Catholic Charities to pursue opportunities to expand the number of shelter beds within the existing facility Work with Catholic Charities to pursue opportunities to expand the existing facility to accommodate women and families Project HomeKey funds Progress on track Q1 2021 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 2022 Develop a list of potential projects that are eligible for Project HomeKey funding and develop a specific proposal for the City Council’s consideration and direction. Pursue a HomeKey funding application, if directed by the City Council *Some tasks have changed or been eliminated based on City Council direction. Dec. 6, 2022 Item #13 Page 11 of 24la la la la la la la la la la la Reducing Homelessness Q1 Report: July – Sept. 2022 ___________________________________________________________________ 5 The City Council approved $4,376,496 in general funds to support the homeless goal during fiscal year 2022- 23. This number includes carried forward encumbrances from fiscal year 2021-22. TOTAL FY22-23 BUDGET EXPENDITURES TO DATE SPENDING BY CATEGORY Expenditures Dec. 6, 2022 Item #13 Page 12 of 24 $952,061 Spent to date Portable toilets $4,906.99 $4,376,496 Total budget Urban Corps $3,424,435 Remaining (Encampment and trash cleanup) $18,942.00 Hotel vouchers $11,958.30 La Posada Shelter ---~ I ~ Interfaith Community Services ~ (Social workers) {training and technical ai;sistance) $2,156.25 Police salaries - $625,987.06 $34,840.62 ~ Community Resource Center (Rapid rehousing, other housing assistance) $107,194.33 Housing & Homeless Services salaries $146,075.78 Reducing Homelessness Q1 Report: July – Sept. 2022 ___________________________________________________________________ 6 Point in Time Count Unsheltered Data * The Point in Time Count did not take place in 2021 due to COVID-19 precautions. The City of Carlsbad took over the Point in Time Count from an outside organization starting in 2017. Carlsbad’s Homeless Population Dec. 6, 2022 Item #13 Page 13 of 24 6 ~v~d~San Diego County prior to becoming homeless ~~8% , ... Veterans 160 140 120 100 80 78 60 40 21 20 0 2011 2012 2013 19 72% Male (t) • I 0 I Female ' • e 100% Adult ,55%44+ Carlsbad began to manage 21 2014 2015 2016 2017 e e 87% White '' 13%Black ~ 38% Disability 152 75 2018 2019 2020 2022 Reducing Homelessness Q1 Report: July – Sept. 2022 ___________________________________________________________________ 7 Homeless-related calls for service Carlsbad Police officers went into the field for 2,548 calls for service, which made up 10% of all activity between July 1 to Sept. 30, 2022. Of those, 1,525 calls were in response to a specific request or complaint and 1,023 were proactive department-initiated calls for service to help carry out city goals and enforce city codes. Changes to the city’s municipal code went into effect during November 2021, so officers have been more proactive to educate and enforce new or revised restrictions on camping in public, trespassing, and drinking in public parks. PERCENTAGE OF CALLS FOR HOMELESS-RELATED SERVICES HOMELESS-RELATED STATISTICS BY CATEGORY *These are the statistics related to the homeless population compared to the general population in Carlsbad. Mental health holds refer to when a homeless individual experiencing a mental health crisis is hospitalized for 72- hour psychiatric care when they are evaluated to be a danger to themselves or others. Public Safety Dec. 6, 2022 Item #13 Page 14 of 24 Citations 10% Related to omelessness Arrests Men a hea th hold Reducing Homelessness Q1 Report: July – Sept. 2022 ___________________________________________________________________ 8 Percentage of all calls for service Fiscal year Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Homeless-related calls for service 2021-22 9% 13% 10% 11% 2022-23 10% Homeless-related arrests 2021-22 17% 18% 16% 8% 2022-23 16% Homeless-related citations 2021-22 4% 16% 18% 19% 2022-23 5% Homeless-related mental health holds 2021-22 20% 3% 9% 13% 2022-23 3% SERVICES This quarter 78% of people accepted some form of service intervention. This includes case management, assessment, care coordination, crisis intervention, program information, diversion and case planning. Dec. 6, 2022 Item #13 Page 15 of 24 7 °A Accepted services Reducing Homelessness Q1 Report: July – Sept. 2022 ___________________________________________________________________ 9 The Homeless Outreach Team officers and contract social workers provide a lot of other services in addition to clinical services. The following list displays the types of services. Some data points were not collected until Q2 2021-22 so they are shown as “N/A” in Q1 2021-22. Services accepted Fiscal year Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Information only 2021-22 N/A 328 394 306 2022-23 226 Emergency shelter referral 2021-22 N/A 53 63 46 2022-23 37 Mail delivery 2021-22 N/A 32 15 19 2022-23 8 Transportation to services 2021-22 N/A 31 17 21 2022-23 10 Police transportation 2021-22 N/A 24 58 38 2022-23 28 Substance abuse treatment 2021-22 N/A 17 21 1 2022-23 5 ID assistance 2021-22 N/A 15 18 13 2022-23 7 Permanent or bridge housing referral 2021-22 N/A 13 21 6 2022-23 1 Benefits access (medical insurance, CalFresh program, VA benefits, etc.) 2021-22 N/A 12 18 10 2022-23 9 Dec. 6, 2022 Item #13 Page 16 of 24 • ~ I , il Reducing Homelessness Q1 Report: July – Sept. 2022 ___________________________________________________________________ 10 Services accepted Fiscal year Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Other (appointment coordination, blankets, etc.) 2021-22 N/A 12 96 204 2022-23 11 Food assistance 2021-22 N/A 11 6 8 2022-23 3 Hospital transport 2021-22 N/A 9 12 5 2022-23 3 Referrals to mental & physical health care 2021-22 N/A 8 17 2 2022-23 5 Personal needs assistance (clothing, phone, prescriptions, etc.) 2021-22 N/A 5 25 5 2022-23 5 Reunification travel assistance 2021-22 N/A 5 15 1 2022-23 1 TOTAL 2021-22 N/A 575 796 685 2022-23 359 Dec. 6, 2022 Item #13 Page 17 of 24 ff Reducing Homelessness Q1 Report: July – Sept. 2022 ___________________________________________________________________ 11 In late Sept. 2021 the City Council approved amendments to the city’s municipal code to address public safety and quality-of-life concerns related to homelessness and public spaces. These new laws became effective Nov. 11, 2021. Changes addressed camping on public, private and open space property; obstruction of property, trespassing and disorderly conduct; and expanded the areas where open containers of alcohol are prohibited. The municipal code amendments provide police officers with adequate enforcement tools to ensure public safety and a decent quality of life for all people in Carlsbad. Police officers will continue to use their discretion to issue warnings and citations and make misdemeanor arrests. City staff will track data to gauge how the team balances the need to build rapport with the homeless community while holding them accountable and enforcing city laws. Limited-term stay motel voucher pilot program annual review As a part of establishing the amendments to the municipal code, the City Council approved a limited-term stay one-year motel voucher one-year pilot program to be able to enforce the no camping laws. Those who participate in the program will be connected to services the following morning through the Homeless Outreach Team. For those who do not want to participate in the limited-term stay motel voucher program, the city will be able to enforce its no camping laws. In the first year of the motel voucher program, a total of 51 households were assisted for a total expenditure of $30,911. Of the 51 households assisted, 36 were able to move on to other shelter, treatment or housing. If approved, the city will continue to utilize the program and report progress to the City Council so adjustments can be made as needed. Quality of life Dec. 6, 2022 Item #13 Page 18 of 24 Reducing Homelessness Q1 Report: July – Sept. 2022 ___________________________________________________________________ 12 The city recognizes homelessness is a top concern of the community and understands the importance of outreach and engagement. Below is an overview of some of the outreach efforts implemented from July 1 to Sept. 30, 2022, to help keep the community informed and engaged about the city’s efforts to reduce homelessness. 1 community presentation 3 internal focus groups 2 community newsletter updates The Housing & Homeless Services Department partnered with the Police Department to present on a panel about Carlsbad’s homeless services efforts hosted by the Rotary Club of Carlsbad. Housing & Homeless Services also held three internal focus groups with city staff from departments whose duties intersect with homelessness to gather feedback to help update the city’s Homeless Response Plan. Staff also responded to hundreds of phone calls and emails from individuals experiencing homelessness, business owners, social service providers and members of the public. Public Outreach Dec. 6, 2022 Item #13 Page 19 of 24 Reducing Homelessness Q1 Report: July – Sept. 2022 ___________________________________________________________________ 13 The City of Carlsbad believes in addressing homelessness with compassion and fairness. Here is a current list of services created to help those experiencing homelessness as well as to improve the quality of life of the community collectively. San Diego Humane Society The purpose of the San Diego Humane Society contract is to provide individuals experiencing homelessness with a safe place to temporarily board their animal when they are not able to bring them to treatment facilities or services. Staff have found this has been a primary barrier preventing people from accessing services. The contract provides short-term emergency boarding and emergency medical care for approximately 25 animals of persons experiencing homelessness – free of charge – so the individual can access care and resources. Rocket John portable restrooms and handwashing stations The Rocket John contract provides four portable restrooms and handwashing stations with routine cleaning and maintenance in the downtown Carlsbad Village area. The city first added these public bathrooms in 2017 to combat the Hepatitis A Crisis in the homeless community. During COVID-19, the city added more restrooms and handwashing stations to promote health, sanitation and 24/7 access to clean water to individuals living unsheltered. One restroom was removed due to damage and community concern and an additional restroom is in the process of being relocated. Based on continued need for access to bathrooms and sanitation there continue to be three portable restrooms with adjacent handwashing stations in our community. Community Resource Center The city continues to partner with the Community Resource Center to operate the rapid rehousing contract. The contract provides case management, security deposit support, rental assistance, landlord advocacy and financial education. The Community Resource Center enrolled 24 new clients to their program this quarter and placed 16 households into permanent housing. They have also received a contract from the city to provide an employment and benefits specialist. The specialist was also onboarded this quarter and has now started to serve clients by helping them connect to entitlement benefits and employment opportunities. Interfaith Community Services Interfaith Community Services is the current outreach and case management contractor for the City of Carlsbad. Interfaith provides two licensed or master’s level clinicians and one part-time licensed program manager. They provide coverage throughout the week offering outreach and case management in the field to individuals experiencing homelessness in Carlsbad. The clinicians engage, assess, plan and refer individuals to resources like housing, medical care, public benefits, mental health, substance use treatment and basic needs. During this quarter, Interfaith Community Services engaged with 178 unduplicated clients experiencing homelessness. Regional Partnerships Dec. 6, 2022 Item #13 Page 20 of 24 Reducing Homelessness Q1 Report: July – Sept. 2022 ___________________________________________________________________ 14 North County Social Workers The County of San Diego operates a North County Social Worker Pilot Program and has a contract to provide behavioral health outreach through PATH, or People Assisting the Homeless, in Carlsbad. Each program has a social worker conducting outreach to people experiencing homelessness in Carlsbad. City staff work closely with these programs and facilitate a monthly case conferencing meeting to ensure all outreach efforts are effectively administered and coordinated, so that the most complex cases are prioritized and served. Urban Corps The city contracts with Urban Corps of San Diego for trash abatement, litter and encampment cleanup related to persons experiencing homelessness. Urban Corps works very closely with Public Works and the Homeless Outreach Team, and they are responsible for responding and triaging any incoming cleanup requests based on health and safety for homelessness on city property. The contractor has the capacity to request additional staff for large encampment cleanups or major city events. Catholic Charities The Catholic Charities Diocese of San Diego operates the La Posada de Guadalupe emergency shelter in Carlsbad. The shelter has the capacity to serve 50 single men experiencing homelessness. The city provides funding for staff, operations, training and technical assistance. Additional collaborations The city collaborates with many stakeholders in the community to reduce homelessness, since it is a regional issue. Dec. 6, 2022 Item #13 Page 21 of 24 MtRACOSTA COLLEGE ~ ll. e for A ,~nc I Solutions Reg1ona Connecftnt Nonft COi.iniy ~ CARLSBAD ~ -._,- CT Cach<?l~c Charmes O F F AN <l • Tri.City Medical Center atJf..-.. ~~~~~~Task Force ---on Homelessness of oc~"' ,...... i {) ~ $ Cc;-i'"oRA'TT-1:> G Reducing Homelessness Q1 Report: July – Sept. 2022 ___________________________________________________________________ 15 Each quarter, staff include success stories of real people who were connected to community services and housing as a result of the city’s homelessness efforts. These are their stories, which they have given the city permission to share. Their names have been changed to protect their confidentiality. Meet Michelle Female, age: 66 Years homeless: 4 years Permanently housed: August 2022 In 2018, Michelle bought a new motor home she planned to permanently live in. Shortly after her travels began, it was hit head-on by a drunk driver. The accident left her severely injured and hospitalized for quite some time. After being discharged from the hospital, Michelle found herself homeless and living with a traumatic brain injury and severe pain throughout her neck and spine. A County of San Diego Social Worker connected her to disability and CalFresh food benefits and referred her to the Community Resource Center. The Community Resource Center supplied her with gas cards to help her look for housing options throughout the county. In August 2022, the Community Resource Center’s staff were able to connect Michelle to an independent living facility that she could call home. The Community Resource Center was able to help provide the deposit needed to obtain the housing. Michelle is now living in a shared room, and the Community Resource Center is providing her ongoing rental assistance through January 2023. Michelle is working with her case manager to create a budget and savings plan. What worked • When Michelle sought food and shelter following her serious injury there were social workers available in Carlsbad to assist her. • The County of San Diego social worker helped Michelle enroll in entitlement benefits to increase her income and access to food. • Through Carlsbad’s Case Conferencing collaboration, the County Social Worker was able to refer Michelle to the Community Resource Center for case management and housing assistance. • The center’s staff and Michelle worked together to find a stable Independent Living Home where she could stay. • The center utilized the Carlsbad Rapid Re-Housing Program funds to help her return to housing and continue her path to stability. Success stories Dec. 6, 2022 Item #13 Page 22 of 24 Reducing Homelessness Q1 Report: July – Sept. 2022 ___________________________________________________________________ 16 Meet John Male, age: 49 Years homeless: 3 Placed in motel program: May 2022 In April of 2021, John had been living homeless and jobless for over a year in the downtown Carlsbad Village area. Dependence on drugs impacted his decision-making process. The Homeless Outreach Team approached John on several occasions until he was open to accepting help. HOT and Interfaith social workers helped John overcome several obstacles. John went to rehab. His lifestyle had led to the development of health issues that needed to be addressed. He also sought treatment to address psychological impacts. Interfaith linked John to many of the services that helped him get back on his feet. Members of HOT and Interfaith social workers kept in regular contact with John, which held him accountable and helped to reduce his risk of relapse and a return to homelessness. John’s journey was difficult, but he persevered. He recently reported that he completed the probationary period of his new full-time job and has begun to receive full benefits. He was proud to report that his dependability and work ethic have allowed him to quickly gain increasing levels of responsibility and that it feels good to be relied upon. He is most proud that he is now providing for himself. He knows that he has more work to do, but he is proud of how far he has come. He thanks the Homeless Outreach Team and is grateful for all the services he received that helped him along the way. What worked • After consistent engagement John was willing to accept services and worked hard to stabilize his life. • Case Management: The Interfaith social workers helped John get placement in various programs to address his needs and increase his potential for success. • HOT members remained in contact with John and encouraged him. Dec. 6, 2022 Item #13 Page 23 of 24 Reducing Homelessness Q1 Report: July – Sept. 2022 ___________________________________________________________________ 17 Staff have experienced some challenges around the implementation of the City Council’s goal to reduce the homeless unsheltered population. Some of these include: Limited housing resources There is a limited number of emergency shelter and permanent supportive housing resources in North County and San Diego. Staff vacancies There have been transitions and position vacancies on the Housing & Homeless Services Department, Homeless Outreach Team and social worker team. These transitions and vacancies have caused an increase in workload on the team. New programs have been slower to implement due to these limitations. However, we remain on track with implementing the work plan. City staff have several projects on the horizon: • Based on the recommendation for the City Council during their March strategic planning discussions, city staff have been working to update the city’s Homeless Response Plan originally adopted in 2017. Staff will propose an updated Homeless Response Plan to the City Council early in 2023 and will present a new work plan for City Council consideration after City Council feedback and direction is received on the updated Homeless Response Plan. • The expansion of La Posada de Guadalupe emergency shelter is a task in the existing work plan. City staff applied for funding through the County of San Diego Capital Emergency Solutions Grant. • The 2023 annual Point-in-Time Count will take place during the early morning hours on Jan. 26, 2023. The city will be hosting and organizing the process in Carlsbad. The Point-in-Time Count requires the participation of many volunteers. City staff will share information on how to volunteer when registration is available. Overcoming challenges Upcoming work Dec. 6, 2022 Item #13 Page 24 of 24 From: To: Subject: Date: Diana A lliQill 13. UPDATE ON REDUCING HOMELESSNESS IN CARLSBAD AND CONTINUING THE LIMITED-TERM STAY MOTEL VOUCHER PROGRAM Monday, December 5, 2022 10:58:46 AM Dear City Council Members, Please continue to support funding the short term hotel vouchers by voting yes to adopt the resolution. This is an important program to reduce our homeless population. Thanks, Diana Aguirre, D3 Resident CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. REDUCING HOMELESNESS QUARTERLY REPORT July 1 –Sept. 30, 2022 Mandy Mills, Director Housing & Homeless Services Chris Shilling, Senior Program Manager Housing & Homeless Services Eric Kovanda, Lieutenant Carlsbad Police Department {city of Carlsbad Original City Council Goal Reduce the homeless unsheltered population, among those who want help, by 50%within five years. Provide quarterly reports for five years or until this goal is met, whichever comes first. HOMELESS QUARTERLY UPDATE {city of Carlsbad Revised City Council Goal Enhance the quality of life for everyone in Carlsbad by adopting and implementing an updated Homeless Response Plan that addresses the complex needs of individuals experiencing, or at risk of experiencing homelessness in a compassionate and effective manner and reduces the impacts of homelessness on the community. HOMELESS QUARTERLY UPDATE {city of Carlsbad Comprehensive plan HOMELESS QUARTERLY UPDATE SOCIAL WORKERS REGIONAL II COLLABORATION • ,_a • TEMPORARY ~ [] 'aT,' SHELTER r.~· ~ ~® ... I•~ ~ TIT I LU UPDATED LAWS • • • • CLEANING, ~ ____...,._ "" SANITATION ~ I\ I\ COMPASSIONATE { City of tt -ENFORCEMENT Carlsbad c:::c:: Approved work plan •Most Fiscal Year 2021-22 tasks completed •Training and technical assistance at La Posada Shelter underway HOMELESS QUARTERLY UPDATE FY 2021/22 Work Plan Progress Worl pf.an taslcswere identified to be .accomplished Oltefvarioosmgesdurirtgthe FY 2021-22. • All work plan tasks haw been completed wahin the identified time tine and budge( with tile exception of the la.st foor objectives listed lnller the erihancemelrt al cinic:al services at La Posada Emergency :shelter. 111ose ;;ire on track for completion in January 202:3. A new wor1c plan will be coosidered by the city C<Mml after the Homeless Response Plan is updated in early 2023. Employment ;md benefits specialist ~::;p!p"'5'11m 11ni,ir,ftlrm11tior: m11teri111.5 Additional homeless outreach officers and social workers l'Tom.<rte VI 11a~il:ion11 .erse11r.t tot~ Homtl~~ Outre11ct, Team llei:nit ror two ne-111' Hom.e.lt!.s~ ovue1u;t1 Team crfl'ic:u~ Crenerole:/t~?Dnsi~tityat1a ~loymtnt m.oad tortMenc:ta Ho~: Olttru m ~-ab_;i I traina'I& :dledu1e, cour-...1!.1, proi;niru, and mmpietton tiff'.eft Limited-term Stily Emerr,:ency Hotel Voucher Pilot Program Re:dlll;in' Hamel!:nnen Wort Pron Tim•liM Q.1 0,l: Q.3 Q.4 Q.1 0,l: Q,3 Q,4 0,1Repott:luly-Se:pt.202l ___________________ _ lltducingHomt uno,_:j Q1 Q1 0.lAeport:July-Xpt.202.2 __________________ _ {city of Carlsbad Budget report HOMELESS QUARTERLY UPDATE $4,376,496 Total budget Remaining$3,424,435 $952,061Spent to date Budget report HOMELESS QUARTERLY UPDATE Police salaries$625,987.06 Community Resource Center(Rapid rehousing, other housing assistance)$107,194.33 Housing & Homeless Services salaries$146,075.78 Portable toilets$4,906.99 Urban Corps(Encampment and trash cleanup)$18,942.00 Interfaith Community Services(Social workers)$34,840.62 Hotel vouchers$11,958.30 La Posada Shelter (training and technical assistance)$2,156.25 Q1 AT A GLANCEUnduplicated contacts Shelter placements18 Transitioned to permanent housing 21 247 EncampmentCLEANUPSSTAYS Police calls for service2,548Motel voucher 8 33 tttt tttt tttt Motel Voucher Program HOMELESS QUARTERLY UPDATE Shelter placements 51 Households 23 Transitioned to permanent housing 13YEAR IN REVIEW• ' ~ Urban Corps HOMELESS QUARTERLY UPDATE Shopping carts collected 31 Encampment cleanups 33 • Police calls for service HOMELESS QUARTERLY UPDATE 2,548 calls 1,023 officer initiated 1,525 dispatched 10% Related to homelessness {city of Carlsbad Police calls for service HOMELESS QUARTERLY UPDATE F'iscal Ql Q.2 Q3 Q4 Percentag,e, aif alll callls for serviices Year ~ 2021-22 9% 13% 10% 11% ' Homeless-related ca llls for services 2022-23 10% • 2021-22 17% 18% 16% 8% Homeless-related .arr,ests 8G 2022-23 16% n ,4% 16% 18% 19% i 2021-22 T Homeless-related citations -2022-23 5% Ct) 2021-22 20% 3% 9% 13% Homeless-related mental health holds 2022-23 3% Meet JohnJohn had been living homeless and jobless for over a year in the Village area. Dependence on drugs impacted his decision-making process.The Homeless Outreach Team engaged John until he was open to accepting help. Interfaith linked John to services that helped him get back on his feet. HOT and Interfaith Social Workers kept in regular contact with him which held him accountable and helped to reduce his risk of relapse and a return to homelessness. He recently completed the probationary period of his new full-time job and has begun to receive full benefits. HOMELESS QUARTERLY UPDATE {city of Carlsbad •After consistent engagement John was willing to accept services and worked hard to stabilize his life. •Case Management: The Interfaith Social Workers helped John get placed in various programs to address his needs and increase his potential for success. •HOT members remained in contact with John and encouraged him. HOMELESS QUARTERLY UPDATE What worked Michelle’s Story Michelle bought a new motor home she planned to live in but was hit head-on by a drunk driver. The accident left her severely injured and hospitalized. After being discharged, Michelle found herself homeless and living with a Traumatic Brain Injury and severe pain throughout her neck and spine. A County of San Diego Social Worker connected Michelle to SSDI, CalFresh, and referred her to Community Resource Center. CRC was able to connect Michelle to an Independent Living facility that she could call home. CRC was able to help provide the deposit needed to obtain the housing and limited rental assistance. Michelle is now living in a shared room and working on stability. HOMELESS QUARTERLY UPDATE •When Michelle sought food and shelter following her serious injury there were social workers available in Carlsbad to assist her. •The County of San Diego social worker helped Michelle enroll in entitlement benefits to increase her income and access to food. •Through Carlsbad’s Case Conferencing collaboration, the county social worker was able to refer Michelle to CRC for case management and housing assistance. •CRC and Michelle worked together to find a stable Independent Living Home where she could stay. •CRC utilized the Carlsbad Rapid Rehousing Program funds to help her return to housing and continue her path to stability. HOMELESS QUARTERLY UPDATE What worked HOMELESS QUARTERLY UPDATE Rapid Rehousing Program Recognition Conference Check-In Upstairs Located outside of Room 20 A SAN DIEGO convention center Update Homeless Response Plan Update work plan La Posada shelter expansion Point-in-Time Count HOMELESS QUARTERLY UPDATE Upcoming {city of Carlsbad Authorize the continuation of the limited-term stay motel voucher program and appropriate $60,000 from the general fund to fund the program for the remainder of FY 2022-23. HOMELESS QUARTERLY UPDATE Recommendation {city of Carlsbad Questions HOMELESS QUARTERLY UPDATE {city of Carlsbad