HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-04-09; City Council Legislative Subcommittee; ; Windsor Pointe Advocacy Efforts Meeting Date: April 9, 2024
To: Legislative Subcommittee
From: Jason Haber, Intergovernmental Affairs Director
Staff Contact: Jason Haber, Intergovernmental Affairs Director
jason.haber@carlsbadca.gov, 442-339-2958
Subject: Windsor Pointe Advocacy Efforts
District: All
Recommended Action
Consider a referral from the Carlsbad City Council to develop regional, state and federal advocacy
strategies to advance city interests concerning the Windsor Pointe affordable housing
development, including the use of No Place Like Home operating reserve funds to provide on-site
security, funding enhanced clinical and behavioral health referral services for supportive housing
projects, developing a mechanism to allow subregional housing placement prioritizations, and
ensuring homeless veterans are not ineligible for placement in permanent supportive housing as a
result of receiving veteran benefits that exceed maximum income limits.
Discussion
Windsor Pointe is a 50-unit affordable housing project with half of the units offering a priority for
lower-income military veterans and their families, including homeless veterans, and the other half
serving people with serious mental illness who are experiencing homelessness. It has been in
operation almost two years.
Recently, concerns have been raised regarding safety in the neighborhood surrounding Windsor
Pointe. To address these concerns, the City Council approved several actions on March 12, 2024.
These actions were summarized in a letter dated March 25, 2024, addressed to the County of San
Diego Health & Human Services Agency (Exhibit 1).
Two County Supervisors, Sup. Lawson-Remer and Sup. Desmond, have each put forward
recommendations for consideration at the April 9, 2024, Board of Supervisors meeting to address
concerns regarding the Windsor Pointe project. Those agenda reports are included as Exhibits 2
and 3, respectively. Mayor Blackburn signed a letter of support on behalf of the City of Carlsbad for
several of the Supervisors’ recommendations as they are consistent with advocacy actions
approved by the City Council on March 12, 2024 (Exhibit 4).
LEGISLATIVE SUBCOMMITTEE
April 9, 2024 Item #3 Page 1 of 18
Actions approved by the City Council directed staff to work with the Legislative Subcommittee to
develop strategies to:
1. Advocate for Funding for On-Site Security:
The Council directed staff to work on a strategy to advocate for the release of operating
subsidy reserve funding by the County of San Diego to cover the costs of additional on-site
security at Windsor Pointe. Despite the county’s authorization to use these funds in the short
term, the State Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) has not
permitted expenditures to exceed the 5-year limit. Efforts are underway to schedule a
meeting with HCD representatives during an upcoming trip to Sacramento (April 17-19) to
advocate for such authorization.
This effort may be bolstered by similar advocacy efforts, which are being considered for
authorization by the San Diego County Board of Supervisors under the agenda items noted
above.
2. Advocate for Supportive Housing Funding:
Staff has been tasked with developing and implementing a legislative advocacy strategy
within 60 days to lobby for full funding of supportive housing at the state and federal levels.
Funding dynamics, particularly the depletion of authorized state funds and the current focus
on capital investments, highlight the need for ongoing support services funding. Proposed
strategies include coalition building at the regional level, submittal of a FY 2025 State Budget
letter (timed to release just following the May Budget Revise), and engagement with federal
authorities at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the
Interagency Council on Homelessness and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs during an
upcoming trip to Washington, D.C. (May 15-17).
The Mayor’s letter to County Supervisors also highlights the city’s support for a proposed
pilot program to fund and implement enhanced clinical support services for No Place Like
Home projects.
3. Advocate for Policy Changes in Homeless Housing Placement Referral Process:
These efforts would be aimed at the Regional Task Force on Homelessness and the region’s
Continuum of Care Board of Directors to initiate policy changes allowing for a local, or
subregional priority in the Coordinated Entry System referral process. Such changes also
require authorization from HCD, which has previously denied similar requests. Staff plans to
engage with the Task Force’s Executive Director, and County Supervisor Lawson-Remer, who
serves as First Vice Chair of the Continuum of Care Board, to explore viable approaches to
pursue both regionally and with the state.
Obtaining approval from HCD may require the city to participate in a regional fair housing
legal analysis to determine if implementation of a housing placement priority system would
be consistent with federal and state fair housing laws, and other applicable laws.
4. Advocate for Allowing Veteran Benefits to Exceed Maximum Income Limits
This effort would seek to address barriers to ending veteran homelessness by advocating for
veteran benefits to exceed maximum income limits for supportive housing units. The
proposed strategy includes seeking statutory changes through a state budget trailer bill to
April 9, 2024 Item #3 Page 2 of 18
either waive income limits for veterans or exclude veteran benefits from income calculations
for housing placements.
On all matters discussed above, staff and the city’s contract lobbyists intend to schedule briefings
with the city’s state and federal representatives to inform them of the city’s efforts.
The Subcommittee is requested to provide input to help city staff and consultants focus the city’s
advocacy efforts to achieve the desired outcomes.
Next Steps
Staff will incorporate input received from the Legislative Subcommittee into the advocacy
strategies to be pursued and reported back to the City Council.
Exhibits
1. March 25, 2024, Letter to County of San Diego Health & Human Services Agency
2. April 9, 2024, San Diego County Board of Supervisors Board Letter from Sup. Lawson-Remer
3. April 9, 2024, San Diego County Board of Supervisors Board Letter from Sup. Desmond
4. April 5, 2024, City of Carlsbad Letter of Support for County of San Diego Agenda Items
April 9, 2024 Item #3 Page 3 of 18
Exhibit 1
April 9, 2024 Item #3 Page 4 of 18
March 25, 2024
Eric C. McDonald, MD, MPH, FACEP
Interim Agency Director
County of San Diego Health & Human Services Agency
1600 Pacific Highway, Room 206
San Diego, CA 92101
Dear Dr. McDonald,
{city of
Carlsbad
Thank you for your letter dated March 8, 2024, regarding Windsor Pointe. As you know, on
March 12, 2024, the Carlsbad City Council received an update on the Windsor Pointe affordable housing
project and directed city staff to pursue a number of actions, both immediate and long-term, to address
current concerns with the Windsor Pointe project. I want to bring your attention to one City Council
direction action item in particular that addresses behavioral health services provided by the County of
San Diego . The Carlsbad City Council voted to formally advocate for an increase in behavioral health
services available for Windsor Pointe residents that need and want it. The table below shows all City
Council directed action items and current status:
Action Status
Working with the City Council's Legislative County Housing & Community
Subcommittee, develop and implement a strategy to Development staff have confirmed
effectively advocate for the County of San Diego to authorization to use operating reserves fo r
release operating subsidy reserve funding for this onsite security. There is still a question of
project to cover the cost of additional onsite security at the maximum allowed within a five-year
both locations. period. The City of Carlsbad will advocate
to State HCD that the first five years of
permanent supportive housing tend to
have higher needs before reaching
stabilization and those projects should be
allowed to draw a higher percentage of
operating reserves.
Bring back an amended management plan to the City City staff, Affirmed Housing and ConAm
Council on April 9, 2024, that reflects an amended property management are working to
guest policy to require visitors to sign in and sign out develop new policies to be included in a
and the presence of an onsite security gua rd for each property management plan that will be
site when appropriate staff are not available. presented to the City Council on April 9.
Collaborate with the Property Manager to strengthen City staff, Affirmed Housing and ConAm are
the protocol to divert low-level issues to onsite working on a protocol for onsite personnel
personnel. to handle low level non-public safety
issues.
City Manager's Office
1200 Carlsbad Village Drive I Carlsbad, CA 92008 I 442-339-2820 t
April 9, 2024 Item #3 Page 5 of 18
Eric C. McDonald, MD, MPH, FACEP
March 25, 2024
Page 2
Develop and implement a plan within 45 days to urge
the County of San Diego to allow new Windsor Pointe
residents housed under the No Place Like Home
funding to start with a higher level of service with the
option to move to a lower level if appropriate, rather
than starting with minimal services and adding as
needed .
Working with the city's Director of Intergovernmental
Affairs and the city's contracted lobbyists, develop and
implement a legislative advocacy strategy within 60
days to effectively lobby for supportive housing to be
fully funded at the state and federal levels to provide
adequate levels of service.
Examine participating in a regional fair housing legal
analysis to determine if implementation of a local, or
subregional (i.e. North County), priority would be
consistent with federal and state fair housing laws and
other applicable laws.
Working with the city's Director of Intergovernmental
Affairs and Legislative Subcommittee, advocate to the
Regional Task Force on Homelessness and the region's
Continuum of Care Board of Directors to make policy
changes that could provide a subregional priority in the
Coordinated Entry System referral process in certain
situations, such as when cities provide a significant
financial investment for a housing development.
Working with the city's Director of Intergovernmental
Affairs and Legislative Subcommittee, develop and
implement a strategy for the state and federal
governments to allow veteran benefits to exceed
maximum income limits for permanent supportive
housing units to remove barriers to ending veteran
homelessness.
City staff, Affirmed Housing, ConAm and
County Behavioral Health staff (BHS) are
currently in active conversations to identify
ways to deliver additional and higher levels
of support to Windsor Pointe residents.
BHS staff did recently announce that they
have approved a part time behavioral
health clinician on site at Windsor Pointe
for 20 hours per week.
This action will be pursued in conjunction
with the city's Director of
Intergovernmental Affairs and City Council
Legislative Subcommittee.
This action will be pursued by the city's
Housing & Homeless Services Department.
This action will be pursued in conjunction
with the city's Director of
Intergovernmental Affairs and City Council
Legislative Subcommittee.
This action will be pursued in conjunction
with the city's Director of
Intergovernmental Affairs and City Council
Legislative Subcommittee.
Carlsbad city staff have continued to work with all project partners to address concerns. We are
appreciative of the changes already approved by the County of San Diego such as the increase in onsite
supportive and behavioral health service hours and the ability to pay for security at both locations out of
the Capitalized Operating Subsidy Reserve. These changes will make a difference for project residents as
well as community members. City staff will continue to work with your department to ensure
appropriate treatment referrals are made based on the acuity levels of Windsor Pointe residents.
Thank you for your efforts to support collaborative solutions to ensure the safety, health and welfare of
tenants and the surrounding community. If you have any questions regarding this matter, please contact
Housing & Homeless Services Director Mandy Mills at (442) 339-2907, or mandy.mills@carlsbadca .gov.
April 9, 2024 Item #3 Page 6 of 18
Eric C. McDonald, MD, MPH, FACEP
March 25, 2024
Scott Chadwick
City Manager
cc: Sarah E. Aghassi, County of San Diego Interim Chief Administrative Officer
Courtney McDonald, County of San Diego Health & Human Services Agency Chief of Staff
Geoff Patnoe, Assistant City Manager
Cindie McMahon, City Attorney
Mickey Williams, Chief of Police
Gary Barberio, Deputy City Manager, Community Services
Mandy Mills, Housing & Homeless Services Director
TERRA LAWSON-REMER
VICE-CHAIR
SUPERVISOR, THIRD DISTRICT SAN DIEGO COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
AGENDA ITEM
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DATE: April 9, 2024 26
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBJECT
.Title SUPPORTING SAFETY AND SECURITY AT WINDSOR POINTE & FUTURE PROJECTS SUPPORTED BY NO PLACE LIKE HOME FUNDING (DISTRICTS: ALL)
..Body OVERVIEW
As a County of San Diego Supervisor, I want to ensure the County is doing everything in our
power to support the safety of all residents living in permanent supportive housing developments
especially those that are financially supported with No Place Like Home Funding, or similar
funding sources that require the County to provide on-site support services. We also want to make
sure these developments provide a healthy and safe place for residents and that they act as good
neighbors, by not reduce the quality of life for anyone living on the property, or the surrounding
neighborhood.
In one of the cities I represent, Carlsbad, is Windsor Pointe, a 50-unit affordable housing apartment
development located on two non-contiguous sites, at 965 Oak Avenue, and 3606 Harding Street,
in the Barrio neighborhood in the City of Carlsbad. This is a vital affordable housing development
for our region providing veterans and formerly homeless individuals with a home. The City of
Carlsbad provided the land through a ground lease agreement as well as $8.3 million in City
funding, while the County awarded $13 million in No Place Like Home funds to the project and
contracts with Alpha Project to provide on-site case management to the 24 No Place Like Home
residents. Since opening in the Spring of 2022, community members and residents have
consistently raised concerns about the project and its impact on safety and security in the
neighborhood. Working with the City of Carlsbad, the affordable housing developer, our County
staff and the community, progress toward resolving the concerns of Carlsbad residents is being
made.
Exhibit 2
April 9, 2024 Item #3 Page 7 of 18
SUBJECT: SUPPORTING SAFETY AND SECURITY AT WINDSOR POINTE & FUTURE PROJECTS SUPPORTED BY NO PLACE LIKE HOME FUNDING (DISTRICTS: ALL)
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We need cities across our region to continue stepping-up to build more affordable housing in their
neighborhoods, and we will continue to support their development, but there are valuable lessons
to be learned from the Windsor Pointe project. This item requests County staff to take additional
actions to support the addition of more security personnel on-site and assess all options for
increasing the level of case management and support services at Windsor Pointe and future
supportive housing development projects that leverage No Place Like Home Funding, or similar
funding sources. This primary emphasis on higher levels of service is especially important in the
initial lease-up period when new residents are stabilizing and adjusting to their new environment.
Taking this action ensures that residents are provided with an appropriate level of service, and all
residents and neighbors are afforded a safe and secure living environment.
Taking these actions will further demonstrate the County’s commitment to continuing to work
together with our 18 cities along with community members to help maintain safety in and around
supportive housing developments.
RECOMMENDATION(S) VICE-CHAIR TERRA LAWSON-REMER 1. Direct the Interim Chief Administrative Officer to analyze all options and opportunities to maximize the level of services and hours of on-site case management services and referrals
to behavioral health services, for Windsor Pointe, and future permanent supportive housing
projects funded by No Place Like Home dollars, especially during the initial lease-up phase, when residents are more likely to need extra help connecting to services and adjusting to a new environment. 2. Direct the Interim Chief Administrative Officer to coordinate with the Windsor Pointe
development team to develop a plan for utilizing No Place Like Home operating reserve
funds to add supplemental security personnel. Advocate to the California Department of Housing and Community Development, requesting the State to maximize funding flexibility of Capital Operating Reserve funds for the Windsor Pointe project.
EQUITY IMPACT STATEMENT
Permanent supportive housing is a key resource that addresses homelessness for some of the most
vulnerable members of our communities. The No Place Like Home Program leverages state
resources to provide permanent supportive housing for individuals with serious mental illness,
pairing affordable housing with case management and referrals to additional supportive services.
SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT STATEMENT
Today’s action supports the County of San Diego’s Sustainability Goal #1 to engage the
community, Sustainability Goal #2 to provide just and equitable access, and Sustainability Goal
#4 to protect health and well-being.
FISCAL IMPACT
April 9, 2024 Item #3 Page 8 of 18
SUBJECT: SUPPORTING SAFETY AND SECURITY AT WINDSOR POINTE & FUTURE PROJECTS SUPPORTED BY NO PLACE LIKE HOME FUNDING (DISTRICTS: ALL)
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There is no fiscal impact associated with this recommendation. There will be no change in net General Fund cost and no additional staff years. BUSINESS IMPACT STATEMENT
N/A
..Details ADVISORY BOARD STATEMENT N/A BACKGROUND
Windsor Pointe is a 50-unit affordable housing apartment development located on two non-
contiguous sites, at 965 Oak Avenue, and 3606 Harding Street, in the Barrio neighborhood in the
City of Carlsbad. Half the units offer a priority for lower-income military veterans and their
families, and the other half serves people with mental illness who are experiencing homelessness.
The project has been a partnership between the City of Carlsbad, the County of San Diego,
Affirmed Housing, and includes onsite services provided by Alpha Project and Interfaith
Community Services. The City of Carlsbad provided the land through a ground lease agreement
as well as $8.3 million in City funding, while the County awarded $13 million in No Place Like
Home funds to the project and contracts with Alpha Project to provide on-site case management
to the 24 No Place Like Home residents. Since opening in the Spring of 2022, community members
and residents have consistently raised concerns about the project and its impact on safety and
security in the neighborhood.
On March 12, 2024, the Carlsbad City Council received an update on Windsor Pointe and adopted
several actions to work with partnering entities to address community concerns. Carlsbad Police
Chief Mickey Williams testified that while crime data shows a slight decrease in neighborhood
crime since the project opened, there has been a high volume of calls for service at Windsor Pointe.
A total of 762 calls for service were placed since 2022 with over 44% being mental health related.
Seven residents account for over half of the calls (53% or 401 calls), showing that a handful of
residents are having a disproportionate impact on local resources.
Public safety, especially regarding the well-being of children and vulnerable members of our
community is a top concern. The County is also strongly committed to ensuring people
experiencing homelessness can find pathways off our streets and get connected to the services and
help they need.
My team and I have met with concerned residents, the development and property management
team, and maintain regular communication with the City of Carlsbad, and the Carlsbad Police
Department. In response to community concerns, earlier this year the County increased case
management services at Windsor Pointe to five days a week and added a clinician to the support
team. County staff have also been highly engaged participating in regular monthly security and
April 9, 2024 Item #3 Page 9 of 18
SUBJECT: SUPPORTING SAFETY AND SECURITY AT WINDSOR POINTE & FUTURE PROJECTS SUPPORTED BY NO PLACE LIKE HOME FUNDING (DISTRICTS: ALL)
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service coordination meetings with the property manager, service providers, Carlsbad Police
Department, and the security staff.
I want to ensure the County is doing everything in our power to respond to local concerns and
ensure our efforts are successful. Today’s item calls on the County staff to take additional actions
to increase the flexibility of No Place Like Home funds to support the additional of supplemental
security personnel and assess all options for increasing the level of case management and support
services to ensure residents are provided with an appropriate level of service and all residents are
afforded a safe and secure living environment. These actions demonstrate the County’s
commitment to continuing to work together with all 18 cities and community members and help
maintain safety in and around supportive housing developments.
LINKAGE TO THE COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO STRATEGIC PLAN Today’s actions support the County of San Diego’s 2023-2028 Strategic Plan initiatives of
Sustainability, Equity, and Community, by supporting the implementation of permanent supportive housing; and by improving the quality of life for individuals experiencing homelessness across San Diego County. Respectfully submitted,
TERRA LAWSON-REMER
Supervisor, Third District ATTACHMENT(S) N/A
April 9, 2024 Item #3 Page 10 of 18
JIM DESMOND
SUPERVISOR, FIFTH DISTRICT
SAN DIEGO COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
AGENDA ITEM
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DATE: April 9, 2024 05
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBJECT: IMPLEMENTING A PILOT PROGRAM TO ENHANCE SUPPORT TO
PEOPLE WITH SERIOUS MENTAL ILLNESS AT AFFORDABLE HOUSING
DEVELOPMENTS (DISTRICTS: ALL)
..Title ..Body OVERVIEW
It is estimated that 21% of the homeless population suffers from a Serious Mental Illness (SMI).
We have made great strides at the County to move forward on projects to provide housing for this
population. As we continue to work to reduce homelessness in our region, we must ensure that we
are providing quality services to our most vulnerable populations.
SMI is a mental, behavioral, or emotional disorder resulting in serious functional impairment,
which substantially interferes with or limits major life activities. Placing individuals with SMI in
environments ill-equipped to meet their needs not only undermines their potential for success but
also poses risks to both their well-being and the broader community. Individuals with SMI require
a high level of care and support and we strive to ensure people receive the support they need. When
we make a commitment to stakeholders that we will offer “wrap-around services” we must ensure
that they are truly wrap-around- 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
No Place Like Home (NPLH) is a State program that funds the development of permanent
supportive housing for persons who are in need of mental health services and are experiencing
homelessness, chronic homelessness, or are at risk of chronic homelessness. There are 19
affordable housing developments throughout the County, either currently operating or in
development, that include NPLH units.
To ensure the success and sustainability of these developments, it is imperative that we institute a
policy requiring all affordable housing developments with NPLH units to have personnel on-site,
24/7, who are trained in Mental Health First Aid, and have knowledge and the ability to directly
contact the County’s 24/7 behavioral health crisis services. Additionally, we should ensure that
new residents moving into affordable housing developments with NPLH units have access to
enhanced clinical support at the onset of their residency and on an ongoing basis, as appropriate.
Exhibit 3
April 9, 2024 Item #3 Page 11 of 18
SUBJECT: IMPLEMENTING A PILOT PROGRAM TO ENHANCE SUPPORT TO
PEOPLE WITH SERIOUS MENTAL ILLNESS AT AFFORDABLE
HOUSING DEVELOPMENTS (DISTRICTS: ALL)
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Currently, not all residents with SMI receive clinical support. This action will support connection
to services, counseling, crisis intervention, and medication management, which will assist in
stabilizing individuals with SMI, working to lessen the severity of their symptoms and enhancing
their overall well-being. These adjustments will decrease the likelihood of mental health crises and
interactions with law enforcement, thereby promoting public safety and community cohesion.
Today’s action would implement a pilot program within four affordable housing developments in
North County San Diego that have NPLH units to increase clinical support services for residents
with SMI to seven days per week. Today’s action would also require on-site personnel within the
four North County affordable housing developments, to be trained in Mental Health First Aid and
receive training on how to refer people to 24/7 behavioral health crisis response resources. Today’s
action would also initiate a requirement for the four affordable housing developments in North
County to develop a plan to support and address the unique needs and challenges of residents with
SMI. This plan would include a strategy to ensure that on-site personnel are able to monitor who
is entering the building through a check-in and check-out process.
RECOMMENDATIONS
SUPERVISOR JIM DESMOND
1. Direct the interim Chief Administration Officer to work with County departments,
including Behavioral Health Services and Housing and Community Development Services,
to implement a pilot program to increase services for residents with serious mental illness
living in the four affordable housing developments with No Place Like Home units in North
County to include enhanced clinical support seven days per week.
2. Direct the interim Chief Administration Officer to work with Behavioral Health Services
and Housing and Community Development Services, to ensure all personnel on-site at the
four affordable housing developments in North County receive Mental Health First Aid
training and be trained on how to refer people to 24/7 behavioral health crisis response
resources.
3. Direct the interim Chief Administrative Officer to work with County departments,
including Behavioral Health Services, Housing and Community Development Services,
and affordable housing developers and property management companies for the four
developments that include NPLH units in North County to develop a plan to support and
address the unique needs and challenges of residents with SMI and to support the health
and safety of residents and the surrounding community. These plans should include:
a. A strategy to ensure that visitors to the property are checked in and out. It is
imperative that on-site personnel are aware of who is on the property to support
the health and safety of its residents.
April 9, 2024 Item #3 Page 12 of 18
SUBJECT: IMPLEMENTING A PILOT PROGRAM TO ENHANCE SUPPORT TO
PEOPLE WITH SERIOUS MENTAL ILLNESS AT AFFORDABLE
HOUSING DEVELOPMENTS (DISTRICTS: ALL)
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b. An assessment of current staffing needs, and what is needed to ensure there is at
least 1 Mental Health First Aid trained staff on-site 24/7, which can include:
security guards, property management, and service providers. This assessment
should identify any gaps in personnel being on-site, and suggestions for how to
fill those gaps.
4. Report back to the Board within 90 days with an update on the plans for the four
developments in North County that have NPLH units.
5. Report back to the Board within six months with an update on the progress, outcomes,
and a plan to implement these changes countywide.
EQUITY IMPACT STATEMENT
By enhancing behavioral health services for those with serious mental illness, the County of San
Diego would be expanding services to a currently underserved population. The County of San
Diego is committed to providing equal access to services and housing to people with SMI who are
homeless or at risk of homelessness. There is a severe lack of living opportunities in the County
of San Diego.
SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT STATEMENT
This proposed action contributes to the County of San Diego’s Sustainability Goal of protecting
the health and well-being of all San Diegan residents. Enhancing behavioral health services for
those with serious mental illness will help facilitate self-sufficiency and rehabilitation of some of
the County’s more vulnerable residents.
FISCAL IMPACT
Recommendation #1:
Funds for this request are not included in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2023-24 Operational Plan and FY
2024-26 CAO Recommended Operational Plan for the Health and Human Services Agency. If
approved, this request will result in estimated costs and revenues of approximately $200,000 in
FY 2023-24 and $600,000 in FY 2024-25. This funding would support implementation of a pilot
program to enhance clinical support for residents with serious mental illness living in the four
affordable housing developments with No Place Like Home units in North County. The
department will need to identify funding prior to proceeding with the recommended action, as none
is currently available. Once funding is identified, the department will return to the Board with a
mid-year action to adjust the budget if necessary. There will be no change in net General Fund
cost and no additional staff years.
Recommendation #2:
April 9, 2024 Item #3 Page 13 of 18
SUBJECT: IMPLEMENTING A PILOT PROGRAM TO ENHANCE SUPPORT TO
PEOPLE WITH SERIOUS MENTAL ILLNESS AT AFFORDABLE
HOUSING DEVELOPMENTS (DISTRICTS: ALL)
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Funds for this request are included in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2023-25 Operational Plan for the Health
and Human Services Agency. If approved, this request will result in estimated costs and revenues
of approximately $35,000 in FY 2023-24 and no costs and revenues in FY 2024-25. The funding
source will be Mental Health Services Act Prevention and Early Intervention funds. This would
fund training to ensure all personnel on-site at the four affordable housing developments with No
Place Like Home units in North County, estimated at approximately 255 individuals, receive
Mental Health First Aid training. There will be no change in net General Fund cost and no
additional staff years.
Recommendations #3-5:
There is no fiscal impact for these items. There will be no change in net General Fund cost and no
additional staff years.
BUSINESS IMPACT STATEMENT
N/A
..Details ADVISORY BOARD STATEMENT
N/A
BACKGROUND
It is estimated that 21% of the homeless population suffers from a serious mental illness (SMI).
We have made great strides at the County to move forward on projects to provide housing for this
population. As we continue to work to reduce homelessness in our region, we must ensure that we
are providing quality services to our most vulnerable populations.
SMI is a mental, behavioral, or emotional disorder resulting in serious functional impairment,
which substantially interferes with or limits major life activities. Placing individuals with SMI in
environments ill-equipped to meet their needs not only undermines their potential for success but
also poses risks to both their well-being and the broader community. Individuals with SMI of
require a high level of care and support and we strive to ensure people receive the support they
need. When we make a commitment to stakeholders that we will offer “wrap-around services” we
must ensure that they are truly wrap-around- 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
No Place Like Home (NPLH) is a State program that funds the development of permanent
supportive housing for persons who are in need of mental health services and are experiencing
homelessness, chronic homelessness, or are at risk of chronic homelessness. There are 19
affordable housing developments throughout the County, either operating or in development, that
include NPLH units.
To ensure the success and sustainability of these developments, it is imperative that we institute a
policy requiring all affordable housing developments with NPLH units to have personnel on-site,
April 9, 2024 Item #3 Page 14 of 18
SUBJECT: IMPLEMENTING A PILOT PROGRAM TO ENHANCE SUPPORT TO
PEOPLE WITH SERIOUS MENTAL ILLNESS AT AFFORDABLE
HOUSING DEVELOPMENTS (DISTRICTS: ALL)
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24/7, who are trained in Mental Health First Aid, and have knowledge and the ability to directly
contact the County’s 24/7 behavioral health crisis services. Additionally, we should ensure that
new residents moving into NPLH units have access to clinical support at the onset of their
residency and on an ongoing basis, as appropriate. Currently, not all NPLH clients receive clinical
support. This will support connection to services, counseling, crisis intervention, and medication
management, which will assist in stabilizing individuals with SMI, working to lessen the severity
of their symptoms, and enhancing their overall well-being. These adjustments are anticipated to
decrease the likelihood of mental health crises and interactions with law enforcement, thereby
promoting public safety and community cohesion.
Today’s action would implement a pilot program in North County San Diego, which includes four
affordable housing developments NPLH units, to increase clinical support services for residents
with SMI to seven days per week, for eight hours per day. The four NPLH developments include:
Windsor Pointe- Carlsbad, District 3
Valley Senior Village- Escondido, District 5
Greenbrier Village- Oceanside, District 5
Santa Fe Senior Village- Vista, District 5
Today’s action would also require on-site personnel within the four North County affordable
housing developments, estimated at 255 total individuals, to be trained in Mental Health First Aid
and to receive training on how to refer people to 24/7 behavioral health crisis response resources.
Today’s action would also initiate a requirement for the four affordable housing developments in
North County to develop a plan to support and address the unique needs and challenges of residents
with SMI. This plan would include a strategy to ensure that on-site personnel are able to monitor
who is entering the building through a check-in and check-out process.
LINKAGE TO THE COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO STRATEGIC PLAN
Today's proposed action supports the Equity Initiative of the County of San Diego’s 2024-2029
Strategic Plan by making health and housing a focus by reducing disparities and disproportionality
and ensuring access for all through a fully optimized health and social service delivery system and
upstream strategies while utilizing policies, facilities, infrastructure, and finance to provide
housing opportunities that meet the needs of the community.
Respectfully submitted,
April 9, 2024 Item #3 Page 15 of 18
SUBJECT: IMPLEMENTING A PILOT PROGRAM TO ENHANCE SUPPORT TO
PEOPLE WITH SERIOUS MENTAL ILLNESS AT AFFORDABLE
HOUSING DEVELOPMENTS (DISTRICTS: ALL)
Legistar v1.0 6
JIM DESMOND
Supervisor, Fifth District
ATTACHMENTS
N/A
April 9, 2024 Item #3 Page 16 of 18
City of Carlsbad City Council
City Hall 1200 Carlsbad Village Drive Carlsbad, CA 92008 442-339-2820 t
April 5, 2024
County of San Diego Board of Supervisors
1600 Pacific Highway, Room 402
San Diego, California 92101
SUBJECT: April 9, 2024 – Board of Supervisors Agenda Items 5 and 26 - Enhancing Support to People
with Serious Mental Illness at Affordable Housing Developments and Supporting Safety and
Security at Windsor Pointe and Future Projects Supported by No Place Like Home Funding
Dear Members of the County Board of Supervisors:
I am writing on behalf of the City of Carlsbad to express the city’s strong support for several key
elements proposed in the subject agenda items, which are aimed at enhancing services for residents
with serious mental illness (SMI) living in affordable housing developments, including the Windsor
Pointe affordable housing project in Carlsbad. We commend the county’s efforts to address the
unique needs and challenges faced by this vulnerable population, as well as those affecting the
broader community, and we are committed to an ongoing collaboration with you to ensure the
success of these endeavors.
1.Enhanced Clinical Support and Case Management: We fully endorse and encourage your
approval and expedited funding to provide on-site clinical support, case management and
behavioral health referral services to Windsor Pointe residents seven days per week. Providing
a more comprehensive level of service is needed to address the mental health needs of
residents and support their journey towards stability and recovery.
2.Mental Health First Aid Training: We support the proposal to fund and provide Mental Health
First Aid training to all on-site personnel. Equipping staff with the necessary skills to identify
and respond to behavioral health crises is essential for creating safe and supportive
environments for residents. This training will better enable on-site staff to effectively assist
residents in accessing mental health resources and support services, furthering our shared
commitment to addressing the mental health needs of this vulnerable population.
3.Comprehensive Operational Plans: We support the recommendation to collaboratively
develop comprehensive operational plans, including strategies for visitor management and on-
site staffing 24/7. These added operational costs must be able to be funded through project
funding or operational subsidies identified for the annual operating costs of these projects.
The city agrees that these are critical aspects of supporting and addressing the unique needs
and challenges of residents and the health and safety of the surrounding community and
should be addressed when approving projects.
Exhibit 4
April 9, 2024 Item #3 Page 17 of 18
{city of
Carlsbad
City of Carlsbad City Council
City Hall 1200 Carlsbad Village Drive Carlsbad, CA 92008 442-339-2820 t
4. Advocacy for Funding of Enhanced On-Site Security: The city supports efforts to utilize No
Place Like Home operating reserve funds to provide supplemental security personnel at both
Windsor Pointe locations. We also support the proposed state advocacy efforts to maximize
flexibility concerning the use of Capital Operating Reserve funds for the Windsor Pointe
project.
The City of Carlsbad is appreciative to Supervisor Lawson-Remer and Supervisor Desmond for
advancing proposals to enhance services for residents with SMI in affordable housing developments,
and especially for those that address issues concerning the Windsor Pointe development. We are
grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with the county on these important efforts and look
forward to seeing the positive impact they will have on our community.
Sincerely,
Keith Blackburn
Mayor
April 9, 2024 Item #3 Page 18 of 18
Tammy Cloud-McMin n
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Legislative Subcommittee,
Regarding Windsor Pointe (WP):
Teri Jacobs <tjacobs86@pacbell.net>
Monday, April 8, 2024 12:15 PM
City Clerk
Legislative Subcommittee; 4/9 Agenda Item 3
All Receive -Age nda Item n3-
For the Information of the:
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What exactly is the subsidy reserve fund for? If money is pulled out for security concerns that was meant to offset of
subsidize rents how will facility deal with budget shortfalls after the 20 year funding ends? WP is designated to be a
NPLH a facility for 55 years; however, funded for 20. Also regarding security ... staff is available 40 hours a week Mon-Fri.
The added security doesn't address the weekend days and or gaps in hours from staff to when security guards begin and
end their shifts.
"Develop advocacy strategy within 60 days to lobby for full funding of supportive housing at the state and federal
levels." Why now? Our neighborhoods and families need immediate action. These housing starts should have been fully
funded and staffed prior to opening. Where was the vetting to make sure that services would be sufficient? How will
Proposition 1 affect any future funding?
"Advocate for policy changes in placement referral process." Residents knew this wasn't possible. How did staff and
elected officials not know? All of the rhetoric was extremely vague when it came to referrals. If NPLH programs were
vetted properly it should have been widely known who would be considered for placements.
"Advocate for allowing Veteran's Benefits to exceed Maximum Income Limits." How in the world could this key
component been so grossly overlooked! Veterans were used as pawns to garner compassion.
Reading through the agenda packet it was very clear that neighbors concerns are not being heard. There are asks for
more money, more services for mental/behavioral health. Why isn't crime and drug addiction addressed?
Residents at Windsor Pointe have numerous services available to them. They don't have to accept any of them.
Permanent Supportive Housing does not require participation in any programs. Why aren't we including a stipulation
that requires participation in proposals. What is the incentive to do better when you have been given permanent
housing?
Finally, it appears that there still isn't a viable visitor's protocol in place. It was made very clear at the 3/12 meeting that
it needed to be done. NOW!
While I appreciate the work that Jason Haber and Councilmembers Acosta and Burkholder are doing the community is
still concerned about the safety of their neighborhoods and families.
This facility has been in operation for 2 years. That is more than enough time for issues to have been addressed and
rectified. This is the wrong facility in the wrong location.
Regards,
Teri Jacobs
Carlsbad Resident; Dist 1
831 840-4725
1
tjacobs86@pacbell.net
Sent from my iPad
CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
2
ITEM 3 : WINDSOR POINTE
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Consider referral from City Council to develop
regional, state and federal advocacy strategies
to advance city interests concerning Windsor
Pointe affordable housing development.
ITEM 3: WINDSOR POINTE
RECOMMENDED ACTION
• Use of No Place Like Home operating reserve funds
to provide on-site security
• Funding enhanced clinical and behavioral health
referral services for supportive housing projects
• Developing a mechanism to allow local/subregional
housing placement prioritization
• Ensuring homeless veterans are not ineligible for
placement in permanent supportive housing as a
result of receiving veteran benefits that exceed
maximum income limits
ITEM 3: WINDSOR POINTE
BACKGROUND
• Windsor Pointe: 965 Oak Ave. & 3606 Harding St.
• SO-unit affordable housing development
-24 units: low-income with veteran/local preference
-24 units: homeless with severe mental illness diagnosis
-Two manager units
• Significant number of Police calls for service
• Concerns raised about safety in surrounding area
(city of
Carlsbad
ITEM 3 : WINDSOR POINTE
BACKGROUND
• March 12: City Council update and actions to address concerns:
Onsite security increased
Video surveillance increased
Onsite supportive services increased
Specialized care to residents w/ higher needs
Reduced need for 911 response
Accountability for lease violations
Ongoing collaboration (city of
Carlsbad
ITEM 3 : WINDSOR POINTE
STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS
• Further strengthen onsite security
• Guest check-in/out procedures
• Divert low-level issues to onsite personnel
• Ensure adequate client-based services provided
• Start residents with higher level of support services
• Advocate for full funding of supportive housing
• Lobby Regional Task Force & Coe
• Pursue veteran and local/subregional priority
• Fair Housing Analysis
• Advocate to allow VA benefits
to exceed maximum income limits
(city of
Carlsbad
ITEM 3 : W I NDSOR PO I NTE
CITY COUNCIL DIRECTION
1. Develop an advocacy strategy to fund on-site
security
2. Develop an advocacy strategy to fully fund
supportive housing at the state and federal levels
3. Advocate for a local or subregional housing priority
4. Advocate for allowing veteran benefits to exceed
maximum income limits for
supportive housing (city of
Carlsbad
ITEM 3: WINDSOR PO I NTE
FUNDING ON-SITE SECURITY
1. County has authorized use of NPLH operating reserve
2. HCD: Annual and 5-year limits
3. Meet w ith HCD-Sacramento, April 17-19
4. Briefings with city's state and federal representatives
( City of
Carlsbad
ITEM 3: WINDSOR POINTE
FUNDING SUPPORTIVE HOUSING
1. Highlight need for ongoing support services funding
2. Coalition building at the regional level
3. Submittal of a FY 2025 State Budget letter
4. Meet with HUD, lnteragency Council on Homelessness
and VA -Washington, D.C., May 15-17
( City of
Carlsbad
ITEM 3 : WINDSOR POINTE
LOCAL HOUSING PRIORITY
1. Engage Regional Task Force on Homelessness
2. Engage Continuum of Care Board
3. HCD authorization
4. Meet with HCD-Sacramento, April 17-19
5. Fair housing legal analysis
( City of
Carlsbad
ITEM 3 : WINDSOR PO I NTE
VA BENEFITS EXCEED MAXIMUM INCOME
1. Waive income limits for veterans, or
2. Exclude VA benefits from income calculation
3. State No Place Like Home rule change
4. State budget trailer bill -statutory change to allow
waiver/exclusion
( City of
Carlsbad
ITEM 3 : WINDSOR POINTE
SD COUNTY ACTIONS
1. 4/9 Board of Supervisors agenda items
• Analyze opportunities to maximize level of services and
hours of on-site case management services and referrals
to behavioral health services
• Develop a plan for utilizing No Place Like Home operating
reserve funds to add supplemental security personnel
• Advocate to HCD, requesting the State to maximize
funding flexibility of Capital Operating Reserve funds for
the Windsor Pointe project.
ITEM 3: WINDSOR POINTE
SD COUNTY ACTIONS
1. 4/9 Board of Supervisors agenda items
• Implement pilot program to increase services to include
enhanced clinical support seven days per week
• Ensure all personnel receive Mental Health First Aid training
and training to refer people to 24/7 behavioral health crisis
response resources.
• Strategy to ensure that visitors to the property are checked
in and out
• Assessment of current staffing needs, and what is needed to
ensure there is at least 1 Mental Health First Aid trained
staff on-site 24/7
• Report back to the Board within 90 days and 6 months
ITEM 3: WINDSOR PO I NTE
SUBCOMMITTEE ACTION
Provide input to help city staff and consultants focus
the city's advocacy efforts to achieve the desired
outcomes.
(city of
Carlsbad