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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-06-11; City Council; ; Update on the County of San Diego’s Action Items for Affirmed Housing’s Windsor Pointe Affordable Housing ProjectCA Review CKM Meeting Date: June 11, 2024 To: Mayor and City Council From: Scott Chadwick, City Manager Staff Contact: Mandy Mills, Housing & Homeless Services Director mandy.mills@carlsbadca.gov, 442-339-2907 Subject: Update on the County of San Diego’s Action Items for Affirmed Housing’s Windsor Pointe Affordable Housing Project District: 1 Recommended Action Receive an update on the County of San Diego’s action items related to Windsor Pointe. Executive Summary 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. Concerns have been raised about the project, principally regarding safety in the neighborhood. Both the City of Carlsbad and the County of San Diego have approved a number of action items related to Windsor Pointe. The City Council directed staff to provide this status update on the status of the County of San Diego’s action items. Status updates on all other City Council requested actions will be provided in August. Explanation & Analysis The City Council approved two actions, one in 2017 and one in 2020, for a financing package to acquire the land and build the Windsor Pointe affordable housing project. Affirmed Housing operates the project and contracts with the property manager and service provider. The County of San Diego granted partial funding to develop and operate the project through the state’s No Place Like Home program. The county also contracts with the service provider that assists residents who were placed through the No Place Like Home program. The project contains 50 units, including two manager units, located on two non-contiguous sites in the Barrio neighborhood, at 965 Oak Ave. and 3606 Harding St. Twenty-four of the units provide affordable housing for low-income households with a veteran and/or local affiliation preference. Another 24 units provide permanent supportive housing for homeless individuals with a serious mental illness diagnosis. June 11, 2024 Item #14 Page 1 of 15 City staff have been working with Affirmed Housing and the County of San Diego to address community concerns about the project. On April 9, 2024, the City Council received an update on the Windsor Pointe affordable housing project and directed city staff to pursue a number of actions to address specific community member concerns about the Windsor Pointe project. On the same day, the County of San Diego also approved action items related to services and security at No Place Like Home funded projects, including Windsor Pointe. The county’s agenda reports from its April 9, 2024, Board of Supervisors meeting are included as Exhibit 1. At the April 9 City Council meeting, the City Council directed staff to bring back in June a status update on the County of San Diego’s action items related to Windsor Pointe. County staff were directed to report back to the Board of Supervisors in 90 days and in six months, depending upon the specific action item. City staff received a letter from county staff at the end of May with their updates (Exhibit 2). This following table summarizes the county’s action items, their current status and anticipated timelines for completion. Windsor Pointe action items Action Issue Status update Timeline Develop a plan for using No Place Like Home operating reserve funds to add supplemental security personnel at Windsor Pointe Security Staff have confirmed the county has authorized using the project’s operating reserves for onsite security overnight at both locations Complete for current year Advocate to the California Department of Housing and Community Development to maximize the funding flexibility of capital operating reserve funds for the Windsor Pointe project Security To be determined TBD Develop a strategy to ensure visitors check in and check out Security TBD TBD Assessment of staffing needs to ensure at least one mental health first aid trained staff on site 24/7, identify gaps and recommendations how to fill gaps Services Two-phase mental health first aid training conducted for residents and staff 5/30/24 and 6/4/24 First set of two-day trainings completed 6/4/24 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 Services County Behavioral Health Services has confirmed a part-time behavioral health clinician will be on site at Windsor Pointe for 20 hours per week TBD June 11, 2024 Item #14 Page 2 of 15 Action Issue Status update Timeline Implement a pilot program to increase services for residents with serious mental illness living in No Place Like Home units to include enhanced clinical support seven days per week. Services TBD TBD Ensure on-site personnel receive mental health first aid training and be trained on how to refer people to 24/7 behavioral health crisis response resources Services Two-phase mental health first aid training conducted for residents and staff 5/30/24 and 6/4/24 First set of two-day trainings completed 6/4/24 Staff will provide the City Council with updates on the county’s actions as they become available. Fiscal Analysis There is no fiscal impact from receiving this report and no funding is being requested. Next Steps City staff will continue to monitor the status of the County action items approved by the Board of Supervisors on April 9, 2024. City staff will return to the City Council in August to report on additional progress. Environmental Evaluation This action does not require environmental review because it does not constitute a project within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act under California Public Resources Code Section 21065 in that it has no potential to cause either a direct physical change in the environment or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment. Exhibits 1. County of San Diego April 9, 2024, Windsor Pointe agenda reports 2. May 30, 2024, County of San Diego letter June 11, 2024 Item #14 Page 3 of 15 JIM DESMOND SUPERVISOR, FIFTH DISTRICT SAN DIEGO COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS AGENDA ITEM Legistar v1.0 1 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 1 June 11, 2024 Item #14 Page 4 of 15 SUBJECT: IMPLEMENTING A PILOT PROGRAM TO ENHANCE SUPPORT TO PEOPLE WITH SERIOUS MENTAL ILLNESS AT AFFORDABLE HOUSING DEVELOPMENTS (DISTRICTS: ALL) Legistar v1.0 2 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. June 11, 2024 Item #14 Page 5 of 15 SUBJECT: IMPLEMENTING A PILOT PROGRAM TO ENHANCE SUPPORT TO PEOPLE WITH SERIOUS MENTAL ILLNESS AT AFFORDABLE HOUSING DEVELOPMENTS (DISTRICTS: ALL) Legistar v1.0 3 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: June 11, 2024 Item #14 Page 6 of 15 SUBJECT: IMPLEMENTING A PILOT PROGRAM TO ENHANCE SUPPORT TO PEOPLE WITH SERIOUS MENTAL ILLNESS AT AFFORDABLE HOUSING DEVELOPMENTS (DISTRICTS: ALL) Legistar v1.0 4 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, June 11, 2024 Item #14 Page 7 of 15 SUBJECT: IMPLEMENTING A PILOT PROGRAM TO ENHANCE SUPPORT TO PEOPLE WITH SERIOUS MENTAL ILLNESS AT AFFORDABLE HOUSING DEVELOPMENTS (DISTRICTS: ALL) Legistar v1.0 5 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, June 11, 2024 Item #14 Page 8 of 15 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 June 11, 2024 Item #14 Page 9 of 15 TERRA LAWSON-REMER VICE-CHAIR SUPERVISOR, THIRD DISTRICT SAN DIEGO COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS AGENDA ITEM Legistar v1.0 1 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. June 11, 2024 Item #14 Page 10 of 15 SUBJECT: SUPPORTING SAFETY AND SECURITY AT WINDSOR POINTE & FUTURE PROJECTS SUPPORTED BY NO PLACE LIKE HOME FUNDING (DISTRICTS: ALL) Legistar v1.0 2 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 June 11, 2024 Item #14 Page 11 of 15 SUBJECT: SUPPORTING SAFETY AND SECURITY AT WINDSOR POINTE & FUTURE PROJECTS SUPPORTED BY NO PLACE LIKE HOME FUNDING (DISTRICTS: ALL) Legistar v1.0 3 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 June 11, 2024 Item #14 Page 12 of 15 SUBJECT: SUPPORTING SAFETY AND SECURITY AT WINDSOR POINTE & FUTURE PROJECTS SUPPORTED BY NO PLACE LIKE HOME FUNDING (DISTRICTS: ALL) Legistar v1.0 4 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 June 11, 2024 Item #14 Page 13 of 15 Exhibit 2 June 11, 2024 Item #14 Page 14 of 15 June 11, 2024 Item #14 Page 15 of 15