HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-03-11; COVID-19 Homeless Update (Districts - All); Gallucci, NeilTo the members of the:
CIT)' COUNCIL
Date 3/., /.2.1 CA _y_ CC ✓
CM ~ACM ~DCM(3) ✓
March 11, 2021
To:
Council Memorandum
From: Neil Gallucci, Chief of Po c1
Via: Scott Chadwick, City Ma ag .
Re: COVID-19 Homeless Update (Districts -All)
Homeless Outreach Team
{cityof
Carlsbad
Memo ID #2021057
• The Homeless Outreach Team continues to distribute hygiene kits, brochures, trash
.bags, and masks to Carlsbad's unsheltered residents. The Homeless Outreach Team is
following the CDC, State, and San Diego County guidance on suspending encampment
clean-ups for the homeless community during the pandemic. This is to help reduce the
spread and transmission of COVID-19. The issue of homeless encampment cleanups will
be addressed in greater detail by the City Attorney Office and the Police Department at
the March 23, 2021, City Council Meeting.
• In the month of February, the Homeless Outreach Team engaged with 98 unduplicated
individuals experiencing homelessness in Carlsbad. They were able to help 5 people get
connected to emergency shelter and inpatient treatment programs.
• Sergeant Gary Marshall of the Homeless Outreach Team will be transitioning off our
team and moving into an acting Lieutenant position in Patrol. The Police Department
would like to publicly thank him for his service, support, and professionalism. He will still
be involved in the transition and onboarding ofthe Police Department's new Homeless
Outreach Sergeant, Eric Kovanda, who brings over 25 years of police experience to the
role.
Emergency Shelter
• San Diego County is now vaccinating phase 1B which expands the criteria to farm
workers. Holly Nelson, Homeless Program Manager, is having ongoing discussions with
the Fire Department on assisting shelter guests staying at La Posada who are 65+ and/or
agricultural workers.
• Interfaith Shelter Network (ISN) is currently operating a small hotel program in the City
of Carlsbad. This program serves single men, single women, LGBTQ, and families with
children who are situationally homeless. This emergency shelter program will run until
June 2021, or when funding ends. Due to COVID-19 and the need for social distancing,
Police Department
2560 Orion Way I Carlsbad, CA 92010 I 760-931-2170 t
Memo -COVID-19 Homeless Update
March 11, 2021
Page 2
this emergency shelter program, which is typically run out of local churches, has moved
to a hotel voucher program. The Homeless Outreach Team can refer appropriate
individuals or families experiencing homelessness in Carlsbad to the program. The
Community Resource Center is the contractor providing case management to individuals
participating in the program.
Community/County Updates
• The city's homeless website was recently updated with a list of book recommendations,
websites, and podcasts for the community to learn more about the issue of
homelessness.
• Staff recently met with the North County Homeless City Working Group (Working
Group) where seven cities were represented from North County. The Working Group
discussed regional issues related to homelessness and different funding opportunities.
• MTS/NCTD are offering free rides for everyone in the region who needs transportation
to their COVID-19 vaccine appointment. Riders can take any bus, trolley, SPRINTER or
COASTER for free with proof oftheir COVID-19 vaccination appointment.
• San Diego County residents financially impacted by COVID-19 who need help paying
their rent and utilities may qualify for the County's Emergency Rental Assistance
Program (ERAP). The program started ori March 2, 2021, and applications can be
completed online at www.sdhcd.org or by calling (858) 694-4801 to speak to a housing
representative. Individuals can receive additional rental assistance as long as they are
not requesting funds for a time period already covered by another federal, state, or
local. program. It is important to note that the income information requested at time of
application is the household's current monthly income.
cc: Geoff Patnoe, Assistant City Manager
Celia Brewer, City Attorney
Holly Nelson, Homeless Program Manager