HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-01-12; Housing Commission; ; Updated Carlsbad Homelessness Action Plan
Meeting Date: Jan. 12, 2023
To: Housing Commission
From: Mandy Mills, Director of Housing and Homeless Services
Chris Shilling, Senior Program Manager, Homeless Services
Jessica Klein, Program Manager, Homeless Services
Staff Contact: Chris Shilling, Senior Program Manager, Homeless Services
Chris.shilling@carlsbadca.gov, 442-339-2284
Subject: Updated Carlsbad Homelessness Action Plan
Recommended Action
That the Housing Commission adopt a resolution recommending that the Carlsbad City Council
approve the updated Homelessness Action Plan for implementation.
Executive Summary
In 2017 the City of Carlsbad created its first Homeless Response Plan to address the growing
prevalence of individuals experiencing homelessness. In March 2021, the City Council
established a Fiscal Year 2021-22 priority goal to, "Reduce the homeless unsheltered
population, among those who want help, by 50% within five years, with quarterly reports until
we decrease the unsheltered homeless population or five years." In March 2022, as part of the
5-year strategic planning process, the City Council directed staff to update the city’s
homelessness goal and the Homeless Response Plan. The city’s new homelessness goal was
approved by the City Council on Oct. 11, 2022. 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.” The updated Homelessness Action Plan is attached as
Exhibit 2.
Discussion
In carrying out the original Homeless Response Plan created in 2017, the city made significant
progress on the originally outlined objectives and expanded the plan to include additional goals
and a work plan. The city now has a Homeless and Housing Services Department and has made
consistent progress in implementing programs and projects aimed at addressing and reducing
homelessness. The city is no longer just responding to the prevalence of homelessness, it is
taking intentional action to reduce the impacts of homelessness on the community. As a result,
staff are recommending changing the title of the plan from the Homeless Response Plan to the
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Homelessness Action Plan. Staff believe this title better reflects the city’s efforts in taking direct
action to address the issue of homelessness.
Additionally, the City of Carlsbad has several policies and plans already in place that touch
issues related to homelessness (like the Housing Element of the General Plan, and a
Consolidated Plan that establishes priorities for federal funding). Each plan established
priorities and programs toward that specific objective. The new Homelessness Action Plan is
intended to consolidate the city’s policy statements regarding homelessness. The Homelessness
Action Plan does not replace those policy documents but synthesizes them into one cohesive
guiding plan. The Homelessness Action Plan will be the city’s foundational document of
homelessness strategies and actions. All future plans or policy documents with homelessness
components will strategically align with the Homelessness Action Plan.
To inform the updated plan staff completed an extensive information gathering process. This
included reviewing the Housing Element and Consolidated Plan, analyzing annual data related
to homelessness, reviewing feedback gathered from community members, holding input
sessions with service providers and people with lived experience, and holding a series of
internal meetings with city departments whose duties intersect with homeless services and
people experiencing homelessness.
Plan Purpose
The Homelessness Action Plan identifies the city’s role in coordinating the homelessness efforts
for the city as well as the measurable objectives the city will use to track progress towards
reaching the City Council’s goal. Like the city’s Strategic Plan, the Homelessness Action Plan is
intended to:
• Focus: Narrow the strategies for resources to be focused, increasing results.
• Momentum: Provide clear and consistent policy direction to city staff, enabling the
momentum needed to achieve major goals important to the Carlsbad community.
• Alignment: Create better alignment between City Council policy direction and the
operational realities of day-to-day city operations.
• Connection: Connects city efforts to the fulfilment of the City Council’s goal.
• Accountability: Identify key indicators of success.
Areas of Impact
Based on feedback gathered from the multiple stakeholder groups, data evaluation, and lessons
learned from the existing work plan implementation, city staff have identified key areas of
impact the city can focus on to achieve the City Council’s goal over the next 5 years. These
areas include:
• Shelter and Housing
• Outreach and Access to Services
• Public Safety
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These areas of impact are also the focus of the strategies identified within the Homelessness
Action Plan.
Strategies
The new Homelessness Action Plan is intended to provide consistent focus on key strategies
and initiatives to build the momentum needed to achieve results. The table below outlines the
previous key strategies and the new strategies included in the Homelessness Action Plan.
Previous Strategy Updated Strategy
Prevent, reduce and manage homelessness in
Carlsbad.
Develop and maintain the city’s capacity to
prevent and reduce homelessness and its
impacts on the community.
Support and build capacity within the city
and community to address homelessness.
Coordinate, collaborate, and support local
efforts and organizations working to address
homelessness in Carlsbad.
Encourage collaboration within the city,
community partnerships and residents.
Be active in external policy issues to influence
strategies and impacts to the city and region.
Retain, protect and increase the supply of
housing in Carlsbad.
Retain, protect and increase the supply of
housing and other affordable living options in
Carlsbad.
Additionally, the plan has initiatives and specific actions to implement these key strategies. A
work plan will be approved by the City Council annually for implementation.
Data/Tracking Progress
As the Homelessness Action Plan is implemented the city will use multiple measurements to
evaluate the effectiveness, monitor progress, and inform decision making. Homelessness is a
fluid issue and requires a variety of data indicators to tell the story of homelessness in the
community. As a result, the city will continue to report on a variety of data points to inform the
City Council and the public about the progress the city is making toward its homelessness goal.
Fiscal Analysis
There is no direct fiscal impact associated with approving the updated action plan. It does,
however, identify tasks that will be part of a work program that requires ongoing financial
commitment. Specific budget appropriation will occur on an annual basis during the City
Council’s deliberation on the City’s Operating Budget.
Environmental Evaluation (CEQA)
Pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21065, this action does not constitute a “project”
within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) 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, and therefore does not require
environmental review.
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Public Notification and Outreach
This item was noticed in accordance with the Ralph M. Brown Act and was available for public
viewing and review at least 72 hours prior to scheduled meeting date.
Exhibits
1. Housing Commission Resolution
2. Draft Homelessness Action Plan
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HOMELESSNESS
ACTION PLAN
DRAFT
JANUARY 2023
Exhibit 2
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ............................................. 4
PLAN PURPOSE & STRUCTURE ................................... 7
BACKGROUND ....................................................... 9
SCOPE OF THE LOCAL ISSUE .................................... 11
REGIONAL RESPONSE PLANS .................................... 13
COMMUNITY INPUT ............................................... 20
KEY AREAS OF FOCUS ............................................ 31
STRATEGIES & INTIATIVES ...................................... 36
DATA/TRACKING PROGRESS .................................... 49
APPENDICES ........................................................ 51
POINT IN TIME COUNT DATA
COORDINATION WITH CITY DEPARTMENTS
BENCHMARK EXPLANATIONS AND DEFINI TIONS
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Executive summary
Homelessness is an issue affecting nearly every community throughout the United States. The Carlsbad
City Council has identified addressing homelessness as a top priority. As a result, the City of Carlsbad has
dedicated the resources to be a regional leader in planning, coordinating, and implementing strategies
to address homelessness. While coordinating and leading homelessness efforts within Carlsbad, the city
also recognizes that efforts to end homelessness require the collaboration of solution-focused partners
including the local Continuum of Care, County of San Diego, other North County cities, local nonprofits,
and faith-based organizations. The city leverages these partnerships and seeks to strategically deploy
resources to address any gaps within the existing homeless service system.
Geographically Carlsbad is in the North County Region of San Diego County. North County represents the
largest sub-region in San Diego with a diverse geography. Carlsbad is located directly along the coastline
making it part of the North Coastal area. The North Coastal area contains some of the most expensive
housing in the county located within the cities of Carlsbad, Solana Beach, Del Mar, Encinitas, and
Oceanside. Additionally, the 2022 annual Point in Time Count identified that about 16% (or at least
1,442 people) of the San Diego region’s homeless population on any given night is in North County.
The City of Carlsbad originally developed a Homeless Response Plan in 2017. This plan was designed to
“serve as a foundation to develop a more comprehensive, longer term strategic plan to continue to
shape the City's efforts to address the impacts of homelessness on the residents, the larger community,
and the city itself.” In carrying out the original plan the city made significant progress on the originally
outlined objectives and expanded the plan to include a City Council adopted goal and a work plan in
2021. The city now has a Housing & Homeless Services Department and has made consistent progress in
implementing programs and projects aimed at addressing and reducing homelessness. The city is no
longer just responding to the prevalence of homelessness, it is taking intentional action to reduce the
impacts of homelessness on the community. As a result, the title of the plan has been changed from the
Homeless Response Plan to the Homelessness Action Plan. This title better reflects the city’s efforts in
taking direct action to address the issue of homelessness.
The City of Carlsbad has a number of policies and plans already in place that touch issues related to
homelessness (like the Housing Element of the General Plan and a Consolidated Plan that establishes
priorities for federal funding). Each plan established priorities and programs toward its specific
objective. The new Homelessness Action Plan is intended to consolidate the city’s policy statements
regarding homelessness. The Homelessness Action Plan does not replace those policy documents but
synthesizes them into one cohesive guiding plan. The Homelessness Action Plan will be the city’s
foundational document of homelessness strategies and actions. All future plans or policy documents
with homelessness components will strategically align with this plan.
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Homelessness is a complex issue that requires the resources, expertise and cooperation of many
different entities. The city’s efforts will be concentrated within three key areas it can influence. These
areas comprise “what” the city will focus on.
KEY AREAS OF FOCUS
Shelter and housing
Outreach and access to services
Public safety
The plan also identifies key strategies which are “how” the city will make impacts within the main areas
of focus. The strategies can be summarized in four main areas:
Strategy #1
Develop and maintain the city’s capacity to prevent and reduce homelessness
and its impacts on the community.
Strategy #2
Coordinate, collaborate and support local efforts and organizations working to
address homelessness in Carlsbad.
Strategy #3
Retain, protect and increase the supply of housing and other affordable living
options in Carlsbad.
Strategy #4
Be active in external policy issues to influence strategies and impacts to the city
and region.
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This Homelessness Action Plan has been developed to update the homelessness goal (approved by the
City Council on Oct. 11, 2022), areas of focus, strategies and measurable objectives/benchmarks. It is
intended to provide consistent focus on key strategies and initiatives to build the momentum needed to
achieve results. However, the city operates in a dynamic environment and must consider unanticipated
needs, changing community priorities and emergencies, all of which could require a different direction
or allocation of resources. As such, the city will update its plan periodically, to respond to changing
conditions. City staff anticipate this plan incorporates needs and actions for approximately 5 years.
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Plan purpose
The Homelessness Action Plan establishes and consolidates key strategies and initiatives in response to
the city’s goal related to homelessness. The City of Carlsbad has a number of policies and plans already
in place that touch issues related to homelessness (like the Housing Element of the General Plan and a
Consolidated Plan that establishes priorities for federal funding). Each plan established priorities and
programs toward that specific objective. This Homelessness Action Plan is intended to consolidate the
city’s policy statements regarding homelessness. The Homelessness Action Plan does not replace those
policy documents but attempts to synthesize them into one cohesive guiding plan. The Homelessness
Action Plan will be the city’s foundational document of homelessness strategies and actions. All future
plans or policy documents with homelessness components will strategically align with this plan.
The plan identifies the city’s role in coordinating the homelessness efforts for the city as well as the
measurements the city will use to track progress towards reaching the City Council’s goal. Like the city’s
Strategic Plan, the Homelessness Action Plan is intended to:
Focus
Narrow the strategies for resources to be focused, increasing results.
Momentum
Provide clear and consistent policy direction to city staff, enabling the momentum
needed to achieve major goals important to the Carlsbad community.
Alignment
Create better alignment between City Council policy direction and the
operational realities of day-to-day city operations.
Connection
Connect city efforts to the fulfillment of the City Council’s goal.
Accountability
Identify key indicators of success.
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.
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Plan structure
The long-term plan includes high-level policy direction and strategies. Existing services that assist with
achieving the overall goal are identified, if necessary, toward continued service commitment. Specific
work plans and resource needs will be presented each year and included in the city’s annual budget.
Identifying all services in one consolidated work program allows city staff to more easily identify gaps,
duplication or alternate funding resources. The work program will continue to identify existing services
to best determine the most appropriate funding source. City staff will present prior year annual data as
part of a comprehensive evaluation for future service needs when presenting the annual work plan.
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Background
In 2017 the City of Carlsbad created its first Homeless Response Plan to address the growing
prevalence of individuals experiencing homelessness. Residents and other community
members, including business owners, asked the city to address this challenging issue and
associated impacts. Based on input from a working group consisting of staff from Police, Fire,
Library, Parks & Recreation, Public Works, and the City Attorney’s Office, the City of Carlsbad
created its first Homeless Response Plan. Since then, the city has taken a number of proactive
steps in addressing homelessness and its impact on the community.
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Scope of the local issue
The San Diego region has consistently ranked among the top regions in the nation with the
highest numbers of people experiencing homelessness. According to the 2022 Point in Time
Count there were a minimum of 8,427 people experiencing homelessness on a single night in
February 2022, with almost half living unsheltered. The region did not conduct an unsheltered
Point in Time Count in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The count has found that about
16% (or at least 1,442 people) of the San Diego region’s homeless population on any given night
is in North County with cities such as Carlsbad, Escondido, Oceanside, Vista, Encinitas and
unincorporated areas such as Fallbrook experiencing large populations of unsheltered
homelessness.
The 2022 Point in Time Count identified 43 sheltered and 75 unsheltered for a total of 118
individuals experiencing homelessness in Carlsbad. This represents a 20% decrease from the
2020 count. The North Coastal area had a total of 745 individuals, which represented a 20%
increase. Additional demographic data from the Point in Time Count is included in Appendix A.
While the Point in Time Count represents a one-night snapshot, the Carlsbad homeless
quarterly report data has identified that over a 12-month period 749 unduplicated individuals
experiencing homelessness were encountered by homeless services programs funded by the
city.
The 2022 Homeless Inventory Count shows limited shelter and housing options within North
County to meet the needs of the homeless population. There are only 167 permanent shelter
beds in North County. Of these 26 are only available in the winter through a church shelter
network. This leaves only 141 year-round beds for 1,442 people, with 50 of these beds
restricted to single males.
Point in Time Count data 2020 2022 Change
Carlsbad sheltered 54 43 -20%
Carlsbad unsheltered 94 75 -20%
Carlsbad total 148 118 -20%
North County Coastal total 621 745 +20%
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Since 2015 there has not been a significant increase in the number of permanent homeless
dedicated interventions in North County. The total number of emergency shelter beds (except
for a spike from 2021-2022 due to temporary motel vouchers), rapid re-housing, and
permanent supportive housing has remained relatively flat while North County has seen a
significant decline in transitional housing beds.
While transitional housing has decreased throughout the region in recent years, North County
has not seen commensurate nor any significant increase in other resources, likely contributing
to the increase in visible street homelessness throughout the region.
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Part of a shared framework
Addressing the homelessness issue requires regional cooperation and contributions from a
variety of stakeholders including homeless services providers, faith-based organizations, law
enforcement, healthcare partners, the education sector, philanthropy, business partners, cities,
and the County of San Diego. Many cities and stakeholders across the region have been
working to develop solutions to the growing number of people experiencing homelessness in
our communities. As a result, different entities throughout the county have developed
homelessness plans, policies and standards in recent years. The City of Carlsbad has taken these
documents and the shared framework of addressing homelessness into consideration in the
development of this Homelessness Action Plan.
Regional response plans
The Regional Task Force on Homelessness is a countywide regional body designated by the U.S.
Department of Housing and Urban Development to be the San Diego Continuum of Care. The
Continuum of Care is tasked with bringing together stakeholders with a common goal to end
homelessness and develop and implement strategies and funding plans to achieve this goal.
The regional plans identify core principles that guide actions and decision making in the region.
While not a direct requirement for the City of Carlsbad to mirror the Continuum of Care, these
principles and policies impact homelessness collaboration, partnerships and funding allocations
throughout the region. City staff contributes regularly in regional conversations to represent
local needs and collaborate for greater impact.
Regional Task Force on Homelessness Community Action Plan to Prevent and
End Homelessness in San Diego
The Regional Task Force on Homelessness has developed a
Regional Community Action Plan to Prevent and End
Homelessness in San Diego (the “Regional Plan”) which is
intended to align stakeholders around a shared vision,
common principles, clear goals and priorities, and core
strategies that will move the region forward. The Regional
Plan informs and guides regional policy, funding and action,
identifies shared measures to evaluate performance and
identifies where additional infrastructure is needed to
implement plan goals. The plan was released in October
2022.
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Coordinated Community Plan to End Youth Homelessness
In 2018, the San Diego Continuum of Care was awarded the largest HUD Youth Homelessness
Demonstration Program grant in the country. This two-year funding spurred the creation of the
region’s Coordinated Community Plan to End Youth Homelessness which identified the goal of
ending youth homelessness by 2024.
San Diego Continuum of Care Board Action Plan: Addressing Homelessness
Among Black San Diegans
Released in September 2022 the Action Plan: Addressing Homelessness Among Black San
Diegans was developed by the Ad Hoc Committee on Addressing Homelessness Among Black
San Diegans and provides detailed recommendations to reduce and eliminate disparities in the
homeless services system.
Continuum of Care policy guidelines on unsheltered homelessness
In January 2020 the San Diego Continuum of Care Advisory Board adopted a set of policy
guidelines for regional response for addressing unsheltered homelessness and encampments
throughout San Diego County that outline policy expectations to meet the needs of people
experiencing unsheltered homelessness based on national best practices. The policy includes
ending activities that criminalize homelessness, promoting the use of non-law enforcement
personnel to engage people on the street and taking a clearance with support framework for
encampments that requires coordination across all partners for successful resolution. The
Regional Task Force on Homelessness developed the policy in consultation with community
partners and HUD technical assistance staff.
Street Outreach Standards: Building on the unsheltered policy, the Regional Task Force on
Homelessness identified best-practices for the provision of street outreach services. In the Fall
of 2020, the Continuum of Care Advisory Board adopted an enhanced set of street outreach
standards that outline service expectations for street outreach workers across the region. The
standards focus on ensuring a housing focused, trauma-informed and relationship-based
engagement. Many public funders, including the City and County of San Diego, include the
standards in their contract requirements for providing street outreach services.
Standards, learning collaborative and training
The San Diego Continuum of Care sets standards for the provision of homeless services. The
Community Standards outline minimum expectations for providing quality housing and services
and are based on proven best practices. The Continuum of Care also supports the system with
adhering to and practicing the standards. Additionally, in the last few years, the Regional Task
Force on Homelessness has taken a lead role with creating focused learning collaboratives and
contracting with national experts to provide training in diversion, street outreach and rapid re-
housing.
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North County Homeless Action Plan
In 2020 a group of North County mayors and other key stakeholders adopted a North County
Homeless Action Plan that identified the following goals:
1. Reduce unsheltered street homelessness 50% by January 2022
2. Increase short-term housing options needed for people experiencing homelessness today
3. Increase long-term housing options to end homelessness for people experiencing
homelessness or who are in shelter today
Local response plans
Within the county, a number of cities have developed action plans to identify local efforts to
address homelessness. The cities of Encinitas, Escondido, Vista, Oceanside, La Mesa and San
Diego have all developed community action plans in the last four years. The common themes
for municipal responses address increasing temporary and permanent housing, reducing
impacts on the community, collaborating with community providers to coordinate services and
leveraging resources.
Plan Year Goals
City of Encinitas Homeless
Action Plan 2021 • Increase the capacity of the city and the community to end
homelessness in Encinitas through the development a
collaborative community driven approach.
• Decrease the number of individuals experiencing
homelessness through demand driven, person-based
homeless response and supportive housing services system.
• Increase the availability of temporary and permanent
housing.
City of Escondido Strategy for
Addressing Homelessness and
Transiency
2021 • To eliminate the negative impact of homelessness and
transiency on our community.
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Plan Year Goals
City of La Mesa Homeless Action
Plan
2021 • Enhance the city’s public communication and coordination
related to the homeless.
• Improve the city’s ability to prevent homelessness, provide
direct outreach to the homeless population, address public
safety, and respond to nonemergency calls for service.
• Expand the city’s ability to connect homeless residents to
transitional and permanent housing opportunities Identify
viable one-time and ongoing grant funding opportunities.
City of Vista Strategic Plan to
Address Homelessness
2020 • Prevent homelessness
• Improve quality of life
• Reduce homelessness
City of San Diego Community
Action Plan on Homelessness
2019 • Decrease unsheltered homelessness by 50%.
• Finish the job of ending veteran homelessness.
• Prevent and end youth homelessness as outlined in the San
Diego County Coordinated Community Plan to End Youth
Homelessness.
City of Oceanside
Comprehensive Homeless
Strategy
2019 • Oceanside’s Comprehensive Homeless Strategy serves as a
report on the current status of homelessness in the city, its
impact on efforts underway, and provides a framework for
integrated and coordinated approaches to help the
homeless situation. The city cannot respond to this county
and statewide crisis on its own. Many homeless individuals
suffer from substance abuse and/or mental health issues
which far exceed a city’s ability to respond. Clearly, the
County of San Diego which is tasked with “community
health” responsibilities, needs to take on an even greater
role in Oceanside and North County to make meaningful
progress. The state, county, city and the nonprofit
community need to work in concert to make meaningful
progress.
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City policies and plans
In addition to the regional framework of addressing homelessness, there are a number of city policies
and plans already in place which identify actions or resources impacting homelessness. These policies
and plans are threaded into this Homelessness Action Plan. The strategies in this plan are intended to
include and complement existing plans. Instead of repeating policy statements or actions from each of
these plans, city staff will implement companion policies and programs identified in the plans identified
below:
COMPANION PLANS
City of Carlsbad Strategic Plan
Age Friendly Carlsbad 5-Year Plan
Carlsbad Housing Agency Annual Plan
Water Quality Improvement Plan
Community Development Block Grant Consolidated Plan
Housing Element of the General Plan
Jurisdictional Runoff Management Plan
Municipal Sustainability Action Plan
Permanent Local Housing Allocation Plan
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Community input
In the development of this Homelessness Action Plan city staff have made significant efforts to receive
feedback from many sources. This feedback was used to identify shared themes which helped shape the
direction of strategies, initiatives and tasks.
Feedback from residents
The City of Carlsbad Communication & Engagement Department worked with Dialogue Partners, a firm
specializing in public participation and community engagement, to design and implement a public
involvement strategy to engage City of Carlsbad community members and gather their input. Feedback
opportunities included four virtual community meetings (one for each council district) and an online
engagement survey which was open from May 27 to June 13, 2021. A total of 218 people participated in
the virtual meetings and 427 people completed the online engagement survey.
What we heard
There was consensus that homelessness had increased over the last five years. People were concerned
about the impacts to the community such as encampments, abandoned trash, people outwardly
disturbing the peace of the public and individuals sleeping in public spaces such as parks during hours
when children are trying to use the park. There was a concern about criminal activity and general
perception of safety. There seemed to be a common theme that homelessness is a complex issue, and
that Carlsbad was not responsible nor in a position to reduce homelessness on its own. There also
seemed to be consensus that the city should take a stance and act now to do what it can to reduce
homelessness and the impacts to the community. There was a wide array of opinions, however, about
how to approach reducing homelessness.
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Feedback from people with lived experience
The City of Carlsbad Housing & Homeless Services and Communication & Engagement departments held
two focus groups to solicit input from people with lived experience. In order to develop a plan that
responds to identified needs, it is important to acknowledge that people closest to the problem are
often closest to the solution.
What we heard
The feedback groups shed light on many aspects of the homeless response with key takeaways around
programs that are missing and populations that aren’t being adequately served. There were many gaps
highlighted around people with disabilities not being able to access needed services. Accommodations
are not always accessible, sought or upheld for the unhoused population. In addition, there are barriers
and inequitable access for people exiting the prison system, women and for people of color.
A number of new programs were proposed including a storage locker system for people’s possessions so
they can go to work or access services, a day labor clean-up program that is connected to a motel
voucher, increased options for housing like shared housing, roommate matching and storage sheds to
live in temporarily.
Feedback from service providers
The City of Carlsbad Housing & Homeless Services staff held a focus group with local service providers to
solicit their input on strengths, weaknesses and gaps related to homeless services within the city.
What we heard
There are many unavailable and underfunded resources that are necessary for people trying to exit
homelessness. The service providers identified these items as immediate needs: motel vouchers, bus
passes, gas cards, money for car repairs, adequate access to showers and laundry, storage and mail
service. The shelter needs articulated included: safe parking where cars can be left through the day and
oversized vehicles are permitted, shelter for women and families and non-congregate shelter. The
additional barriers to accessing housing identified were: affordable rental rooms or units, lack of credit
or rental history, lack of income to afford rent, units not allowing pets and lack of assets or proof of
ability to pay rent. Systemwide the service providers identified these as the top concerns: lack of
continuity of care through the system of providers, lack of mental health support to stabilize in housing
and lack of detox, rehab and crisis stabilization beds.
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The service providers identified these as their priorities for reducing homelessness: development of
single room occupancy units, incentives for landlords willing to rent to people experiencing
homelessness, long term support for those entering housing, long term assisted living options for
vulnerable and extremely low-income seniors, affordable long term RV parking and available affordable
housing options.
Feedback from city staff
The City of Carlsbad Housing & Homeless Services staff held a series of three meetings with internal
departments including the City Attorney’s Office, Communication & Engagement, Community
Development, Fire, Housing & Homeless Services, Legislative Affairs, Library & Cultural Arts, Parks &
Recreation, Police and Public Works.
What we heard
There was consensus that homelessness is a complex issue and a concern over how much impact a city
can have. There seemed to be concern on how to help individuals with mental health or substance
abuse issues as most city employees are not trained on how to work with that population. Staff
encouraged more training on homelessness topics, resources awareness and how to interact with
people experiencing homelessness. The Library and Fire departments identified specific initiatives to
better serve individuals experiencing homelessness. The internal city staff team helped identify their
department’s role for clearer delineation and understanding. These roles are included in Appendix B and
will deliver a more coordinated approach across city departments.
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Previous City Council guidance
Since the original Homeless Response Plan was created in 2017, the City Council has provided input on
priorities for responding to the growing issue of homelessness. As a result, the following priorities have
been incorporated into the plan:
Fully fund staff and implement the city’s homelessness plan
Create specific and measurable targets and timelines for reducing homelessness
Preventing and ending homelessness among youth and veterans
Increase social services/social workers through partnership with the County of San Diego
Work with entities within our city (and region) to increase transitions to permanent supportive
housing
Advocate for legislative changes needed to effectively address homelessness
Prevent homelessness by supporting those at risk of becoming homeless/losing their housing
Work through a regional group to develop regional action plan that includes integrated services
within/among cities
Develop an encampment policy
Focus on trauma informed care
Focus on aggressive individuals to address their needs (substance abuse, mental health, other)
Explore expansion of the La Posada de Guadalupe shelter
Complete financial analysis to identify opportunities for quickest results
No visible encampments
Identify city and regional goals
Emphasize affordable housing
Jan. 12, 2023 Item #3 Page 30 of 64
Jan. 12, 2023 Item #3 Page 31 of 64
Current inventory of resources in Carlsbad
Homelessness impacts all aspects of a community, so it truly takes a collaborative effort to solve it.
SUPPORTING CITY
DEPARTMENTS
• City Attorney’s Office
• City Manager’s Office
• Communication & Engagement
• Community Development
• Fire
• Library & Cultural Arts
• Parks & Recreation
• Police
• Public Works
LEVERAGED OR LOCAL
RESOURCES
• City General Fund
• Community Development Block Grant
• Housing Choice Voucher
• Housing Trust Fund
• Permanent Local Housing Allocation
Jan. 12, 2023 Item #3 Page 32 of 64
Jan. 12, 2023 Item #3 Page 33 of 64
Regional collaboration
The city maintains formal partnerships with many organizations as well as coordinates and collaborates
with many regional stakeholders in the community to reduce homelessness. This is not an exhaustive list
as there are many volunteers, groups and organizations supporting efforts to reduce homelessness.
Generally, the City of Carlsbad does not directly provide social services. There are social services that
benefit the city which the City of Carlsbad contributes funding to support or contracts with non-profit
organizations to provide. There are also services provided within the city by social service agencies,
nonprofit organizations and religious organizations which are not funded by the city. It is important that
the city understands what resources are available to better identify duplication or gaps in services.
Jan. 12, 2023 Item #3 Page 34 of 64
The following resources are not funded by the city but are important parts of the service continuum for
people experiencing homelessness. These resources are extremely limited and not sufficient to meet the
community need. As a result, the city will advocate for their expansion throughout the region as
appropriate.
Health services
Basic needs support
(food, hygiene, clothing)
Substance abuse
treatment
Benefits
Mental health services
The chart below identifies services financially supported by the City of Carlsbad. Consolidating these
services in the work program allows city staff to more easily identify gaps, duplication or alternate
funding resources. The work program will continue to identify existing services to best determine the
most appropriate funding source.
Program Organization City Resources
(most recent Fiscal Year)
Source of City
Resources
Outreach
Homeless Outreach &
Case Management
Interfaith
Community Services
$315,000 General Fund
Shelter
La Posada de Guadalupe Catholic Charities
Diocese of San
Diego
$194,000 Community
Development Block
Grant, General Fund
Bridge to Housing Shelter
Network
Alliance for Regional
Solutions
$25,000 Housing Trust Fund
Jan. 12, 2023 Item #3 Page 35 of 64
Program Organization City Resources
(most recent Fiscal Year)
Source of City
Resources
Shelter
Women’s Resource Center
Domestic Violence Shelter
WRC (formerly
Women’s Resource
Center)
$10,000 CDBG
Limited Term Motel
Voucher Program
City of Carlsbad $100,000 General Fund
Access & employment
Employment & Benefits
Specialist
Community
Resource Center
$140,000 General Fund
Carlsbad Hiring Center Interfaith
Community Services
$204,217 General Fund
Pet shelter
Pet Shelter Program San Diego Humane
Society
$29,825 General Fund
Housing assistance
Housing Navigation City of Carlsbad
$72,000
Housing Trust Fund,
General Fund
Emergency Rental &
Utility Assistance
Interfaith
Community Services
$25,000
CDBG
Emergency Rental &
Utility Assistance
Community
Resource Center
$20,000 CDBG
Rapid Re-Housing Community
Resource Center
$350,000 General Fund
Rental Assistance Brother Benno’s $10,073 CDBG
City service infrastructure
Homeless Outreach Team City of Carlsbad
Police Department
$1,929,790 General Fund
Homeless Services City of Carlsbad
Housing & Homeless
Services
$714,317 General Fund
Encampment and
Abandoned Trash Clean
Up
Urban Corps $100,000 General Fund
Portable Restrooms Rocket Johns $25,000 General Fund
TOTAL CITY RESOURCES $4,264,222
Jan. 12, 2023 Item #3 Page 36 of 64
How the City of Carlsbad can help (key areas of
focus)
The causes of individual homelessness are complex. While not a new problem, recent conditions have
increased the homelessness crisis. The high costs of housing and inflation, compared to a lack of
increases in wages and public assistance may contribute to more people with vulnerabilities and barriers
falling into homelessness.
Based on feedback gathered from the multiple stakeholder groups, data evaluation, and lessons learned
from the existing work plan implementation, city staff have identified key areas of impact the city can
focus on to achieve the City Council’s goal over the next 5 years. The City of Carlsbad is limited in many
responses to root causes of homelessness. While the city does not have the role of assisting with many
issues such as education, healthcare, or income assistance, the following are areas of impact where the
City of Carlsbad can contribute. These are also the focus of the strategies and initiatives identified in this
plan.
Shelter and housing
High home prices, high rental costs and low vacancy rates have fueled a local housing crisis. San Diego
currently ranks as the 5th most expensive rental market in the country. Additionally, research shows
that communities where people spend more than 32% of their income on rent can expect a more rapid
increase in homelessness. In Carlsbad 48% of households spend more than 30% of their income on rent
with 24% spending more than 50% of their income on rent. Due to the realities of housing affordability
and unsheltered homelessness in the region, there is overwhelming consensus that more shelter and
housing options are needed in North County.
CITY OPTIONS
Increase and diversify
immediate shelter/
housing availability
There are not enough options for women or families with
children, and individuals with significant mental health or
substance abuse issues. There is a limited supply of
permanent supportive housing and affordable housing in
the region given the need. Many properties have long
waiting lists. Even affordable rents at the low-income
level are over $1,400 per month for a 1 bedroom unit.
Expanding housing types and programs can be used as tools to increase access to housing.
Increase housing focused
low-barrier shelter
There is not enough year-round shelter to
meet the need of the unsheltered
population. Shelter can play an important
role in the process of moving people
experiencing homelessness off the streets
and into housing. The city is working with
Catholic Charities Diocese of San Diego to
potentially expand the La Posada de
Guadalupe shelter to serve more people,
including women and families.
Jan. 12, 2023 Item #3 Page 37 of 64
Implement zoning and
land use programs
identified in the Housing
Element
To meet the housing demand for the
region, the State requires regions to plan
for new housing units, known as the
Regional Housing Needs Assessment. The
most recent Regional Housing Needs
Assessment prepared by the San Diego
Association of Governments identifies 171,658 new housing units are needed
over the next ten years (2021-2029) to
meet the need. For the City of Carlsbad
this is a total of 3,873 units, with 784
being low, and 1,311 being very low-income units. There are several zoning and
land use programs in the Housing Element
that can expand shelter and housing
availability for people in need.
F
Reduce barriers to shelter and
housing
For people trying to secure housing there are many barriers
based on income, identification, security deposits, criminal
history and limited recent rental history. Landlord
engagement strategies can be used to access the existing
housing stock more effectively for people exiting
homelessness. Shallow subsidies, landlord incentives,
security deposit loans and rent guarantees can be used as
tools to increase access to housing.
Jan. 12, 2023 Item #3 Page 38 of 64
Outreach and access to services
The City of Carlsbad does not directly provide social services as a core service. The city contracts for
social workers to provide outreach and case management services to support people in moving out of
homelessness. The city also contracts for rapid re-housing services, employment and benefit services,
and clinician services at the La Posada shelter.
CITY OPTIONS
Housing focused street
outreach/case
management
Although the County of San Diego
and the city have increased the
number of non-law enforcement staff providing outreach and case management, there is still a need
for more. This is critical to engaging the unsheltered
population effectively and moving them into housing.
In December 2021 the County of San Diego launched a
North County Pilot Project to provide eight social
workers throughout the region to conduct outreach
and provide case management to people experiencing
homelessness. Carlsbad has one full time social worker
within the city as a result of this program.
Employment and
benefits services
The city funds a contract for an
Employment and Benefits
Specialist to assist individuals
experiencing homelessness with connecting to entitlement benefits
and paid employment to increase their income. It can
be challenging for people experiencing homelessness
to gain paid employment, access Supplemental
Security Income/Social Security Disability Insurance
and/or access other benefits which they are entitled
to receive. However, an increase in income can
improve housing options and provide more pathways
to exit homelessness. The Employment and Benefits
Specialist is connected with employers and trained in
the Security Income/Social Security Disability
Insurance Outreach, Access and Recovery (SOAR)
model which is a nationally recognized best practice to
streamline access to benefits for people experiencing
homelessness.
Increase diversion services
Diversion includes a service package where
staff connect with a household early in their
current homeless situation, engage in a strength-based conversation to understand
their housing needs and identify potential
housing options. Diversion
differs from prevention in
that diversion serves households already
experiencing homelessness.
Effective diversion services
can help to reduce
homelessness by diverting people away from
the homeless service system.
Equity and access
Local feedback from people
with lived experience of
homelessness as well as
regional data analysis by the
San Diego Continuum of Care
has identified potential equity
issues in both rates of homelessness for minorities and the availability
and quality of services. As a result, the City of
Carlsbad will ensure it implements the
Homelessness Action Plan through an equity
lens and adjusts when needed to increase or
improve equity and access.
Jan. 12, 2023 Item #3 Page 39 of 64
Public safety
The City of Carlsbad has a duty to protect the public safety of all residents, housed or unhoused. The city
provides a balanced approach to addressing the complex needs of individuals experiencing
homelessness in a compassionate and effective manner while addressing the impacts on the community
of people living unsheltered. The 2017 Homeless Response Plan identified the need to look at existing
ordinances that impact the community and the city’s response to homeless-related issues. In 2021, the
City Council modified portions of the city’s existing quality of life ordinances to regulate conduct such as
camping on public and private property, fires and cooking on public property, storage of personal
property in public places, aggressive solicitation, trespassing, obstruction of property, disorderly conduct
and possessing or consuming open containers of alcohol in public places.
CITY OPTIONS
Law enforcement
without criminalizing
homelessness
While being homeless itself is not a
crime, people experiencing
homelessness at times engage in unlawful behavior which
requires the response of law enforcement. The Carlsbad
Police Department staffs a Homeless Outreach Team that
aims to balance the needs of everyone who resides in
Carlsbad. This includes providing outreach to individuals
experiencing homelessness that need housing, shelter,
protection and service referrals. The HOT team provides
compassionate enforcement to make sure that unlawful
behavior is addressed. Most people experiencing
homelessness have experienced some form of trauma in
their lives. A history of trauma impacts a person’s behavior and response to services and supports. Trauma
informed care is a critical component in compassionate
enforcement.
Access to basic health and
safety needs
Living unsheltered can contribute to poor
health and premature death. Many people
experiencing homelessness use the
emergency room in the place of preventive
or general medical care. The Carlsbad Fire
Department is frequently called upon to provide immediate medical assistance to
individuals experiencing homelessness or to
transport for additional medical treatment.
A street medicine component can reduce
the burden on emergency services and
improve the health of the unsheltered
population increasing long-term housing
outcomes. Additionally, coordination with
the hospital system can be increased to
reduce exits from the
hospital system to
homelessness and
connect people exiting
hospitals to case
management services.
Encampment and abandoned litter clean up
The City of Carlsbad does not allow overnight camping in public spaces when
appropriate alternatives are available and follows regional standards for encampment
engagement and clearing. The city contracts for routine and special cleanup efforts of
abandoned litter to maintain a clean and safe city. These services will be continued and
monitored to ensure ongoing effectiveness.
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Jan. 12, 2023 Item #3 Page 41 of 64
Key strategies and initiatives
Over the next five years the City of Carlsbad will focus on the following key strategies toward reducing
homelessness and its impacts on the community. Each strategy has initiatives and new or continuing
actions that will be addressed through annual work plans.
Strategy #1
Develop and maintain the city’s capacity to prevent and reduce homelessness and
its impacts on the community.
Strategy #2
Coordinate, collaborate and support local efforts and organizations working to
address homelessness in Carlsbad.
Strategy #3
Retain, protect and increase the supply of housing and other affordable living
options in Carlsbad.
Strategy #4
Be active in external policy issues to influence strategies and impacts to the city and
region.
Jan. 12, 2023 Item #3 Page 42 of 64
Strategy #1
Develop and maintain the city’s capacity to prevent and reduce
homelessness and its impacts on the community.
Initiative 1.1 Develop and maintain internal homeless services
infrastructure.
Initiative 1.2 Develop and maintain programs to support people finding
a home and preventing households from entering
homelessness.
Initiative 1.3 Coordinate homelessness response between city
departments to maximize effectiveness and efficiency.
Initiative 1.4 Transparently share data to improve decision-making and
communication.
Jan. 12, 2023 Item #3 Page 43 of 64
Strategy #1*
Develop and maintain the city’s capacity to prevent and reduce
homelessness and its impacts on the community.
*New initiatives are highlighted in green.
Initiative 1.1
Develop and maintain internal homeless services infrastructure.
a. Maintain staff dedicated to Homeless Services and Homeless Outreach.
b. Maintain abandoned trash and encampment clean-up efforts, ensuring coordination and
compliance with regional guidance.
c. Identify one-time and ongoing funding sources.
d. Continue to evaluate and monitor city services and programs to ensure we identify gaps and
meet the needs of the community.
Initiative 1.2
Develop and maintain programs to support people finding a home and preventing
households from entering homelessness.
a. Increase the available case management for people experiencing homelessness and streamline
internal referrals to case management.
b. Maintain rapid rehousing options to improve wait time to more permanent housing.
c. Increase and support prevention and diversion efforts to decrease the inflow of people into
homelessness.
d. Develop and maintain robust and impactful outreach to persistently identify, engage and assess
both the immediate needs and long-term housing needs of unsheltered people experiencing
homelessness.
e. Identify opportunities to add peer support components to programs and multi-disciplinary
teams.
f. Improve coordination and access to employment and benefits for people experiencing
homelessness.
g. Develop a plan to address the increasing number of people and families living in vehicles.
Jan. 12, 2023 Item #3 Page 44 of 64
h. Maintain a limited-stay motel voucher program as a resource to bridge housing.
i. Design a Carlsbad City Library program to assist residents at the La Posada de Guadalupe
homeless shelter (La Posada) with education and literacy opportunities.
j. Investigate barriers to people accessing shelter or permanent housing and create programs as
appropriate to alleviate found barriers.
Initiative 1.3
Coordinate homelessness response between city departments to maximize
effectiveness and efficiency.
a. Streamline processes for city departments to coordinate homelessness response in a more
effective manner.
b. Develop and provide training on homelessness topics, resources and interactions for internal
departments that are in contact with people experiencing homelessness.
c. Develop a proactive HOT route and schedule to monitor sensitive public areas such as water
inlets and ensure they are not being impacted by encampments.
d. Update HIPAA documentation and procedures to allow emergency services to access more
appropriate crisis response options.
Initiative 1.4
Transparently share data to improve decision-making and communication.
a. Survey residents, people experiencing homelessness and service providers to better
understand and measure qualitative community experiences.
b. Compile and publish key data that provides a comprehensive understanding of homelessness in
Carlsbad.
c. Provide updates to the community on progress within the Homeless Response Plan and City
Council goal.
d. Coordinate with the Regional Task Force on Homelessness to better inform planning efforts and
maximize volunteer support for the annual Point in Time Count within Carlsbad.
e. Remain in the Homeless Management Information System Trust Network and utilize HMIS data
to inform decisions.
f. Continue to educate the community on the city’s efforts related to homelessness and
streamline communication pathways for reporting concerns.
Jan. 12, 2023 Item #3 Page 45 of 64
g. Identify unified and consistent city messaging and response regarding homelessness
Initiative 1.5
Coordinate the city’s funding sources to ensure optimization and maximize
effectiveness.
a. Update CDBG policies and procedures to allow funding allocations in alignment with the
Homelessness Action Plan.
b. Develop a PLHA funding strategy in alignment with the Homelessness Action Plan and eligible
uses.
c. Provide updates to the community on progress within the Homeless Response Plan and City
Council goal.
d. Coordinate with the Regional Task Force on Homelessness to better inform planning efforts and
maximize volunteer support for the annual Point in Time Count within Carlsbad.
e. Continue to educate the community on the city’s efforts related to homelessness and
streamline communication pathways for reporting concerns.
Jan. 12, 2023 Item #3 Page 46 of 64
Strategy #2
Coordinate, collaborate, support and build capacity within local efforts
and organizations working to address homelessness in Carlsbad.
Initiative 2.1 Coordinate the efforts of the organizations working with
people experiencing homelessness in the City of Carlsbad.
Initiative 2.2
Develop partnerships within the city to support people at
risk of and experiencing homelessness.
Jan. 12, 2023 Item #3 Page 47 of 64
Strategy #2*
Coordinate, collaborate, support and build capacity within local
efforts and organizations working to address homelessness in
Carlsbad.
*New initiatives are highlighted in green.
Initiative 2.1
Coordinate the efforts of the organizations working with people experiencing
homelessness in the City of Carlsbad.
a. Conduct monthly case conferencing meetings that includes prioritized case evaluation and
trainings on resources and best practices.
b. Maintain a comprehensive privacy protected By Name List containing real-time data about all
people experiencing homelessness in the City of Carlsbad.
c. Develop a multi-disciplinary team model and process to coordinate the work and roles of
different community organizations serving the same clients.
d. Leverage existing city owned and community spaces to connect with and provide services to
people experiencing homelessness.
e. Evaluate the development of a regional street medicine program in the city or North Coastal
area.
Initiative 2.2
Develop partnerships within the city to support people at risk of and experiencing
homelessness.
a. Develop partnerships with faith-based and community groups to collaborate on homelessness
efforts to reduce duplication and mitigate community impacts.
b. Coordinate with community-based organizations to develop a fund that allows for community
contributions towards homelessness services.
c. Partner with outside agencies around victim advocacy to prevent and divert survivors of
domestic violence from becoming homeless.
d. Continue to enhance housing-focused services at La Posada through added staff capacity,
technical assistance and training.
e.
Provide support to Catholic Charities with expansion efforts at La Posada.
Jan. 12, 2023 Item #3 Page 48 of 64
Initiative 2.2
Develop partnerships within the city to support people at risk of and experiencing
homelessness.
f. Support Catholic Charities to increase the CUP allowed bed count within the existing La Posada
g. Develop a plan to coordinate with local hospitals, jails and other interim placements to connect
individuals exiting without permanent housing to support and to prevent people from exiting to
the streets whenever possible.
h. Expand access to non-emergency healthcare through more accessible care, including at La
Posada, and by creating more connections to referral pathways.
Jan. 12, 2023 Item #3 Page 49 of 64
Strategy #3
Retain, protect and increase the supply of housing and other affordable
living options in Carlsbad.
Initiative 3.1 Retain existing affordable housing units and increase the
housing options available to people experiencing
homelessness.
Initiative 3.2
Identify and implement both short and long-term
innovative solutions.
Jan. 12, 2023 Item #3 Page 50 of 64
Strategy #3*
Retain, protect and increase the supply of housing and other
affordable living options in Carlsbad.
*New initiatives are highlighted in green.
Initiative 3.1
Retain existing affordable housing units and increase the housing options available to
people experiencing homelessness.
a. Explore options for homelessness preferences in future affordable housing developments.
b.
Evaluate alternate shelter and housing options to address high rent rates and limited housing
inventory: tiny homes, motel or apartment conversion, Single Room Occupancy units, shared
housing and adding shelters for women and families.
c. Secure supportive services for homeless dedicated Housing Choice Vouchers.
d.
Maintain and monitor a list of affordability restriction time periods for affordable housing
within the city and take steps to extend affordability for any properties approaching the end of
the restriction period.
e. Explore how any city owned properties can be used for low income or supportive housing
before they are designated for other uses as may be appropriate.
f. Identify opportunities to prioritize beds in mental and behavioral health facilities as may be
appropriate and necessary.
Initiative 3.2
Identify and implement both short and long-term innovative solutions.
a. Develop, implement, and maintain a landlord engagement program and active partnership with
local independent living facilities, sober living homes and other housing options.
b. Identify innovative projects which are eligible to be funded through the Permanent Local
Housing Allocation.
c. Explore projects that would be eligible for available funding sources.
Jan. 12, 2023 Item #3 Page 51 of 64
Strategy #4
Be active in external policy issues to influence strategies and impacts to
the city and region.
Initiative 4.1 Maintain an active role in external activities to expand local
and regional solutions to homelessness.
Jan. 12, 2023 Item #3 Page 52 of 64
Strategy #4
Be active in external policy issues to influence strategies and
impacts to the city and region.
Initiative 4.1
Maintain an active role in external activities to expand local and regional solutions to
homelessness.
a. Remain up to date on legislation affecting homelessness, housing laws, policies, strategies
and/or funding.
b. Identify opportunities to influence and support legislation that aligns with Carlsbad’s
homelessness strategies, efforts and plans.
c. Participate in regional efforts and initiatives regarding homelessness.
d. Pursue collaborative approaches, when feasible, that contribute to capacity and/or resources in
the region.
Jan. 12, 2023 Item #3 Page 53 of 64
Data/tracking progress
As the Homelessness Action Plan is implemented the city will use multiple measurements to evaluate
effectiveness, monitor progress and inform decision making. Homelessness is a fluid issue and requires a
variety of data indicators to tell the story of homelessness in our community. As a result, the city will
continue to report on a variety of data points to inform the City Council and the public about the
progress the city is making toward its homelessness goal. City staff anticipates formally reporting out
progress semi-annually. Data will be obtained from the following sources:
Point in Time Count
The annual Point in Time Count is one data source to gauge the year-over-year trends and approximate
the number of people experiencing homelessness in Carlsbad. Each year, the count is conducted over a
four-hour period in the early morning to collect data on homelessness in the region. While it does not
give the complete picture on how many people experience homelessness in Carlsbad throughout the
year, it does provide a snapshot of the minimum number of homeless persons there are in Carlsbad on a
given night. It is one of the tools used nationally to assess progress each year toward the goal of
reducing homelessness and is often used for funding decisions.
Homeless Information Management System
The Homeless Information Management System records client-level information on the characteristics
and service needs of people experiencing homelessness. It allows for all service providers to share
information and accurately track the total number of unduplicated clients who are being served in the
City of Carlsbad. The system provides real-time data that show the inflow versus outflow of individuals
experiencing homelessness in Carlsbad and can be used to track the outcomes of individuals in the
homeless system of care. All city-funded homeless service providers are required to enter data into the
HMIS and provide the city with monthly data reports.
Housing Inventory Count
The Housing Inventory Count is an annual HUD required inventory of the beds, units, and programs
designated to serve people experiencing homelessness. The HIC tallies the number of beds and units
available on the night designated for the count by program type, and include beds dedicated to serve
persons who are homeless as well as persons in Permanent Supportive Housing.
By-Name List
A By-Name List is a comprehensive list of every person in a community experiencing homelessness,
updated in real time. By maintaining a by-name list, communities are able to track the ever-changing
size and composition of their homeless population.
Carlsbad Help App
The Carlsbad Help App is an internally developed reporting tool which allows the city track interactions
and send referrals between departments.
Jan. 12, 2023 Item #3 Page 54 of 64
Measurable objectives/benchmarks
The following measurable objectives/benchmarks will be used to track program progress. A description
of each measurement is included in Appendix C.
Number of people experiencing homelessness
• The inflow and outflow of people accessing homeless service programs.
• The number of unduplicated people experiencing homelessness encountered.
• The Point in Time Count numbers.
Assistance provided to people experiencing homelessness
• The number of people experiencing homelessness that obtained housing.
• The number of placements in shelter or other temporary programs.
• Newly homeless/returns to homelessness.
Availability of affordable housing and shelter
• Shelter capacity.
• New affordable units available for extremely low income.
• New supportive housing available for people with severe service needs.
Impacts of homelessness on the community
• Calls for service.
• Abandoned trash and encampments.
• Community opinion survey of residents on the impacts.
Jan. 12, 2023 Item #3 Page 55 of 64
Appendices
A. 2021-22 Point in Time Count data
B. Coordination with other city departments
C. Benchmark explanations and definitions
Jan. 12, 2023 Item #3 Page 56 of 64
APPENDIX A
Point in Time Count Data
Jan. 12, 2023 Item #3 Page 57 of 64
Point in Time unsheltered data
Jan. 12, 2023 Item #3 Page 58 of 64
APPENDIX B
Coordination with City Departments
Jan. 12, 2023 Item #3 Page 59 of 64
The city’s Housing & Homeless Services Department will lead the implementation of the Homelessness
Action Plan. Part of the success of this plan depends on all city departments understanding their roles in
the strategic direction in support of the goal. The following table identifies additional city department
roles related to homelessness in our community:
Department Role
All departments Communicate regularly with relevant departments to share information and
collaborate on homelessness. Maintain alignment within the city on actions
and messaging regarding homelessness.
Library & Cultural Arts Provide community spaces for education, meetings, outreach and similar
community involvement. Collect data and share information and insights about
the homeless population using library services, such as counting attendance at
programs specifically designed for the homeless population and tracking
numbers of resources and referrals. Develop programming, share external
opportunities and community partnerships that benefit individuals
experiencing homelessness. Connect individuals experiencing or at risk of
homelessness with helpful resources.
Parks & Recreation Provide community spaces for education, meetings, outreach and similar
community involvement. Coordinate with city departments to leverage funding
and programs for people experiencing homelessness. Identify strategies for
operational areas being impacted by homelessness to better serve all patrons.
Public Works Promote public safety and environmental sustainability by maintaining public
spaces. Oversee coordination of abandoned trash cleanup and disposal of
hazardous materials. Coordinate reporting of efforts to the San Diego Water
Board through the Water Quality Improvement Plan Annual Reports.
Fire Provide emergency medical services to homeless residents. Assist with
connecting residents experiencing homelessness to local services and
programs. Coordinate with the Police Department, local hospitals, non-profit
services, MCRT and PERT clinicians to stay apprised of resources and provide
comprehensive care.
Police Provide a balance of compassionate outreach and enforcement through the
Homeless Outreach Team. Provide resources to the homeless community
seven days a week while also addressing the general community’s complaints
and concerns related to homelessness.
City Attorney Provide legal guidance, advice and insight around homeless related issues.
Conduct legal review of homeless related contracts, grants, plans and
programs. Assist with drafting and reviewing new policies and ordinances to
address and limit, where necessary, homeless impacts on the community.
Advise HOT and prosecute criminal offenses or pursue other enforcement as
appropriate.
Jan. 12, 2023 Item #3 Page 60 of 64
Housing & Homeless
Services
Develop planning documents and take lead on coordination of homeless
response project. Administrative oversight, including contracting and
compliance, of Housing & Homeless Services funded programs. Regularly
coordinate with community service providers and local health and government
agencies. Pursue funding opportunities, as appropriate, to support the city in
addressing homelessness. Assist other departments with preparing, evaluating,
implementing, and reporting out on data, policies and programs related to
homelessness, such as those in the Housing Element. Oversee and maintain
programs which assist with addressing homelessness such as the Community
Development Block Grant, Housing Choice Voucher, and Affordable Resale
programs.
Intergovernmental
Affairs
Monitor legislation, recommend bill sponsorship opportunities, and work with
City Council Legislative Subcommittee for potential advocacy positions based
on the city’s Legislative Platform. Monitor grant opportunities that can support
and further the city’s Homelessness Action Plan.
Communication &
Engagement
Facilitate two-way communication between the city and the community about
city programs and services dedicated to reducing homelessness in Carlsbad.
Support the Housing & Homeless Services Department in carrying out public
involvement programs to gather community input when appropriate.
Coordinate with department staff to develop timely, accurate and easy to
understand information about the city’s homeless response efforts for
distribution through the city’s communication channels to increase
government transparency.
Community
Development
Coordinate on land use issues related to housing and homeless services
identified in the Homelessness Action Plan and Housing Element. Work with
related departments to implement and report out housing goals, programs,
grants, data and accomplishments.
Jan. 12, 2023 Item #3 Page 61 of 64
APPENDIX C
Benchmark Explanations and Definitions
Jan. 12, 2023 Item #3 Page 62 of 64
City staff will track a number of data points to provide a comprehensive picture of the need, city efforts
and impacts. The following is a description of each measurement. City staff will return to City Council on
a semi-annual basis to report on the below metrics.
Number of people experiencing homelessness
• The inflow and outflow of people accessing homeless service programs: Each month the city will
use the Homeless Information Management System to determine the number of new people
who have been added to the By Name List by enrolling in a homeless service program (inflow)
and the number of people who have exited the By Name List by exiting a homeless service
program (outflow) within the city. These numbers can demonstrate if homelessness is increasing
or decreasing over time, monitor where people are coming from or leaving to, and can help to
identify the rate of returns to homelessness.
• The number of unduplicated people experiencing homelessness encountered: Every quarter the
city will use Homeless Information Management System data to determine the number of
unduplicated clients served by all city-funded homeless services programs. This demonstrates
how many people homeless services programs engage with each quarter and over the course of
a year. This is a cumulative data point and does not reflect how many people experiencing
homelessness are in Carlsbad at one time.
• The Point in Time Count Numbers: Each year the city will collaborate with the Regional Task
Force on Homelessness to oversee the Point in Time Count within the city. The Point in Time
Count number provides an idea of general trends year-over-year and provides an indication of
the minimum number of people experiencing homelessness on any given night.
Assistance provided to people experiencing homelessness
• The number of people experiencing homelessness that obtained housing: HMIS data will be
used to track the number of people who exit homeless service programs to housing
destinations. This metric will identify how many people are permanently exiting homelessness
each month.
• The number of placements in shelter or other temporary programs: Homeless Information
Management System data will be used to track the number of people who enter shelter or other
temporary programs. This metric will identify how many people are moving from being
unsheltered to sheltered each month.
• Newly homeless/Returns to homelessness: Homeless Information Management System data will
be used to determine the number of people who are newly homeless or were previously
homeless and exited to a permanent housing destination and have returned to homelessness
and accessed homeless services. This metric may provide insight into how many people are
homeless for the first time as well as the effectiveness of homeless service programs and how
services may need to be strengthened or adjusted.
Jan. 12, 2023 Item #3 Page 63 of 64
Availability of affordable housing and shelter
• Shelter capacity: The city will use the Homeless Inventory Count and Homeless Information
Management System data to track the shelter capacity available to people experiencing
homelessness in Carlsbad. An increase in shelter capacity could indicate that more shelter beds
have been developed or there has been a decreased need for shelter. Shelter can be an
important component to the homeless service system because it provides a stable sheltered
place for people experiencing homelessness to stay and work with service providers to identify
permanent housing.
• New affordable units available for extremely low income: The city will track the number of units
available for extremely low income. An increase in units for extremely low income provides
more opportunities for people living in poverty to maintain housing or exit homelessness.
• New supportive housing available for people with severe service needs: The city will use the
Homeless Inventory Count and Homeless Information Management System data to track the
number of supportive housing units available to people experiencing homelessness with severe
service needs in Carlsbad. An increase in supportive housing capacity could indicate that more
housing units have been developed or there has been a decreased need for supportive housing.
Supportive housing is critical to ending homelessness for the people with the most severe
service needs in the community.
Impacts of homelessness on the community
• Calls for service: Each quarter the city will use the HELP App to determine the proactive and
police dispatched called for service related to homelessness. Calls for service do not necessarily
indicate need or progress. The Police Department tracks reactive calls based on complaints as
well as proactive calls initiated by officers. A decrease in reactive calls could indicate there are
fewer complaints being received. Proactive calls indicate the efforts to conduct outreach and
enforcement. This could mean there is a change in need or effort. For example, if there are
fewer individuals experiencing homelessness there could be fewer proactive activities based on
need, but it could also mean that there is less proactive activity based on resources. This will be
tracked for informational purposes and city staff will try to determine cause for changes, which
would be a qualitative description.
• Abandoned trash and encampments: Each quarter the city will compile data received from the
city contractor related to homelessness encampment and abandoned trash cleanups. The city
contracts for consistent days of cleanup per month. If the number of days or encampments
cleaned up decreases, it could mean that there is a decreased need. A decrease in this
measurement would likely be positive.
• Community Survey of residents on the impacts: Each year the city will conduct a survey of
residents which provides an opportunity for the community to provide feedback on their
personal experience regarding the impacts of homelessness. This data helps the city to
understand residents' perception, concerns and track progress with reducing community impact
over time.
Jan. 12, 2023 Item #3 Page 64 of 64
HOMELESSNESS ACTION PLAN
Carlsbad Housing Commission
Jan. 12, 2023
Mandy Mills, Director
Housing & Homeless Services
Chris Shilling, Senior Program Manager
Housing & Homeless Services
Jessica Klein, Program Manager
Housing & Homeless Services
HOMELESSNESS ACTION PLAN
Background
HOMELESSNESS ACTION PLAN
Background
HOMELESSNESS ACTION PLAN
Background
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.
HOMELESSNESS ACTION PLAN
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.
HOMELESSNESS ACTION PLAN
•City has made significant progress since 2017
•Housing & Homeless Services Department created
•No longer responding, taking intentional action
•Response plan to action plan
HOMELESSNESS ACTION PLAN
Response to Action
•Document/Policy review
•Data analysis
•Research on best practices
•Community feedback review
•Input sessions with service providers
•Input sessions with people with lived experience
•Review of City Council guidance
•Internal meetings with city departments
HOMELESSNESS ACTION PLAN
Plan Development
•Consolidates key strategies and initiatives
•Identify city’s role
•Establish measurements to track progress
•Provide guiding document for future policies and plans
HOMELESSNESS ACTION PLAN
Plan Purpose
HOMELESSNESS ACTION PLAN
Plan Purpose
HOMELESSNESS ACTION PLAN
Plan Structure
HOMELESSNESS ACTION PLAN
Areas of Focus
HOMELESSNESS ACTION PLAN
Key Strategies
Previous Strategy Updated Strategy
Prevent, reduce and manage homelessness in
Carlsbad.
Develop and maintain the city’s capacity to prevent
and reduce homelessness and its impacts on the
community.
Support and build capacity within the city and
community to address homelessness.
Coordinate,collaborate,and support local efforts
and organizations working to address homelessness
in Carlsbad.
Encourage collaboration within the city, community
partnerships and residents.
Be active in external policy issues to influence
strategies and impacts to the city and region.
Retain, protect and increase the supply of housing in
Carlsbad.
Retain,protect and increase the supply of housing
and other affordable living options in Carlsbad.
Regional Partnerships
•Multiple measurements
•Evaluate effectiveness
•Monitor progress
•Inform decision making
HOMELESSNESS ACTION PLAN
Data/Tracking Progress
A resolution of the Housing Commission of the City of Carlsbad, California, recommending approval of the Carlsbad
Homelessness Action Plan.
HOMELESSNESS ACTION PLAN
Request
Questions
HOMELESSNESS ACTION PLAN