HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-02-07; City Council; Resolution 2023-046RESOLUTION NO. 2023-046
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CARLSBAD,
CALIFORNIA, APPROVING THE CARLSBAD HOMELESSNESS ACTION PLAN
WHEREAS, homelessness is a local, state and national issue affecting nearly every community
throughout the United States; and
WHEREAS, the City of Carlsbad City Council has established reducing homelessness as a City
Council priority; and
WHEREAS, the 2022 annual Point In Time Count found a minimum of 75 unsheltered and 43
sheltered individuals on a single night in Carlsbad; and
WHEREAS, over a 12-month period from July 1, 2021, to June 30, 2022, the City of Carlsbad
funded homeless services programs that interacted with 749 unique individuals experiencing
homelessness within the city; and
WHEREAS, the City of Carlsbad adopted its first Homeless Response Plan on Oct. 24, 2017; and
WHEREAS, in May 2021 the City Council established the city's Housing and Homeless Services
Department to oversee the implementation of the Homeless Response Plan; and
WHEREAS, 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: and
WHEREAS, on Oct. 28, 2022, the City Council approved a new homelessness goal 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"; and
WHEREAS, On January 12, 2023, the Carlsbad Housing Commission unanimously approved a
resolution recommending that the City Council approve the Carlsbad Homelessness Action Plan; and
WHEREAS, the Carlsbad Homelessness Action Plan serves as an update to the city's Homeless
Response Plan and establishes areas of impact, key strategies, initiatives and actions to achieve the
City Council's goal as more fully described in Attachment A; and
WHEREAS, the Housing and Homeless Services Department will take the lead in implementing
the Carlsbad Homelessness Action Plan.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Carlsbad, California, as
follows:
1.That the above recitations are true and correct.
2.That the Carlsbad City Council approves the Carlsbad Homelessness Action Plan
(Attachment A).
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED at a Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of
Carlsbad on the 7th day of February, 2023, by the following vote, to wit:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
Blackburn, Bhat-Patel, Acosta, Burkholder.
None.
None.
None.
KEITH BLACKBURN, Mayor
J_ -SHERRY FREISINGER, City Clerkav...,
(SEAL)
HOMELESSNESS
ACTION PLAN
DRAFT
FEBRUARY 2023
ATTACHMENT A
DRAFT HOMELESSNESS ACTION PLAN 2
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
KEY STRATEGIES & INTIATIV ES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
DATA/TRACKING PROGRESS .................................... 49
APPENDICES ........................................................ 51
POINT IN TIME COUNT DATA
COORDINATION WITH CITY DEPARTMENTS
BENCHMARK EXPLANATIONS AND DEFINI TIONS
DRAFT HOMELESSNESS ACTION PLAN 4
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 has since established and
staffed a Homeless & 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 proactive 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 establishes priorities and programs
toward its specific objectives. The updated 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.
DRAFT HOMELESSNESS ACTION PLAN 5
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 four strategies are:
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.
DRAFT HOMELESSNESS ACTION PLAN 6
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 related to homelessness. 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 five
years.
DRAFT HOMELESSNESS ACTION PLAN 7
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. Each plan
establishes priorities and programs toward their specific objectives. 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
homelessness 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 Carlsbad
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 homelessness 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.
-rh • • •
*
DRAFT HOMELESSNESS ACTION PLAN 8
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 resource needs will be presented each year and included in the city’s
annual budget. Identifying all services in one consolidated funding plan allows city staff to
more easily identify gaps, duplication or alternate funding resources. Staff will conduct a
comprehensive evaluation of future service needs as part of an annual report to the City
Council.
Key strategies for how the
city will make impacts within
the main areas of focus.
Initiatives that support each
strategy.
Strategies Initiatives
Homelessness Action Plan
Stra,tegies
.,_ .,_ .,_ .,_
lniitiatives
DRAFT HOMELESSNESS ACTION PLAN 9
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 plan. Since then, the city has taken a number of proactive steps in addressing
homelessness and its impact on the community.
2017
Home ess Response Plan adopted.
Home ess Outreach Team created with·n Police Department.
2019
City hires firrst Homeless Program Manager.
2020
MAY
City contracts wiit h Interfaith Community services to provide [licensed diniicians to conduct
street-based homeless outreach and case management.
City contracts wiit h Communiity Resource Cent er to provide case management and housing
stability resources for individuals exper iencing or at-rislk of homelessness.
SEPTEMBER
North County Homeless Working Group is founded by Carls bad's Homeless Program
Manager. The group includes representation from alll eig ht North County cit ies, the Regional
Task Force on Homelessness and the County of San Diego.
DRAFT HOMELESSNESS ACTION PLAN 10
2021
MARC H
City Council establishes Fiscal Year 2021-22 goal to "Reduce the homeless
unsheltered population, among those who want help, by 50% w"thin five years, with
quarterly reports until we decrease the unsheltered population or five years . ." Directs
staff to develop a work plan.
MAY
City Council adopts t he final work plan and work plan objective costs. Part of the work
plan establishes the city's Housing & Homeless Services Department to oversee
implementation of the Homeless Response Plan.
JUlY
City hires first Director of Housing & Homelless Services.
SEPTEMBER
City Council adopt s a quality of liife ordinance package and approves an updat ed
work p lan, which includes a short-terrn motel voucher program.
DECEMBER
Housing & Homeless Services Department presents fi rst quarterly report to the Oty
Council.
2022
MARC H
City Council directs staff to update the city homelessness goal and the Homeless
Response Plan.
JUlY
City contracts with Community Resource Center to provide an Employment &
Benefits Specialist, witlh Cath olic Charities to provide d inician serv·ces at the La
Posada de Guadalupe shelter,. and with OrgCode Consulting to proviide t raining
and technical assistance to Catholi c Charit ies for their work at the La Posada de
Guadallupe shelter.
OCTOBER
City Council approves the updated city homelessness goal as part of the Fve-Year
Strategic Plan.
DRAFT HOMELESSNESS ACTION PLAN 11
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 experiencing homelessness,
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 Housing Inventory Count shows limited shelter and housing options within North
County to meet the needs of the North County homeless population. There are only 167 shelter
beds in North County. Of these, 26 beds are only available in the winter through a church
shelter network. This leaves only 141 year-round beds for 1,442 people experiencing
homelessness in North County, 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%
DRAFT HOMELESSNESS ACTION PLAN 12
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 COVID-19-related motel vouchers) rapid re-
housing and permanent supportive housing has remained relatively flat, while the North
County has seen a significant decline in transitional housing beds.
While the transitional housing resources have decreased throughout the region in recent
years, the North County region has not seen any significant increase in other resources (such as
emergency shelter, rapid re-housing, permanent supportive housing), likely contributing to the
increase in visible street homelessness throughout the region.
1000
800
600
400
200
0 -2015
North County Homeless Housing Inventory Count
I 1.11. I bll 1.1 I.I .II
2016 2'017 2019 2020 2021 2022
■ Emer gency Sile er ■ Rapid Re-1-fo sing ■ Transitional Hlousing ■ Permanent .Sl.lpportive Hol.lsin.g
13
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 contribute regularly in regional conversations to represent
local needs and collaborate for greater impact.
Regional 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 that is intended to align
stakeholders around a shared vision, common principles,
clear goals and priorities and core strategies that will move
the region forward. This 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.
DRAFT HOMELESSNESS ACTION PLAN
DRAFT HOMELESSNESS ACTION PLAN 14
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
The Action Plan: Addressing Homelessness Among Black San Diegans, released in September
2022, was developed by the Ad Hoc Committee on Addressing Homelessness Among Black San
Diegans. It 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.
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 of Carlsbad and the 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.
DRAFT HOMELESSNESS ACTION PLAN 15
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
*Includes the cities of: Carlsbad, Del Mar, Encinitas, Escondido, Oceanside, San Marcos, Solana
Beach and Vista
Local response plans
Within the county, a number of cities have developed action plans to identify local efforts to
address homelessness. Other local cities including Encinitas, Escondido, Vista, Oceanside, La
Mesa and San Diego have also 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 of 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.
DRAFT HOMELESSNESS ACTION PLAN 16
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.
17
DRAFT HOMELESSNESS ACTION PLAN 18
City of Carlsbad 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 included 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
Sustainable Materials Management Plan
Permanent Local Housing Allocation Plan
19
DRAFT HOMELESSNESS ACTION PLAN 20
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 actions.
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. a
DRAFT HOMELESSNESS ACTION PLAN 21
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 and have a safe place to store personal
items, a day labor clean-up program that is connected to a motel voucher, increased options for
permanent housing like shared housing and roommate matching or 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. a a
DRAFT HOMELESSNESS ACTION PLAN 22
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.
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 concern over how much impact
a city can have. There seemed to be concern about 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. a
DRAFT HOMELESSNESS ACTION PLAN 24
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
Prevent and end 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 a regional action plan that includes
integrated services within/among cities
Develop an encampment cleanup policy to minimize visible encampments
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
Identify city and regional goals
Emphasize affordable housing
DRAFT HOMELESSNESS ACTION PLAN 26
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
DRAFT HOMELESSNESS ACTION PLAN 28
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.
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DRAFT HOMELESSNESS ACTION PLAN 29
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 annual work plan will continue to identify existing services to
best determine the most appropriate funding source.
Program Organization City resources
(most recent Fiscal Year
2021-22)
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
DRAFT HOMELESSNESS ACTION PLAN 30
Program Organization City resources
(most recent Fiscal Year
2021-22)
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 rehousing 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
*Items funded in previous years, but not on an ongoing basis. The City Council would need to approve funding
during the fiscal year 2023-24 budget and subsequent years for these activities to continue.
DRAFT HOMELESSNESS ACTION PLAN 31
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, review of
best practices 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. rr rr rr ~-
DRAFT HOMELESSNESS ACTION PLAN
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 9 years (2021-2029) to meet
the need. For the City of Carlsbad this is a
total of 3,873 units, with 784 being low-
income, 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 assistance and rent guarantees can be used
as tools to increase access to housing.
0
DRAFT HOMELESSNESS ACTION PLAN 33
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.
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 asregional 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.
CITY OPTIONS
+Ht
DRAFT HOMELESSNESS ACTION PLAN 34
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 and
added to 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.
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. HOT 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.
CITY OPTIONS
DRAFT HOMELESSNESS ACTION PLAN 36
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.
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 prevent 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.
DRAFT HOMELESSNESS ACTION PLAN 38
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 prevent
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.
DRAFT HOMELESSNESS ACTION PLAN 39
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 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 (HMIS) 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.
DRAFT HOMELESSNESS ACTION PLAN 40
Initiative 1.4
Transparently share data to improve decision-making and communication.
g.Identify unified and consistent city messaging and responses 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 Permanent Local Housing Allocation 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.
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.
DRAFT HOMELESSNESS ACTION PLAN 42
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 include prioritized case evaluation andtrainings 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.
DRAFT HOMELESSNESS ACTION PLAN 43
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
buildings.
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.
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.
DRAFT HOMELESSNESS ACTION PLAN 45
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.
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.
DRAFT HOMELESSNESS ACTION PLAN 47
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.
DRAFT HOMELESSNESS ACTION PLAN 48
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 Management Information System
The Homeless Management Information 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 Homeless Management Information
System 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 Housing Inventory Count
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.
DRAFT HOMELESSNESS ACTION PLAN 49
Carlsbad Help App
The Carlsbad Help App is an internally developed reporting tool which allows the city track
interactions with people experiencing homelessness and send referrals between departments.
DRAFT HOMELESSNESS ACTION PLAN 50
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
DRAFT HOMELESSNESS ACTION PLAN 51
APPENDICES
A.POINT IN TIME COUNT DATA
B.COORDINATION WITH CITY DEPARTMENTS
C.BENCHMARK EXPLANATIONS AND DEFINITIONS
DRAFT HOMELESSNESS ACTION PLAN 52
APPENDIX A
POINT IN TIME COUNT DATA
DRAFT HOMELESSNESS ACTION PLAN 53
*Data is from the 2022 Point in Time Count.
Point in Time Count unsheltered data
*The Point in Time Count did not take place in 2021 due to COVID-19 precautions. The City of
Carlsbad took over the Point in Time Count from an outside organization starting in 2017.
Carlsbad’s Homeless Population*
6 ~v~d~San Diego
County prior to
becoming homeless
~~8%
,, Veterans
160
140
120
100
80 78
60
40
21 20
0
2011 2012 2013
19
72% Male
(t)
• I 0 I
Female
'
• e 100% Adult
,55%44+
Carlsbad began to manage
21
2014 2015 2016 2017
e e 87% White
'' 13%Black
~ 38% Disability
152
75
2018 2019 2020 2022
DRAFT HOMELESSNESS ACTION PLAN 54
APPENDIX B
COORDINATION WITH CITY DEPARTMENTS
DRAFT HOMELESSNESS ACTION PLAN 55
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 quality of life issues and illegal conduct.
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 the Homeless Outreach Team and prosecute criminal offenses or
pursue other enforcement as appropriate.
DRAFT HOMELESSNESS ACTION PLAN 56
Housing & Homeless
Services
Develop planning documents and take lead on coordination of the
Homelessness Action Plan. Provide 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 community
awareness and 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.
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APPENDIX C
BENCHMARK EXPLANATIONS AND DEFINITIONS
DRAFT HOMELESSNESS ACTION PLAN 58
City staff will track a number of data points to provide a comprehensive picture of the need,
city efforts and impacts related to homelessness. The following is a description of each
measurement. City staff will return to the 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 Management Information 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 Management Information 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
a given night.
Assistance provided to people experiencing homelessness
•The number of people experiencing homelessness that obtained housing: Homeless
Management Information System 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
Management Information 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 Management Information 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.
DRAFT HOMELESSNESS ACTION PLAN 59
Availability of affordable housing and shelter
•Shelter capacity: The city will use the Housing Inventory Count and Homeless
Management Information 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 capacity 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 persons: The city will track the
number of units available for extremely low-income persons. An increase in units for
extremely low-income persons 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 Housing Inventory Count and Homeless Management Information 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 city-designed 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. A fluctuation
in proactive calls 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. Calls for service will be tracked for informational purposes and city
staff will provide a qualitative description along with likely reasons for the fluctuation in
calls for service.
•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.
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