DATE: December 18, 2024
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers
FROM: Housing and Neighborhood Services Department
TITLE: PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH DREAMS FOR CHANGE AS PROVIDER FOR THE SAFE PARKING PROGRAM
RECOMMENDATION
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Staff recommends that the City Council approve a Professional Services Agreement (PSA) with Dreams for Change, in the amount of $229,368, to operate the Oceanside Safe Parking Program at 1919 Apple Street as the designated site location for the Program for a 1-year term and authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all necessary documents and agreements upon receipt of the required supporting documentation.
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BACKGROUND AND ANALYSIS
In October 2023, the City Council directed staff to develop a Safe Parking Program to address the growing need for transitional support for individuals and families experiencing vehicular homelessness. The proposed Oceanside Safe Parking Program (the “Program”) is vital to the City's efforts to address the varied needs of those experiencing homelessness. As envisioned, the Program is one component of the City’s comprehensive strategy to promote long-term housing stability by providing those experiencing vehicular homelessness with a secure overnight parking location and access to case management and supportive services to facilitate a pathway into permanent housing.
Following City Council’s directive, staff issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) on February 28, 2024, to identify a qualified service provider to operate the program. At that time, it was envisioned that the safe parking lot would be located at French Fields, a currently vacant City-owned baseball field facility off Oceanside Boulevard in the eastern part of the city. The RFP outlined requirements such as a secure parking location, provision of supportive services, compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and coordination with the community. No proposals were received by the April 10, 2024 RFP deadline. In assessing the lack of responses to the RFP, nonprofit organizations provided feedback indicating challenges related to the program's proposed limited duration and location constraints.
Staff subsequently partnered with Dreams for Change (DFC), a nonprofit organization experienced in operating similar programs throughout the San Diego region to collaborate in the site identification process and as program operator. After evaluating dozens of potential sites, the property at 1919 Apple Street, known as Apple Plaza, and currently leased by the North County LGBTQ Resource Center, was selected based on its location and suitability for program needs.
DFC was selected as the program operator because of its extensive experience managing Safe Parking Programs and their ability to meet the expectations set forth in the scope of work as published in the RFP. Since 2010, DFC has operated similar programs across San Diego County in partnership with the City of San Diego and the County of San Diego, assisting over 6,100 individuals with a 30-35% housing stabilization rate. DFC has demonstrated the capacity to manage multiple sites simultaneously and implement services efficiently. Their operations focus on meeting participants' immediate needs while promoting long-term housing stability through case management and housing navigation. DFC has also established methods for integrating safe parking programs into neighborhoods while addressing community concerns.
DFC has extensive experience mitigating neighborhood impacts and implementing community engagement strategies. As the operator, DFC is responsible for maintaining a Good Neighbor and Community Engagement Policy. The City is overseeing the implementation of the strategy and will work with DFC to support a clean and safe environment by installing solar lighting and security cameras to enhance site safety and visibility. Additionally, the program enforces policies to ensure participants do not loiter in or around the property outside of operational hours, minimizing disruptions to nearby residents and businesses. Proactive measures include electronic and written community feedback opportunities, enabling neighbors to voice concerns or suggestions. Feedback will be reviewed and incorporated into the program’s operations plan as appropriate. By engaging with the community and addressing potential issues, the program aims to build trust and maintain a positive presence in the area with minimal impacts on neighborhood residents.
The site located at 1919 Apple Street incorporates features that meet program requirements, such as ADA-compliant restrooms, secure fencing, and adequate lighting to ensure participant safety. It is conveniently situated near essential neighborhood services and major thoroughfares. The parking area can accommodate 25-30 standard vehicles, which addresses the urgent need for secure overnight parking for individuals and families experiencing vehicular homelessness. The program is not intended for RV or oversized vehicle use. Modifications may be necessary to adjust the site for staff areas and amenities and ensure efficacy of on-site services. The program is anticipated to begin operations in February 2025, allowing time for DFC to prepare for the launch of the Safe Parking Program
Operating as a referral-only facility, the Program will prioritize individuals referred through designated agencies such as the Oceanside Housing Authority, the Homeless Outreach Team, and the North County LGBTQ Resource Center. This referral-based model ensures that the program is not first-come, first-served, reducing concerns about queues or crowds forming on-site. Once enrolled, participants will retain their spot in the program as long as they adhere to the program’s rules and guidelines and are demonstrating commitment to their individualized case plans to attain permanent housing.
Staffing will include a minimum of two full-time equivalent (FTE) staff on-site during operational hours from 7 pm to 7 am. Designated points of contact will oversee site management and coordinate security matters with the Oceanside Police Department. DFC has experience maintaining orderly and safe operations, with strict rules that prohibit tents, loitering, or any activity that may disrupt the surrounding community.
Participants will benefit from case management and housing navigation services grounded in evidence-based practices such as trauma-informed care and motivational interviewing. Services will be available during operational hours and are aimed at facilitating a smooth transition to permanent housing.
FISCAL IMPACT
The PSA for Dreams for Change in the amount of $229,368 will be charged to the Safe Parking Program 2024 account 836194323272.5395 which has an available balance of $366,326; therefore, sufficient funds are available. The activities funded by this grant will not impact the General Fund.
COMMISSION OR COMMITTEE REPORT
On June 25, 2024, the Housing Commission voted 6-2-0 to recommend the City Council accept a Super Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) award from the Regional Taskforce on Homelessness and those actions required to implement the three funded programs, inclusive of the Safe Parking Program. Subsequently, on August 21, 2024, the City Council approved acceptance of the Super NOFO award and implementation and appropriation of the funding for the Safe Parking Program.
CITY ATTORNEY’S ANALYSIS
The referenced documents have been reviewed by the City Attorney and approved as to form.
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Prepared by: Salvador Roman, Senior Management Analyst
Reviewed by: Leilani Hines, Director of Housing and Neighborhood Services
Submitted by: Jonathan Borrego, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Staff Report
2. Professional Service Agreement Dreams for Change