DATE: August 21, 2024
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers
FROM: Housing and Neighborhood Services Department
TITLE: RESOLUTION ACCEPTING AND APPROPRIATING THE GRANT AWARD FROM THE CALIFORNIA INTERAGENCY COUNCIL ON HOMELESSNESS FOR THE ENCAMPMENT RESOLUTION FUNDING PROGRAM TO ADDRESS HOMELESSNESS ENCAMPMENTS
RECOMMENDATION
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Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Adopt a resolution to accept and appropriate the grant award from the California Interagency Council on Homelessness in the amount of $11,398,467;
2. Approve the Professional Services Agreement (PSA) with Interfaith Community Services (ICS) for FY 2024-25, with the option to renew the PSA for two additional one-year terms for $1,175,000 per year;
3. Approve the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the City of Carlsbad in an amount not to exceed $5,336,578 over a three-year period for the administration of sub-contracts with Encampment Resolution Funding (ERF) program service providers; and,
4. Approve a provisional Management Analyst position for a 3-year term.
5. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all relevant documents and agreements upon receipt of all supporting documentation.
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BACKGROUND AND ANALYSIS
On November 27, 2023, the California Interagency Council on Homelessness (Cal ICH) launched a third round of the Encampment Resolution Funding (ERF-3-R) program. This initiative encompasses an allocation of $299 million, which will be disbursed via a rolling application process through June 30, 2024. The program addresses unsheltered homeless individuals living in encampments along state rights-of-way through actionable, person-centered proposals, building upon the successes and lessons derived from the preceding rounds (ERF-1 and ERF-2).
The Encampment Resolution Fund (ERF) focuses on aiding the homeless people residing by focusing on their safety and wellness, facilitating their transition into interim or permanent housing, and employing data-informed coordinated approaches.
In January 31, 2024, the deadline City of Oceanside and the City of Carlsbad submitted a joint application for the first window of review and award. The application proposed a comprehensive array of services and resources designed to assist residents of encampments along the State Route 78 (SR-78) corridor and individuals experiencing homelessness in adjoining areas. The program employs a multidisciplinary approach, offering wraparound services, including intensive case management, peer support, street medicine, mental health support, and housing navigation. On April 18, 2024, the City of Oceanside was notified of an award for its ERF application in the amount of $11,398,466.
The proposed ERF program is a comprehensive initiative to address encampments along the SR-78 Caltrans Right of Way and Buena Vista Creek area. The geographic area encompasses freeway embankments, sidewalks, parking lots, dense trees, and bushes. This area is susceptible to flooding, fires, and water contamination, rendering it a high-risk zone. The encampment structures often found in the area consist of makeshift tents and tarps, with some individuals sleeping without any form of covering.
Extending along SR-78 and terminating at the junction with Interstate 5 (I-5), the encampment area encompasses the Buena Vista Creek Ecological Reserve and Quarry Creek Preserve. These locations, which are habitat for numerous sensitive native species, are adversely affected by these encampments. This environment poses significant threats to public health and safety, including the risk of drowning, exposure to contaminants, cold weather-related illnesses, high winds, and potential structural damage from fires. With over 200 homeless individuals living in the area, the City receives many complaints related to the homeless population that reside in the area and the impact that they have on the surrounding shopping centers, residential neighborhoods and habitat preserves. The program goal is to assist all residents of the site and facilitate their relocation to appropriate housing.
The proposed staffing plan necessary to support the initiative's implementation and ongoing operations includes 1.5 Full Time Employees (FTEs). The positions will be provisional, and they will be funded entirely by the ERF-3-R. City staff will lead the multidisciplinary team to deliver wrap-around services encompassing intensive case management, peer support, street medicine, mental health support, and housing navigation, tailored to each person’s individual needs. The local Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) will facilitate real-time data tracking, with case conferencing centered around a by-name list.
Key roles and their responsibilities are summarized as follows:
§ Program Manager (0.5 FTE): The homeless services program manager will coordinate all programs funded by this grant and integrating the funded services with other housing initiatives, effectively addressing housing instability and homelessness in the community. This role is critical in ensuring that all services operate cohesively with existing housing programs, highlighting the interconnected nature and complexity of these services, where each element is vital for the overall success of the initiatives. The funding of the 0.5 FTE will be allocated to support an existing staff position.
Management Analyst (1.0 FTE): This added position would oversee the technical implementation and ongoing operations of the initiative. This role ensures that participants are assessed and referred to appropriate services, tracks data, coordinates multidisciplinary teams, and leads case conferencing. In addition, the management analyst will oversee the program's implementation, ensure the attainment of the ERF grant's objectives, and fulfill the required ERF grant reporting.
The position includes various technical and paraprofessional duties to support various programs related to housing and homelessness, requiring a flexible approach to responding to evolving needs. Responsibilities range from data entry and management to direct community engagement and case management. Work assignments will vary based on departmental needs and may encompass a wide range of tasks to support the program's objectives.
The Agreement with ICS is for a one-year term with two additional 1-year renewal options (3 years total). The (ERF-3) grant will support 8 new ICS staff positions supplemented by existing ICS staff. The positions will provide the following services described in detail in Attachment 3:
• Direct Supervision: Direct supervision to outreach social workers, peer support specialists, and substance abuse coordinators to ensure cohesive and effective service delivery.
• Individual Support Plans: As part of a multidisciplinary team, create individualized support plans for participants. Provide intensive case management to help participants access housing and other necessary resources, ensuring a coordinated approach to meeting their needs.
• Substance Abuse Education and Counseling: As part of a multidisciplinary team, offer substance abuse education, counseling, and referrals. Utilize a harm reduction model to minimize barriers to housing and connect participants to both short-term and long-term substance abuse treatment options as needed.
The City of Carlsbad will continue to support the City of Oceanside and will expand services from its existing partnerships, including the Community Resource Center, Whole Person Care Clinic, and Catholic Charities. The partnerships are focused on providing services that align with the best practices and ensure compliance with the required implementation strategy. The services that will be covered under the Carlsbad contract are as follows:
• Low-Barrier Shelter: The program will offer low-barrier shelter options to ensure individuals have immediate access to safe and secure housing.
• Housing Navigation and Case Management: Dedicated housing navigators and case managers will work closely with individuals to identify suitable housing options, navigate the housing application process, and provide ongoing support to ensure housing stability.
• Rapid Re-housing: Rapid re-housing services will be provided to move individuals from shelters into permanent housing quickly. This includes financial assistance for rent and utilities and supportive services to help individuals maintain their housing.
• Street Medicine Program: Providing direct medical services at encampment sites, including diagnosis, treatment, and necessary medical interventions. Prescribing and managing medications, including those for chronic diseases, and monitoring medication adherence. Evaluating and treating co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders, as well as coordinating with specialists. Conducting screenings, providing immunizations, and educating patients on harm reduction and healthy living.
• Direct Mental Health Support: Provide participants with direct mental health support, addressing their immediate and long-term mental health needs. This support aims to reduce barriers to housing and maintain long-term housing stability by ensuring participants receive the mental health care they require.
• Trauma-Informed Case Consultation: As part of a multidisciplinary team, provide trauma-informed case consultation to ensure that participants' mental health needs are adequately addressed.
•
The following are the key elements of the Encampment Resolution Program:
§ Leveraging and Expanding Interim Housing Solutions:
o Oceanside Navigation Center: Provides 50 beds with supportive services using a trauma-informed care model.
o La Posada Shelter (Carlsbad): Offers 50 beds and plans to expand to include non-congregate spaces for women and families.
o Bridge Housing Program: Offers temporary housing prioritizing the holders of housing vouchers.
o Motel Voucher Program: Expands non-congregate interim options for those exiting the encampments.
§ Providing Multidisciplinary Wraparound Services:
o Street Medicine Team: Delivers immediate medical care, mental health support, and substance abuse counseling directly within the encampments.
o Intensive Case Management: Multidisciplinary teams engage with individuals using a strengths-based approach, ensuring continuous support and personalized service plans.
o Peer Support Framework: Employs individuals with lived experience to provide ongoing feedback and support.
§ Prioritizing Permanent Housing Opportunities:
o Rapid Re-Housing Programs: Facilitates housing identification, rental subsidies, landlord incentives, and case management.
o Housing Choice Vouchers: Assist with lease-up expenses and provides ongoing housing stability support.
o Family Reunification Programs: Supports travel and stability for individuals reconnecting with family or friends.
o Shared Housing and Permanent Supportive Housing: Offers diverse housing solutions tailored to the homeless population's needs.
The strategy also focuses on enhancing the City's capacity to support individuals experiencing homelessness by comprehensively addressing their needs while mitigating negative impacts on the community. This involves strengthening partnerships with key stakeholders, including the County of San Diego, which holds primary responsibility for community health care. By leveraging these relationships and enhancing service coordination, particularly in mental health and substance abuse support, Oceanside aspires to create more sustainable living conditions for its homeless population’s needs.
Given the scope of homelessness and the resources required to address it effectively, this strategy emphasizes the need for dedicated funding and resources beyond current allocations. The City and its partners are committed to mobilizing these resources, advocating for increased support at the county and state levels, and enhancing operational efficiencies to meet the escalating demands of this enduring issue. Through this comprehensive strategy, Oceanside aims to not only address immediate needs but also lay the groundwork for long-term improvements in how homelessness is managed, transforming challenges into opportunities.
The program's approach aligns with the San Diego Continuum of Care Street Outreach Standards, which emphasize a coordinated, trauma-informed, and culturally competent approach to street outreach and engagement (San Diego Continuum of Care Street Outreach Standards). These standards support the need for robust data collection and reporting through the HMIS, ensuring that all services provided are well-documented and effectively coordinated.
The NOFO prioritized funding oversight and accountability, ensuring that resources are effectively utilized to achieve measurable results. This aligns with the City of Oceanside's commitment to transparency and effectiveness in addressing homelessness, as outlined in the Encampment Resolution Program proposal. The program will incorporate these standards and guidelines into the strategic framework, enabling the City of Oceanside to ensure a comprehensive, data-informed, and person-centered approach to resolving homelessness, ultimately improving the well-being of its most vulnerable residents.
The program aims to improve the health and safety of the individuals in the encampment area while also addressing community public health and safety concerns. This will be achieved by providing tailored services and resources to meet immediate basic needs and long-term housing solutions, guiding a smooth transition from homelessness to stable, permanent housing. The integration of these services ensures that all participants receive the necessary support to improve their living conditions and overall well-being.
FISCAL IMPACT
The Encampment Resolution Funding Program funds awarded, $11,398,467, will be appropriated to account 836195124272.4376 and budgeted as follows. The activities under the grant will have no impact on the General Fund.
|
Description |
Account No. |
Budget |
|
Encampment Resolution Grant |
836195124272.4376 |
$11,398,467 |
|
Regular Employees |
836195124272.5105 |
523,332 |
|
Fringe and Benefit Burden |
836195124272.5207 |
157,000 |
|
Subtotal Personnel Services |
|
$680,332 |
|
Professional Services |
836195124272.5305 |
1,561,600 |
|
Internal Svc-IT |
836195124272.5600 |
2,908 |
|
Travel & Conference |
836195124272.5345 |
20,000 |
|
Training - Registration Fees |
836195124272.5350 |
5,000 |
|
Database/Software |
836195124272.5355.0009 |
5,000 |
|
Studies & Reports |
836195124272.5326 |
45,000 |
|
Rents & Leases |
836195124272.5335 |
15,000 |
|
Dues, Books & Subscriptions |
836195124272.5375 |
10,000 |
|
Repair and Maintenance |
836195124272.5320 |
25,000 |
|
Materials and Supplies |
836195124272.5355 |
354,952 |
|
Administrative Costs |
836195124272.5600 |
112,097 |
|
Subtotal Maintenance & Operations |
|
$2,156,557 |
|
Sub-Recipient: City of Carlsbad |
836195124272.5395 |
5,336,578 |
|
Sub-Recipient: ICS |
836195124272.5395 |
3,225,000 |
|
Subtotal Sub-Recipient |
|
$8,525,734 |
|
Total Expenses |
836195124272 |
$11,398,467 |
COMMISSION OR COMMITTEE REPORT
Due to timing constraints of receipt of the ERF Agreement and implementation of the program initiatives, these actions were not considered by the Housing Commission. A report will be provided at the next regular meeting of the Housing Commission on August 27, 2024.
CITY ATTORNEY’S ANALYSIS
The referenced documents have been reviewed by the City Attorney and approved as to form.
end
Prepared by: Salvador Roman, Senior Management Analyst
Reviewed by: Leilani Hines, Housing and Neighborhood Services Director
Submitted by: Jonathan Borrego, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Resolution
2. MOA with the City of Carlsbad
3. PSA with ICS