1 Social Work Action Group
Addressing the Homeless in the City of Fontana
FY 2022-2023 Strategic Plan
To address the increase of unsheltered homeless individuals in the City of Fontana, Social Work Action Group (SWAG) has prepared a Strategic Plan of Action. The Strategic Plan specifically targets unsheltered individuals, families, and encampments to reduc e the number of visible homeless residing in the City of Fontana. With the assistance of Fontana Police Department, SWAG will identify individuals and geographical areas of concern to prioritize our efforts . SWAG will provide consistent outreach and case management services to those most in need with the ultimate goal of permanent housing. SWAG will build upon our efforts from the last year in Fontana and continue to reduce the homeless population both visibly and documented through the annual Point-in-Time Count. Simultaneously, SWAG will engage, educate, and encourage the community of Fontana to collaborate efforts and spread the message of Responsible Compassion.
1. Census of unsheltered homeless
In every community, it is vital to conduct a thorough and comprehensive census of the unsheltered homeless population. City staff, Fontana Police Department, and SWAG will work together to accurately locate, identify, survey and track, through the creation of a by -name list. A comprehensive assessment will provide an in-depth look at the individual, the circumstances and incidents that led to homelessness, such as severe trauma(s). We will also detail one’s connections and support systems in the city to leverage those individuals and incorporate those resources. This information will be used to develop an individualized action plan. This will be done on an ongoing basis as new individuals enter the city.
2. Outreach to the unsheltered homeless
Street outreach must be intensive, consistent, and strategic and needs the partnership of la w enforcement and successful utilization and navigation of systems of care; behavioral health, and substance abuse treatment. Our team is comprised of individuals with specialized backgrounds in behavioral health, substance abuse, and social work who have a fundamental understanding of human development and behaviors. When we develop an action plan, we follow a flow chart that directs our activities and interactions with the individual to achieve specific outcomes, both short and long term.
3. Trip Home/ Family Reunification
When an individual is found living on the streets of Fontana and wants to reconnect with family or a positive support system, we will initiate the Trip Home/ Family Reunification process. First, SWAG will contact the family/ support system to ensure they are willing to accept and house the
2 individual. Next, the Fam ily Reunification/ Trip Home request will be submitted to the SWAG Project Coordinator for approval. The SWAG Outreach Team will purchase a Greyhound bus ticket and ensure the individual boards the bus. SWAG team will contact the family or support system to confirm the individual made it to the destination. Finally, SWAG will submit a request for reimbursement for the cost of Greyhound bus ticket along with all applicable documentation.
Scope of Services
Social Work Action Group (SWAG) will work in conjunction with the City of Fontana to facilitate and lead the overall scope of homeless services for the City of Fontana. Full-time, 40 hours per week, Homeless Outreach team members will serve the project. The SWAG homeless services team will follow a Monday-F riday, 7:30am-4:30pm schedule. The term of services will be August 1, 2022- October 31, 2022. SWAG will provide the following activities and services:
• Assist with the organization and facilitation of the Point-in-Time Count for January 2023. • Respond to homeless service requests made by city staff, and law enforcement in a timely manner. • Provide immediate crisis stabilization to those experiencing behavioral health, physical crisis and emergencies and connection to behavioral health and substance abuse treatment services. • Case manage individuals that are in treatment and temporary living situations to help ensure they do not return to the streets.
• All individuals encountered will be included in the by-name census for the City of Fontana. • Facilitate trips home/family reunification utilizing bus trips for individuals wanting to reunite with an identified support system that is out of the Fontana area. • Individuals found living on the streets will be assisted with obtaining admittance and transportation to emergency shelter, transitional and permanent housing options. • Conduct San Bernardino County housing assessments (including VI -SPDAT when applicable) to unsheltered homeless individuals and families and provide navigation services. • Participate in weekly Coordinated Entry Housing Navigation meetings to advocate and ensur e clients are being linked to San Bernardino County Continuum of Care housing resources. • Facilitate co mmunity asset mapping for strategic coordination and alignment of community resources that serve at-risk/homeless population.
• Participate in monthly Homeless Task Force meetings.
• Connect homeless population to appropriate housing solutions throughout San Bernardino County. • Provide support to the City of Fontana through trainings, presentations and sharing updates related to trends in regional homeless efforts.
• Assist with coordination and facilitation of Homeless Outreach Community Coalition meetings. • Attend and participate in City Council meetings, as requested. 3 2022-2023 City of Fontana
Proposed Three (3) Month Service Agreement
August-October 2022
EXPENSE CATEGORY FTE Budget
Outreach & Case Management Services
Two (2) Outreach Specialist - 40 hrs. per week 2.0 $46,926 One (1) Case Manager - 40 hrs. per week 1.0 $28,677
Transportation Costs $3,000
Administration Costs (5%) $3,780
TOTAL PROPOSED BUDGET $82,383