(909) 529-0231 9668 Milliken Avenue, Suite 104-450 Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730 TO: Phil Burum, Fontana Deputy City Manager FROM: Naseem Farooqi
RE: Proposal for Homeless Resources Strategic Analysis & Services Implementation DATE: May 20, 2024
Introduction
Fontana, located in San Bernardino County, has been confronting the challenge of homelessness, mirroring broader national trends. This extensive report examines the last five years of homelessness data in Fontana, using Point-in-Time (PIT) counts from 2019 to 2023, and integrates comments from city officials to provide a comprehensive perspective on the strategies and outcomes of local initiatives.
Data Overview
Fontana’s PIT count, a federally mandated survey, provides crucial insights into homelessness trends:
• 2019: Recorded 333 homeless individuals.
• 2020: A slight reduction to 319 individuals.
• 2021: An increase to 376, driven by economic disruptions from the pandemic. • 2022: A decrease to 362, indicating some successful interventions. • 2023: A further reduction to 350, suggesting continued progress.
City Leadership and Strategic Framework
Under the leadership of Mayor Acquanetta Warren and the City Council, Fontana has adopted a proactive stance on homelessness, emphasizing a collaborative and multi-faceted approach. Mayor Warren’s leadership has been pivotal in aligning city resources and policies with the broader goal of reducing homelessness. The City Council has actively supported initiatives that address both the immediate and underlying factors contributing to homelessness.
Mayor Acquanetta Warren’s Initiatives
Mayor Warren has championed several key projects and policies aimed at tackling homelessness by focusing on sustainable housing solutions and community safety. Her tenure has seen the development of significant projects such as the conversion of a motel into a 120-bed facility on Valley Boulevard, set to provide transitional housing for the homeless. Her advocacy for the Housing First model has shifted local policies towards providing immediate housing without preconditions, which is supported by ongoing social services.
City Council’s Role and Contributions
The City Council has been instrumental in supporting Mayor Warren’s initiatives, facilitating legislative and financial support for projects like Water of Life’s CityLink. This project encompasses a broad range of services including job training, healthcare, and counseling, crucially supporting the city’s homeless population.
Enhancements in Public Safety
Fontana’s commitment to safety is underscored by its recent recognition as one of the safest cities. This accolade is partly due to the strategic addition of officers to the police department, enhancing community policing efforts that not only improve overall safety but also contribute to a more coordinated response to homelessness. The police department works in conjunction with social services to ensure that interventions for the homeless are not just about law enforcement but also about providing access to necessary services.
Key Projects and Initiatives
• Motel Conversion on Valley Boulevard: This project is a prime example of Fontana’s proactive approach to creating tangible housing solutions. The 120-bed facility is anticipated to significantly alleviate the strain on existing shelters and provide a stable environment for rehabilitation and transition.
• Water of Life’s CityLink Project: Under the City Council’s endorsement, this initiative has grown to become a cornerstone of Fontana’s strategy against homelessness, providing an integrated service hub that supports the homeless with essential services to facilitate reintegration into society. • Community and Police Department Engagement: The increase in police department personnel not only bolsters Fontana’s status as a safe city but also enhances the capability to engage with the homeless population in a supportive and constructive manner, ensuring that public safety measures incorporate elements of social care and prevention.
Conclusion
The leadership of Mayor Acquanetta Warren and the active involvement of the City Council have been critical in Fontana’s ongoing efforts to combat homelessness. The strategic focus on safety, housing-first policies, and comprehensive community services has fostered a supportive environment aimed at reducing homelessness. Continued dedication to these initiatives, alongside adaptive responses to emerging challenges, will be key to achieving lasting success in Fontana’s battle against homelessness.
This report underscores the city’s commitment to implementing effective and humane strategies.
Terms of Proposal & Agreement
If executed by both parties, the Agreement shall be effective fully date of execution and remain in effect for a minimum term of 6 (six) months with 60-day extensions thereafter if agreed upon by both parties.
Contractor shall be paid:
Minimum Retainer: 64 hours/month (16 hours/week)
Hourly Rate: $130/hour
Monthly Minimum Retainer: $8,320
(Hours above and beyond minimum retainer will be billed separately at the same rate. Unused hours shall not be carried over. Contractor shall provide monthly reports.) Phil Burum
Deputy City Manager
City of Fontana
8353 Sierra Avenue
Fontana, CA 92335
Naseem Farooqi
President
Pursuit 360 Strategies LLC
9668 Millikan Avenue, Suite 104-450
Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730
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