CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date: July 15, 2024
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCILMEMBERS
SUBJECT: ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. ___ -24 AUTHORIZING THE CITY
MANAGER TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT FOR PROFESSIONAL
SERVICES WITH CONTRA COSTA HEALTH SERVICES, HEALTH,
HOUSING, AND HOMELESS SERVICES DIVISION TO PROVIDE
HOMELESS OUTREACH SERVICES THROUGH THE COUNTY'S
COORDINATED OUTREACH, REFERRAL, AND ENGAGEMENT
(CORE) PROGRAM
SYNOPSIS
Homelessness continues to be a significant issue facing communities throughout Contra Costa County. The number of Police Department calls for service devoted to homeless-related issues are disproportionate compared to other calls for service. In order to address this issue, the Police Department devotes a significant amount of time and resources to help mitigate this increasing societal concern. Historically, the City staff has sought long-term solutions to address the multifaceted issues surrounding homelessness, though the cost of solutions often exceeds available City resources.
The cities of Pleasant Hill and Martinez were the first cities to enter an exclusive partnership with the County for Coordinated Outreach, Referral, and Engagement (CORE) services in April 2017. Since that time, the CORE Program has been operating in Pleasant Hill by deploying a two-person team with the goal of permanent housing for the homeless individuals living in Pleasant Hill.
DISCUSSION
Background
Homelessness and the surrounding issues remain complicated, social problems requiring a multifaceted approach. Staff do not have sufficient resources to address the complex issues and needs associated with the homeless community. Consequently, staff proposes to continue the partnership with the Contra Costa County Division of Health, Housing, and Homeless Services.
The partnership will continue the focus on identifying the needs of the homeless, providing the appropriate services, facilitating a path to long-term housing, and addressing the overall quality of life concerns impacting our community.
Analysis
Over the past fiscal year, the Pleasant Hill CORE team provided services to 256 homeless individuals during 956 interactions in Pleasant Hill. The CORE team also moved 142 homeless individuals off the streets of Pleasant Hill and into shelter or permanent housing. These rendered services would not otherwise have been possible without collaboration with CORE.
Through consistent communication, contact, and interventions, the CORE outreach specialists continue to develop relationships that have allowed them to engage individuals who have previously been reluctant to receive services. This approach has proven to be successful for the community over the past year.
FISCAL IMPACT
The total project cost for the County to provide a dedicated part-time CORE Team (20 hours per week) to the City of Pleasant Hill is $140,733 annually. Funding in the amount of $140,733 is requested from the General Fund unassigned fund balance to cover this cost.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made through posting of the City Council agenda on the City’s official notice bulletin board, at the Pleasant Hill Senior Center, and at the Pleasant Hill Police Department.
The agenda and staff report are posted on the City’s web page.
RECOMMENDED CITY COUNCIL ACTION
Adopt the proposed resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute an Agreement for Professional Services between the City of Pleasant Hill and the Contra Costa Health Services, Health, Housing, and Homeless Services Division.
ALTERNATIVES TO RECOMMENDED ACTION
The City will utilize internal resources to address homeless-related concerns.
ATTACHMENT(S):
Proposed Resolution
Exhibit 1 – Agreement for Professional Services
Prepared by: Matt Kristic, Police Captain
Approved by: Ethan Bindernagel, City Manager