CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date:June 2, 2025
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCILMEMBERS
TITLE: ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. ___-25 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 city of Pleasant Hill was one of the first cities to enter a 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 are proposing a continued 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
There are 23 CORE teams working within our county, seven days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. Our contracted Pleasant Hill CORE team works part time, 20 hours per week.
Between all CORE teams from July 2024 to May 2025, services were provided to 185 homeless individuals during 642 interactions in Pleasant Hill. The CORE teams also moved 35 homeless individuals off the streets of Pleasant Hill and into shelter or permanent housing.
During this period, our contracted part-time Pleasant Hill CORE team accounted for 44% (82) of the services provided to individuals in Pleasant Hill, provided 58% (370) of the total interactions, and made 31% (11) of the housing placements. Without the Pleasant Hill funded part-time CORE team, the CORE program would not be able to provide the breadth and depth of services through their other teams who are servicing the entire county.
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 continued to prove 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 $147,076 annually. Funding in the amount of $147,076 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 attached 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 Council may direct staff to utilize internal resources to address homelessrelated concerns.
ATTACHMENT(S)
Proposed Resolution
Exhibit 1 – Agreement for Professional Services
Prepared by: Matt Kristic, Police Captain
Approved by: Ethan Bindernagel, City Manager