City of Sunnyvale
Agenda Item
22-0282 Agenda Date: 2/17/2022
2022 COUNCIL STUDY ISSUE
NUMBER
OCM 22-02
TITLE Investigate Potential Locations, Funding, and Outreach for Overnight Warming Centers in the City of Sunnyvale During Inclement Weather
BACKGROUND
Lead Department: Office of the City Manager
Support Departments: Community Development Department
Library and Recreation Services Department
Department of Public Safety
Office of the City Attorney
Sponsor(s): Councilmembers: Cisneros, Din, Melton, Klein History: 1 year ago: N/A
2 years ago: N/A
SCOPE OF THE STUDY
What precipitated this Study?
Sunnyvale has a population of homeless individuals throughout the City. Currently, within the City boundaries the County operates a homeless shelter. However, as this is an extended stay shelter and traditionally at full capacity, this has not provided sufficient housing for our homeless population during times such as significant rain events or extremely cold temperatures.
What are the key elements of the Study?
City staff will need to identify what services we could provide in establishing warming centers for homeless individuals. It would be necessary to identify key partners with the County of Santa Clara, Non-profit agencies, as well as other organizations that may support warming centers. The City would likely enter into Agreements with multiple agencies to effectively implement warming centers within Sunnyvale.
Additionally, the Study may include:
· Identifying potential warming center locations within the City limits (private or public). · Compiling what resources would be necessary such as food, supplies, and bedding. · Identifying services that would be required such as case management, and security services. · Develop criteria for hours of operation, triggers that would determine when a warming center would be activated.
Attachment 2
22-0282 Agenda Date: 2/17/2022
· Identifying and designating a City department and staff that would manage the warming centers.
· Researching warming centers in our County and identifying the model used and how that could be implemented in Sunnyvale.
· Would need to identify funding sources for both a pilot and ongoing operations. · Identifying communication strategies to be able to notify shelter availability to the homeless population.
Estimated years to complete Study: 1 year
FISCAL IMPACT
Cost to Conduct Study
Level of staff effort required (opportunity cost): Moderate Funding Required for Non-Budgeted Costs: $0
Funding Source: N/A
The research would be conducted using internal staff resources. If an outside consultant is necessary, staff will return for a funding request prior to completing the Study.
Cost to Implement Study Results
Unknown. The Study would include assessment of potential costs, including capital and operating, as well as revenue/savings.
EXPECTED CITY COUNCIL, BOARD OR COMMISSION PARTICIPATION Council-Approved Work Plan: No
Council Study Session: Possibly, depending on the outcome of the initial research Reviewed by Boards/Commissions: No
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Support. This policy issue merits discussion at the 2022 Study Issues Workshop.
With an increase in homeless populations and lack of currently available facilities and funding in Sunnyvale, it is worth a discussion to establish if the Council would like to obtain further information to determine the feasibility of implementing warmer centers in Sunnyvale.
Prepared by: Teri Silva, Assistant City Manager
Approved by: Kent Steffens, City Manager
Attachment 2