ACTION:
____________________________
Clerk/Secretary
Department: City Manager Item No:
Prepared by: Sylvia Solis Daniels, Housing Program Manager Meeting Date: April 26, 2022 Approved by:
Amanda Lee, Assistant City Manager
Patrick Johnson, City Manager Agenda Location: Discussion SUBJECT: SHELTER REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL AND SAFE PARKING/CAMPING RECOMMENDATION: Discuss Shelter Request for Proposal and Safe Parking/Camping.
CORRELATION TO CITY COUNCIL GOALS: (1) Homelessness and Housing, and (2) Public Safety.
PRIOR ACTION: On January 25, 2022, discussed a year-round shelter and operator Request for Proposals (RFP). Directed staff to finalize an RFP to develop and operate a year-round shelter in Vista, based on the City Council input provided (No Vote).
On January 25, 2022, City Council directed staff to review safe camping and safe parking and bring back recommendations at a future City Council meeting (4-1, Ritter opposed).
A comprehensive list of prior actions is included as Exhibit 1.
STATEMENT ON THE SUBJECT: On March 10, 2020, the City Council adopted a Strategic Plan to Address Homelessness (Strategic Plan) that is designed to address people experiencing homelessness through programs and practices that have proven successful in other places but are tailored to Vista. The Strategic Plan is a living document that requires ongoing development and updates based on funding sources, legislative changes, community need, and program outcomes. The Strategic Plan utilizes a three- pronged approach, blending services, resources, and enforcement to address the following primary goals:
1) Prevent Homelessness; 2) Improve Quality of Life; and 3) Reduce the amount of people experiencing Homelessness.
SHELTER REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL: On January 25, 2022, the City Council discussed and reviewed a year-round shelter and operator Request for Proposal (RFP) and then directed staff to proceed with a revised proposal. On February 2, 2022, staff published an RFP for the development and operation of a year-round low-barrier shelter in Vista. The RFP was open for eight weeks and closed on March 30, 2022, and no proposals were submitted.
Although there were no formal submittals, the RFP was monitored by three service organizations: Interfaith Community Services, Operation Hope North County, and Vista Community Clinic. Staff debriefed with each of the three organizations and received the following feedback explaining why the organizations did not respond to the RFP:
AGENDA
REPORT
CITY COUNCIL
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
SUCCESSOR AGENCY
BUENA SANITATION DISTRICT
JOINT POWERS FINANCING AUTHORITY
D1
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Directed staff to develop an RFP or RFQ for a permanent supportive housing development and to define a portion of City funds to assist in this project. Vote: 5-0 Directed staff to develop an RFP for a Safe Parking program and to allocate up to $250,000 for the establishment of a Safe Parking site. Vote: 4-1 (Ritter opposed)
MEETING DATE: April 26, 2022 PAGE 2
SUBJECT: SHELTER REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL AND SAFE PARKING/CAMPING
1.Site Location: A location for the shelter was not identified. Interested proposers reviewed the list of City- owned parcels, as well as available market properties, and were not able to identify an adequate location.
2.Site Acquisition and Operations Funding: Funding for the acquisition and operations of the new emergency shelter are not identified or provided under the current RFP. This placed a significant burden on the applicant to identify, seek, and secure funding for the shelter operations.
3.Partnership: One organization was monitoring the RFP to identify potential partners who may be interested in clinical medical resources.
During discussions with each organization, they noted that they are open to continuing a dialogue with the City to assist in identifying an appropriate site and future partnerships. Additionally, staff spoke with the County of San Diego to debrief on the RFP and identified that the County is interested in future shelter partnerships, including potential partners for Project Homekey, and other funding opportunities.
Staff reviewed successful Shelter RFP processes for other cities, including Chula Vista and Oceanside, and noted successful agencies had their site location identified and were only soliciting for a service provider. Chula Vista identified a City-owned vacant parcel and is assembling 63 independent 8x8 structures. The total budget for the Chula Vista shelter startup cost is $5 million. This includes a significant amount of site preparation, sidewalk, sewer, utility, and the purchase of the structures, but does not include site acquisition. Oceanside purchased a site from the Oceanside School District to rehab and develop a 50- bed navigation center where they will develop a shelter. The total startup cost for the Oceanside shelter is $4 million, and includes site preparation, including demolition, design, and construction.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION FOR SHELTER RFP: Although there is a need for shelter beds in North County, the City of Vista is not best suited in taking the lead in the development and operations of a shelter. The lack of experience in service operation, the size of the organization, and the ongoing financial impact are significant barriers to creating and maintaining a successful shelter project. In San Diego County, there are only two other cities that are the primary funders for shelters in their jurisdictions: City of San Diego and Chula Vista. The shelter that will be opening in Oceanside will be self-funded by the provider, San Diego Rescue Mission. After evaluating Vista’s capacity and lack of necessary funding that is provided to larger jurisdictions, it is recommended not to move forward with a Shelter RFP. Alternatively, staff recommends soliciting an RFP for the development of Permanent Supportive Housing and request the County to take the lead in the development and operations of a shelter. The County of San Diego is preparing to release a county-wide RFP for a shelter that is expected to be released within the next six months.
Permanent Supportive Housing. The creation of Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) is an industry proven homeless intervention, identified by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, that combines affordable housing assistance with support services to address the needs of chronically homeless people. Creating PSH is a long-term strategy to address chronic homelessness that is designed to build independent living that connects people with health care, treatment, and employment services. This strategy has proved to decrease the number of chronically homeless people, increase housing stability, and improve health outcomes. Permanent supportive housing has also been identified as a cost-effective solution, to lower public costs associated with crisis interventions including shelters, hospitals, jails, and other institutions.
The initial investment of funding for the development of PSH is similar to the cost of investing in the development of a shelter. The cost savings of investing in PSH would be realized with ongoing annual operation expenses. The City would partner with an affordable housing developer to create a sophisticated operations funding plan that would include an array of public funds such as tax credits, affordable housing grants, County housing funds and housing vouchers. City staff has experience working with affordable 04/26/2022 D1 2 of 21
MEETING DATE: April 26, 2022 PAGE 3
SUBJECT: SHELTER REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL AND SAFE PARKING/CAMPING housing partners and creating successful affordable developments. A PSH development differs from other Vista affordable housing as PSH combines affordable housing with wraparound services to support people who are experiencing homelessness. Currently, Vista does not have a PSH development nor an affordable housing development that prioritizes housing unhoused persons. A PSH development is a viable method to achieve long-term stability for people experiencing homelessness. A shelter, although a critical resource, is a temporary stop-gap measure on the way to addressing homelessness.
Recognizing the barriers identified in the shelter RFP, staff recommends preparing a PSH RFP that will include City funding (Housing Funds) to financially support the project. Additionally, a PSH development can be in any residential zone including multi-family, single family, and mixed-use zones. Identifying a location for a shelter proved difficult due to zoning restrictions, and access to resources and transportation.
A PSH RFP will address the primary concerns noted by potential providers, centered around lack of funding and limited locations.
SAFE PARKING/CAMPING: On January 25, 2022, the City Council directed staff to review safe camping and safe parking and then to return to City Council with recommendations at a future City Council meeting.
During the last few months, staff visited and met with safe parking providers and researched safe camping and safe parking service options. If the City Council is interested, below staff has outlined these programs and recommendations.
Safe parking provides safe and legal overnight parking environment for individuals and families living in their vehicles. This resource offers supportive services, including case management, and assistance to stabilize their lives and transition back into housing. Basic needs resources including restrooms, handwashing stations, and hygiene supplies.
There are two providers in San Diego County who currently provide Safe Parking Programs - Dreams for Change and Jewish Family Services. Both providers offer similar program parameters and eligibility requirements and serve 25 to 35 individuals at each location.
A Safe Parking Program would require a paved parking surface, lighting, security, perimeter fencing (either natural or physical fencing), restrooms, and an office space, which can be a permanent or temporary structure. Additional supplemental resources could include charging stations, showers, washers, dryers, and designated open space for dining. Typical service hours are from 6pm to 7am, and vehicles are only available to be on site during service hours. Program materials for Safe Parking are included as Exhibit 3.
The primary program participant for both providers are employed single adults, most of whom are older adults who are new to experiencing homelessness. There are also some families, including those who are actively fleeing domestic violence.
The San Diego Housing Federation conducted a review of homeless services amongst providers and participants and identified priorities for an ideal Safe Parking/Sleeping Site. The top priorities identified include location: not located in high-crime areas, near other resources, services offered, and physical amenities.
Below is a summary of services, eligibility requirements, and costs for programs in San Diego County:
Program Services:
•Access to park a vehicle in a safe parking lot with onsite security and restrooms •Access to have a Coordinated Entry System (CES) assessment completed to obtain available resources •Referrals and linkages to community resources
•Access to case management, financial assistance, benefit connection and on-site resources 04/26/2022 D1 3 of 21
MEETING DATE: April 26, 2022 PAGE 4
SUBJECT: SHELTER REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL AND SAFE PARKING/CAMPING Program Eligibility: Single adults, or families who are experiencing homelessness or actively fleeing domestic violence, living in their vehicle, and have an operable vehicle. Participants are required to have:
•A current and valid driver’s license, vehicle insurance, registered, operating vehicle •Clients must have a desire to move back into permanent housing and are encouraged to participate in case management to develop an action plan with an emphasis on housing stabilization •Tents are not allowed. There is one program that allows Recreation Vehicles to park •Cannot be a registered sex offender or felon with violent crimes Program Cost: The Safe Parking Program has an estimated annual cost up to $250,000. The sample budgets for both agencies are included within Exhibit 1. Much of the annual cost is direct staff expenses for case management and security expenses. The current programs in San Diego County are funded through a Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention (HHAP) grant offered by the Regional Task Force on Homelessness (RTFH), the County’s Continuum of Care, through the State of California Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency funds. At this time, RTFH has allocated all funding; however, a new round of funding is pending and there may be an opportunity for a provider to apply for funding to establish a safe parking program in Vista.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION FOR SAFE PARKING: Staff recommends proceeding with community forums to begin public education and discussions concerning a Safe Parking Program. Following public forums, staff will return to City Council with community feedback and proposed locations. If City Council directs staff to proceed with safe parking, City Council will need to:
1)Identify funding – A provider may be eligible for grant funding; however, the City will need to identify a funding source either as a funding gap or to fund the program if a grant is unsuccessful 2)Identify a location – Selecting a location that aligns with parameters identified by the City Council 3)Zone Amendment – Any location will require a zone amendment as there is not currently a zone that allows for Safe Parking within the City
4)Publish an RFP – A provider will be required to submit a proposal for the provision of a Safe Parking Program
Staff does not recommend proceeding with a Safe Camping Program. Safe Camping Programs are not currently offered by any service provider in San Diego County. In a response to the Hepatitis A outbreak in 2017, an interim safe camping site was established in the City of San Diego. The site was operated by Alpha Project and was used as a temporary solution until an emergency Sprung Shelter Structure was established.
FISCAL IMPACT: Discussion of the Shelter RFP and the Safe Parking Program do not have a direct fiscal impact. Staff will return to the City Council before proceeding with any option presented to initiate contracting. Some options outlined in the report will create onetime costs and ongoing annual operating costs.
EXHIBITS:
1.Prior City Council Actions
2.Safe Parking Program Materials
3.San Diego Housing Federation Safe Parking Ideal Site Location and Resources 04/26/2022 D1 4 of 21
Prior City Council Actions
on January 25, 2022, discussed a year-round shelter and operator request for proposal and directed staff to finalize an RFP to develop and operate a year-round shelter in Vista, based on the City Council input provided (No Vote).
On October 26, 2021, discussed shelters and permanent housing options and directed staff to draft a Request for Proposal for developers to propose a low-barrier shelter and to continue regional collaboration discussions; directed staff to come back with the draft RFP for approval (Vote: 5-0).
On September 28, 2021, Council received an update on the implementation of the Strategic Plan to Address Homelessness, approved staff recommendation to include Housing under the Reduce Homelessness Strategy, and directed staff to return with plans for workshops, community outreach and more information for a shelter and permanent housing discussion (Vote: 5-0).
On April 27, 2021, received an update on the implementation of the Strategic Plan to Address Homelessness and approved staff recommendation to continue programs and activities as outlined in the Strategic Plan to Address Homelessness (No Vote).
On August 11, 2020, adopted the following City Council Resolutions:
•No. 2020-138, approving an agreement with North County Lifeline for the Homeless Prevention Pilot Program for the Strategic Plan to Address Homelessness (Vote:5-0). •No. 2020-140, approving an agreement with Interfaith Community Services, Inc. to provide shelter beds to address homelessness in Vista (Vote:5-0). •No. 2020-141, approving an agreement with Exodus Recovery, Inc. to provide a full-time Social Worker to address homelessness in Vista (Vote:5-0). •No. 2020-142, amending the Operating Budget for Fiscal Years 2019/20 and 2020/21 (Vote:5-0).
On June 23, 2020, adopted City Council Resolution No. 2020-115, authorizing application to the Permanent Housing Local Allocation Program and Administration of Program Activities (Vote: 5- 0).
On March 10, 2020, approved the Strategic Plan to Address Homelessness and directed staff to begin plan implementation (Vote:5-0).
On January 28, 2020, provided direction to staff to include all eight strategies identified in the Strategic Plan to Address Homelessness with recommended adjustments to reporting schedules, funding allocation amounts and provisional delayed implementation for one strategy (No Vote).
On January 14, 2020, adopted City Council Resolution No. 2020-4, accepting an allocation of $250,000 from the California Department of Housing and Community Development for homelessness prevention and intervention services, authorizing the City Manager to execute all documents related to the funding, and amending the Operating Budget for the 2019/20 Fiscal Year (Vote: 5-0).
On November 12, 2019, directed staff to include a full-scope social worker led homeless outreach team, and a plan to “rent” shelter beds in existing shelters, in the Strategic Plan to Address Homelessness (No Vote).
04/26/2022 D1 5 of 21EXHIBIT 1
On October 22, 2019, discussed quality of life, community outreach and education, and legislative advocacy, and by consensus, directed staff to include encampment clean-up activities, the Historic Downtown Outreach Program, the proposed community outreach and education activities, and efforts to engage federal, state, and local representatives in the Strategic Plan to Address Homelessness (No Vote).
On September 24, 2019, discussed prevention and diversion services, and by consensus, directed staff to proceed with attaining one-time state funding for prevention and diversion services, and to include financial assistance and home share components in the Strategic Plan to Address Homelessness (No Vote).
On June 4, 2019, held a workshop to discuss potential strategies to address homelessness and, by consensus, provided direction to staff (No Vote).
On December 11, 2018, discussed the City Council Goals Action Plan for 2018-2020 (No Vote).
On June 12, 2018, discussed the City Council Goals Action Plan for 2018-2020 (No Vote).
On March 6, 2018, held a workshop and, by consensus, identified top priority goals for Fiscal Years 2018/19 and 2019/20 (No Vote).
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Safe Parking Program Proposed Encinitas Lot FAQ
9/29/2021 Page 1
Program Overview, Hours and Location:
#1 Q: What is the Jewish Family Service “Safe Parking Program”? A: The Safe Parking Program helps individuals and families who are living in their vehicles by providing a safe and secure place to sleep seven days a week. Lots are secured through controlled entry during certain hours granted only to program participants and security staff. The program provides vital resources and tools, dignified support, and a welcoming environment to help individuals and families stabilize their lives and transition back into housing. We provide participants with basic needs: access to bathrooms, handwashing stations, hygiene supplies, and meals/food.
The program is more than just a safe place to park; participants meet regularly with case managers to develop an action plan with an emphasis on finding stable housing solutions, which could include additional supports like benefits assistance, career coaching, financial literacy, parenting classes, and children’s services.
The Encinitas Safe Parking Lot accommodates no more than 25 vehicles and includes on-site services through case managers and an overnight security guard present at all hours of program operation. The Safe Parking Program operates daily from 6:00 p.m. through 7:00 a.m. Security is present during the operating hours of the program. Staff are required to be on-site between the hours of 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and be available outside of these hours, as needed. Participants are vetted off-site prior to being allowed entry into the program. #2 Q: Who are the people in the Safe Parking Progr am?
A: The people we assist are often experiencing homelessness for the first time, including: veterans, older adults (over the age of 55), college students, and families with young children. Most people in the Safe Parking Program have a source of income, have a job or are looking for work, and just need a little assistance to get themselves and their family back on their feet and into a home. The program is designed to interrupt the downward spiral of homelessness for individuals and families who are working hard to return to living in a place of their own. The majority of our clients struggle with housing affordability, often due to the loss of a job, medical hardship, reduction in work hours, or any other unexpected financial challenge.
Examples of the people who have benefited from Safe Parking Program lots, like the one proposed, include:
●Community college students trying to make ends meet, while prioritizing their education. ●Families who have fallen on hard times due to an unanticipated medical bill and need to get connected to resources.
●Recently transitioned veterans who are struggling to navigate their next steps and find a new job. #3 Q: Will a Safe Parking lot in Encinitas bring more homeless people to this area? A: Through our current work, we know that families and individuals in the Safe Parking Program do not have the income to support a long daily commute. This means people stay near their places of employment and school. There is no data, evidence, or reason to believe that a Safe Parking lot will increase the homeless population in Encinitas. In fact, we expect to alleviate the homeless population in the area, serving existing Encinitas individuals and families who currently live in their car or in other situations without permanent housing.
With only 25 available spaces, the Encinitas lot will prioritize and focus on vulnerable families, veterans, older adults, and college students who are currently living in their vehicles within Encinitas and North County. JFS case managers will work with staff at the City of Encinitas, the Sheriff’s Department, Community Resource Center, Mira Costa College, Encinitas Union and San Dieguito School Districts, as well as members of the community, to connect with those constituents currently living in vehicles.
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EXHIBIT 2
Safe Parking Program Proposed Encinitas Lot FAQ
9/29/2021 Page 2
#4 Q: Where will the Encinitas lot be located?
A: The proposed location is the Encinitas Community and Senior Center at 1140 Oakcrest Park Drive. The 25-space lot area will be situated at the southwest corner of the Encinitas Community and Senior Center parking lot. #5 Q: How many cars will the Safe Parking Program lot proposed in Encinitas serve? A: A maximum of 25 vehicles/households will be served at any one time in the Safe Parking lot proposed in Encinitas.
When participants exit the program, we enroll a new eligible, vetted individual/household into the open space. No RVs, Motorcycles, or camper style vehicles will be allowed. Each vehicle must have enough seatbelts to safely transport all people who will be sleeping in the vehicle. In the last year, in other lots, there was an average of two people per vehicle.
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Safe Parking Program Proposed Encinitas Lot FAQ
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#6 Q: Why does Encinitas need a Safe Parking Program lot? A: The 2019 San Diego Regional Task Force on the Homeless Point-in-Time Count identified 776 individuals experiencing homelessness in North County . The actual numbers are suspected to be much higher.
On October 17, 2018, following the lead of the State and the City of San Diego as well as others, a Shelter Crisis was declared by the City of Encinitas. Subsequently, on November 20, 2019, the City Council approved the drafting of agreements and negotiation of terms to establish a Safe Parking Lot in Encinitas. These agreements and a final program plan were presented to the City Council in open session at the January 22, 2020 City Council meeting.
In May of 2021 Jewish Family Service was awarded an extension with HHAP funding by the RTFH. The City Council voted 5-0 in favor of the extension and allowing the partnership between Jewish Family Service and The Leichtag Foundation to continue while the City of Encinitas seeks an alternate site for the Safe Parking Program. #7 Q: Why is Jewish Family Service operating this safe parking lot? A: JFS is an experienced Safe Parking Program provider and currently operates three safe parking lots within the City of San Diego. In June of 2021, Jewish Family Service received a $254,625 grant extension through the California Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention (HHAP) to continue to operate the Safe Parking Program in North County.
#8 Q: Is there a budget or breakdown for the $254,625 grant? A: Yes, below is a budget for the first year of the program development and actual operation projected at June 1, 2021 – June 30, 2022.
Expenses – June 1, 2021 – June 30, 2022 JFS - HHAP
Direct Service Staff, Case Managers, and Program Supervisor $85,000 Program Development and Administrative staff $35,000
Benefits $40,000
Personnel Subtotal $160,000
Program Operations, includes (cleaning, office supplies, and operational costs) $48,894 Insurance $3,500
Telephone, Fax, Internet $7,500
Program Delivery Supplies $2,000
Client Financial Assistance – Client Flex Funds (Security Deposits & Rent) $20,000 Operating Expenses $81,894
Indirect Costs (Maximum of 5%) $12,731
Total $ 254,625
#9 Q: Is the City of Encinitas or the Encinitas Community and Senior Center paying for this program? A: No. The Safe Parking Program lot will operate at no cost to the City of Encinitas, the Encinitas Community and Senior Center, Encinitas residents, or program participants. HHAP funding was awarded to Jewish Family Service, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Through this State funding and additional private philanthropy, JFS will cover all expenses to operate the program.
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Safe Parking Program Proposed Encinitas Lot FAQ
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Program Enrollment and Services:
#10 Q: How are participants screened for enrollment into the Safe Parking Program? A: Individuals and families living in their vehicles call our Safe Parking Program phone line (858-637-3373) or inquire via the JFS website (jfssd.org) to learn about the program. JFS case managers meet with clients individually offsite and screen for eligibility in advance of any entry to the lot, informing those interested that they must have a working vehicle, must follow the Program Guidelines, and will be required to meet regularly with a case manager and housing specialist to create a plan to achieve more permanent housing. All adults are run through the Megan’s Law database and the National Sex Offender Registry. Once deemed eligible, participants are scheduled to meet with a case manager in person to complete the official intake paperwork, provide picture IDs, and sign the Safe Parking Program Guidelines. Participants must go through this assessment before being allowed entry to the lot. #11 Q: Are there restrictions on drug and alcohol use?
A: Drug and alcohol use is not permitted in the Safe Parking Program. While HHAP funding prohibits drug testing, Safe Parking case managers and security closely monitor participants’ behavior and the physical lot for any signs of alcohol or drug use. Illegal drug use will result in immediate disqualification from the program and a call by the onsite security to the Sheriff.
#12 Q: What happens if someone who is not enrolled in Safe Parking shows up and wants to park? A: Trained security personnel will always manage entry to ensure only pre-enrolled Safe Parking participants enter the lot only during the allowed entry hours. Security will be on-site during operating hours for the entire length of the program at the Encinitas Community and Senior Center. For anyone expressing interest in enrollment, security will direct them to call our Safe Parking Program phone line so that they can speak to a case manager who will assess their eligibility for future enrollment. Anyone who is turned away will be advised they may not park in the adjacent residential neighborhoods.
#13 Q: Is there a time limit for participants in the program? A: The goal of the program is to help participants find housing that they can manage within their income. There are no minimum or maximum time limits to enrollment. Case managers review attendance regularly to ensure active individuals/households maintain their space in the program, while reopening spaces of anyone not actively utilizing services. Participants who are continuing to meet with JFS case managers are welcome to stay in the Safe Parking Program, which provides a safe environment as they make progress on their plan to achieve more stable housing. #14 Q: Do participants pay to park?
A: No, there is no fee to park nightly. Safe Parking is a free service for eligible, enrolled participants who agree to actively seek more stable housing.
Safety & Security:
#15 Q: How can you ensure community safety?
A: There will be onsite security guards during all program hours from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. for the duration of the program under this grant. Security will manage entry of pre-enrolled participants, closely monitor the lot overnight, and ensure everyone exits in the morning. While participants may leave at any time , no entry or re-entry will be permitted after 9:30 p.m. Additionally, we are working closely with law enforcement on all aspects of the program.
The Sheriff is committed to working with onsite security and program operators to ensure community safety. 04/26/2022 D1 10 of 21
Safe Parking Program Proposed Encinitas Lot FAQ
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#16 Q: Who maintains insurance and liability for the proposed site? A: Jewish Family Service agrees to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the City of Encinitas, the Encinitas Community and Senior Center and all subsidiaries from and against claims, demands, losses, defense costs, or liability of any kind connected to the Safe Parking Program, including, but not limited to, their use of the property and operation of the program.
#17 Q: Where do Safe Parking participants go d uring the day? A: During the day, many participants work or attend school. Others will be connecting with additional local organizations to which they have been referred by our case managers and housing specialists. All participants will leave the Safe Parking lot by 7:00 a.m. and will be advised they may not park in the adjacent residential neighborhoods during the day.
Program Review:
#18 Q: What are the current outcomes of the Safe Parking Program? A: In JFS’s current North County Safe Parking Program, we have verified that 63% of clients moved into housing.
Many of the remainder move on to similar circumstances, although we are not informed directly, so we are unable to track and verify for data reporting purposes. Over 99% of people exited the current North County Safe Parking Programs without incident. In the past year, less than 1% were exited from the program by our staff for poor behavior or not following Program Guidelines.
#19 Q: What data and information will be tracked?
A: JFS will report the following measures to the City on a monthly basis. After the first three months, JFS will report the results to City Council.
1.Zip code of enrolled participants (the number/% of Encinitas residents, the number/% of North County residents, #/% other)
2.Demographics of enrolled participants (including first time homeless, college students, veterans, families with children, and older adults as prioritized demographics)
3.#/% of exits that are involuntary (track reasons why participants were exited and average number of days in the program)
4.#/% of exits that are voluntary (track reasons why participants exited the program and average number of days in the program) with a goal of at least 30% of enrolled participants will exit to more stable housing (e.g., apartment/home, reunification with family, permanent supportive housing, veteran housing, roommate) The City, with the assistance of the San Diego Sheriff's Department, will track the geographic area roughly bound within one mile of the Community and Senior Center on a monthly basis:
1.Calls for service (total number and number that generate a criminal case)
2.Crimes (type and number)
#20 Q: How long will the program run?
A: HHAP funding is available through June 30, 2022.
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•April 2010 first site opened on 28th St. hosting 25
vehicles.
•2012 Expand to 2nd lot in Chula Vista
•2012-2013 Attempt lot in Vista (city forced closure)
•October 2016 moved Chula Vista site to JFS
•2017 open 3rd site on Aero Drive and expanded JFS
•City of San Diego Funding
•2018 change of city contractor at Aero and JFS
•2018 open new site on Imperial
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•Clean and sober at time of enrollment
•Participants must be willing to and agree to moving from their vehicle to more stable housing (permanent or
housing program)
•Must be willing to complete an intake, assessment (VI- SPDAT) and case plan
•Participants cannot have a criminal conviction of a violent crime, sex offence or crime against a child.
•No RV’s, motorhomes or campers
*
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*
•Potential participant calls or emails DfC to find availability •Prescreening on phone prior to arrival to site (register sex offender, appropriateness)
•Participant directed towards available site
•Individuals showing up at site without calling may not be allowed to stay depending on availability of space. Exception is those with children.
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Safe Parking Program Design
6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. (7:00 a.m. weekends)
Intakes between 6:00 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Case management services nightly 6-9:30 p.m.
Volunteer meals when available
All clients must sleep within their vehicles
Gates secure and Quiet hours 9:30 p.m. –6:00 a.m.
Participant volunteers watches site at night and ensures everyone leaves in morning.
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*
Housing resources and housing search assistance
Financial education and coaching
On-site job development soft skills and job search
Referrals to additional services based on assessment
Emergency food, clothes, toiletries and blankets
Intake, assessment, and benefit screening
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Finances
Housing
Employment
Basic
Needs
Self
Sufficiency
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Safe Parking Team
1-Program Coordinator
2-Part-time Case managers per 20-30 cases
4 - Social Work interns (BSW and MSW) Volunteers
5. Volunteers and partnering organizations
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*
www.dreamsforchange.org
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EXHIBIT 3
From:Chris Olsen
To:Public Comments
Subject:Comment for Item D1 - Shelter Request for Proposal and Safe Parking/Camping - 04/26/2022 Date:Tuesday, April 26, 2022 1:46:54 PM
Attachments:image001.jpg
image002.jpg
Dear Members of the Vista City Council:
On behalf of Jewish Family Service of San Diego, thank you for your consideration of the staff report for Item D1, recommending proceeding with public education and discussions concerning a potential Safe Parking Program in the City of Vista.
As an operator of four Safe Parking Program locations in San Diego County (one in the City of Encinitas and three in the City of San Diego), JFS currently provides a welcoming environment, meaningful resources and tools, and dignified support to help families stabilize and transition back into permanent housing. With holistic services focused on basic needs assistance, employment, family wellness, school success, financial education, credit repair, and housing, our goal is to create a pathway out of homelessness while being a support to people where they are now.
We welcomed the opportunity to provide information to City of Vista staff over the past few months about our Safe Parking Program and are pleased to see that information included in today’s agenda materials. We are available to be a resource for more information as desired. Thank you for your commitment to serving members of our community experiencing homelessness.
Sincerely,
Chris Olsen
[he/him]
Chief of Staff
Jewish Family Service of San Diego
Mobile: (415) 680-5187 ¦Main Office: (858) 637-3000 ¦Fax: (858) 637-3001 [email protected] ¦ www.jfssd.org
JOAN & IRWIN JACOBS CAMPUS, Turk Family Center, 8804 Balboa Ave., San Diego, CA 92123 This email and all attachments to it are for the sole use of the intended recipients and may contain confidential and/or proprietary information of Jewish Family Service of San Diego. Any unauthorized use, disclosure or distribution of this email and its attachments is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please let us know by reply email and then erase and destroy all electronic or other copies of this message.
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D1
CITY OF VISTA C A L I F 0 R N I A
DI : Discuss Shelter Request for Proposal
and Safe Parking/Camping
April 26, 2022
CITY OF VIS
C A L I F 0 1 N P DI : Discuss Shelter Request for Proposal and Safe Parking/Camping
Reques SMl�er ntl Oper
n HPooposals
V S h e I t e r RFP
ear-R b, ameless aator ,/y`�
V
CITY OF VISTA
• February 2, 2022 - March 30, 2022
Request for Proposals
For Three organizations :
YEAR-ROUND
HOMELESS SHELTER — Interfaith Community services
AND OPERATOR
— Operation Hope
City of Vista
Housing Division Vista Community Clinic
200 Civic Center Drive
Vista CA 92084
CITY OF VISTA
CITY OF VISTA DI : Discuss Shelter Request for Proposal C A l I f 0 R M I A
and Safe Parking/Camping
Feedback on why RFP was not pursued :
• Site location
ocati identified
•
• Site
. . .
Fundin Operations Fundin _ not
identified
CITY OF VISTA
CITY OF VISTAD1 : Discuss Shelter Request for
L A l I F 0 R N I A
Proposal and Safe Parking/Camping
Research & Evaluation
for - steps : Funding
• Shelter operations
• Capacity of the CityCapacity
Ongoing• . impact
Regional su • • • Experience
CITY OF VISTA
On OF VISTA D1 : Discuss Shelter Request for
Proposal and Safe Parking/Camping
Permanent Supportive Housing
• Staff Experience
• Housing Funds 14 C
Available
• Industry
Supported
Strategy
Wakeland's 'Talmadge Gatewa
CITY OF VISTA D1 : Discuss Shelter Request for
Proposal and Safe Parking/Camping
Staff Recommendation :
✓ Redirect staff to create a new RFP for the development of Permanent Supportive Housing
✓ Identify regional support and partnership for a North County shelter
D1 : Discuss Shelter Request for Proposal
CITY Of VISTA
• Safe Parking/Camping
Safe ParkingProgram
• A safe and legal place for individuals and families to park a registered and operable vehicle overnight.
• Case management
• Basic needs `f -%-
k
• Two providers in SD County
Y
f �-
�» >t I 1
Jewish Family Services, Safe Parking participant, 2019
ICITY OF
D1 : Discuss Shelter Request for Proposal
CITY OF VISTA
• Safe Parking/Camping
Safe Parking Program Participants
• People Experiencing
Homelessness for the first time
i -
• Have a job, but are
underemployed
LzY � i
• Intervention to assist people
falling further into homeless
experience
Dreams for Change Program Participants, 2018
1 CITY OF
,e�� D1 : Discuss Shelter Request for Proposal CITY Of VISTA
and Safe Parking/Camping
Safe ParkingProgram
Physical
Location
• Not in high • Security • Good lighting
crime areas • Counseling + • Fencing
• Near major Case Mgmt • Restroom
transportatio • Internet to • Handwashing
corridors complete� t � Level Ground
• Near other online
resources applications Charging Ports
r
CITY OF VISTA
D1 : Discuss Shelter Request for Proposal
CITY OF VISTA
and Safe Parking/Camping
If Council directs staff to proceed with Safe Parking:
✓ Approve General Fund resource
✓ Initiate community education forums
✓ Return to City Council with community feedback and location
CITY OF VISTA C A L I F 0 R N I A
DI : Discuss Shelter Request for Proposal
and Safe Parking/Camping
April 26, 2022