Standing Committee on Homelessness
May 16, 2024
Meeting Minutes
The May 16, 2024 Standing Committee on Homelessness was called to order by Chair Melendez at 8:36 am in City Council Chambers, 200 Civic Center Drive, Vista, California.
Committee Members Present:
Deputy Mayor Katie Melendez, Chair
Mayor John Franklin, Vice Chair
Staff Present
Imelda Huerta, Assistant City Manager
Bevely Roxas, Assistant City Attorney
Kathy Valdez, Assistant City Clerk
Jonathan Lung, Homeless Services Program Manager
Daniel Sturman, Management Analyst
Pledge of Allegiance
Chair Melendez led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Approval of Minutes
Approved the April 19, 2024, meeting minutes.
D1. Buena Creek Navigation Center Update
Homeless Services Program Manager Jonathan Lung introduced Management Analyst Daniel Sturman who provided the update.
Committee members and staff discussed the following:
• VI-SPDAT assessment has to be completed for permanent supportive housing and rapid rehousing; score is used to rank individuals
• Case Manager fills out exit interview form, are now also doing interviews at 30, 60, 90, and 120 days after exit to determine housing stability o Chair requested copy of Exit Surveys
• Need to document specifics of situation on negative exits (i.e. if the individual walked away, wouldn’t participate in interview, etc.)
o Request to define “walk- aways” on forms
• Medical and dental screening and basic care provided on site by Vista Community Clinic; connect individuals with primary care doctor to their respective health care provider; mental health services/referrals are offered; transportation provided to a variety of services; would like to see details of services provided; need to ensure that everyone is offered, and encouraged to use, these services • Are tracking if clients return; looking at how best to address individuals who have left program and then get housing opportunity (i.e. if they can bring them back in for case management to facilitate the placement)
Standing Commission on Homelessness
May 16, 2024
2 Two clients provided testimonials on their experience at the Center.
D2. Proposed Monthly Dashboards
Homeless Services Program Manager Jonathan Lung presented each of the dashboards.
Committee members and staff discussed the following:
• Want to ensure that the data presented looks the same each time it is presented • BCNC needs to track whether Encinitas clients end up on Vista streets • Don’t want to make extra work for providers; if something is difficult to produce and staff doesn’t feel it is necessary to be included, let the Committee know and they will consider if it can be eliminated
• Dashboards should be available to the public; send out through social media twice a year
• Ensure information on the website is up-to-date
• Narratives are also important, can help identify trends; credentialed researchers and reporters should have access to information (not client identifiable) to better understand issue
• Need to further discuss how Exodus tracks clients; look at how many encounters happen before a formal link/enrollment occurs
Have Exodus and Jewish Family Services provide updates at Committee meetings.
Discuss/review “community standards” at upcoming meeting.
Compare current methodology versus San Diego’s methodology at future meeting.
Discuss outreach services contract prior to releasing an RFP for services.
Include dashboards monthly as part of the meeting packet (not as an agenda item) and print copies for Committee members for meeting.
D3. Updated Glossary of Terms
Management Analyst Daniel Sturman reviewed the changes/additions made since the terms were last reviewed.
Committee members and staff discussed the following:
• Individuals that are “couch surfing” are eligible for programs, but it is not considered “not made for human habitation”
• When determining if someone is camping, will consider the totality of the circumstances; if they are using the site to live, regardless of whether there is any structure, it would be considered camping
• Staff has the Regional Task Force on the Homeless review all terms to ensure consistency with other regional providers (countywide terms and definitions)
Standing Commission on Homelessness
May 16, 2024
3 D4. General Homelessness Updates
Management Analyst Daniel Sturman provided the following update on the Buena Creek Navigation Center:
• Each resident is provided a reusable water bottle with their name on it; water dispensaries are available on each floor
• BCNC placements:
o 5 clients moved to supportive housing
o 5 clients received rapid rehousing
o 4 people with matches prior to entering program
Councilmembers and staff discussed the following:
• Promote the Safe Parking program through social media • Exodus and Code Enforcement carry information on the Safe Parking with them and distribute to those living in their vehicles
• Ensure weekly check of parks; provide referrals
Adjournment
Chair Melendez adjourned the meeting at 10:43 am