BOARD OF SUPERVISOR'S

Discussion of homelessness to include but not limited to abatment, regional approach, vehicles parked on San Juan Hollister Road, and provide staff direction if desired. 

SBC FILE NUMBER: 156

On April 13, 2021, the Board of Supervisors approved a resolution to respond to homelessness effectively. Almost a year ago, on April 2, 2021, there was a fire under the San Juan Road bridge. A fire engulfed two homeless encampments, highlighting a community of encampments near the San Benito County River bed.

On December 14, 2021, the board Adopted the Lead Me Home Plan Update- 5 Year Plan to Reduce Homelessness in Monterey and San Benito Counties as presented. This plan was developed over a 12 month series of interviews and meetings with a wide range of stakeholders and convening of the Leadership Council, which included representatives from San Benito County. “Lead Me Home” vision is the 5 Year Plan to Reduce Homelessness in Monterey and San Benito Counties by 50% over the next five years. Measurable performance targets have been established for each year of the plan, including targets for improvement in program performance and creating a new housing inventory. The LMHP contains overarching strategies and a multi-agency action plan intended to achieve plan goals. 

On January 7, 2022, the board approved a legislative request requesting funding to build tiny homes to eliminate homelessness in the county. 

Homelessness project:

The Tiny Village targets homeless individuals and families with permanent supportive housing and transitional housing and case management, and supportive services. Although emergency shelters and encampments are a critical need, without other endless housing options, homelessness will never be reduced. Even though there was a decrease in the homeless population (according to the 2019 Homeless Census), we are far from solving the homeless problem. A Tiny Village model has been discussed for years. An example of a Tiny Village project in Eugene, Oregon (see attachment). Individuals housed in permanent supportive housing will also receive case management and supportive services to increase their probability of housing retention by addressing their personal needs. This project will follow the Housing First Model which, in essence, clients are provided housing regardless of their ongoing issues such as mental health, drug addictions, lack of employment, etc. The Tiny Village Project consists of 50, 300-250 square feet units as permanent housing, 2,000-3,000 square feet of office & Multi-purpose room, and infrastructure costs. In addition, funds can also convert an existing building into temporary housing units for homeless families as transitional housing. Case Management, supportive services, housing navigation, job training, and housing placement will be provided while participating in the transitional housing program. The goal is to reduce homelessness by 50% in 5 years. The low-income housing inventory and housing for homeless individuals and families must increase with more significant investments for permanent supportive housing.

On February 22, 2022, the Board of Supervisors approved and obligated ARPA funding to Homelessness Abatement RFP and a Program Manager - $329,263.00. And most recently, on March 8, 2022, the board approved the contract for Homeless Abatement Services with Smith & Enright Landscaping, Inc. for an amount not to exceed $164,775 from March 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023. Approve the additional staffing of 1.0 FTE Program Manager and direct staff to amend the Schedule of Approved Position Allocations.