Goals Action Item Recommendations 1 Costa Mesa Homeless

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Goals & Action Item Recommendations 1

Goals & Action Item Recommendations 1

Costa Mesa Homeless Task Force Mission Statement “Establish Realistic Strategies and Make Recommendations that

Costa Mesa Homeless Task Force Mission Statement “Establish Realistic Strategies and Make Recommendations that Address the Needs of the Costa Mesa Community, Residents, Businesses and the Homeless” 2

Context of Potential Action Recommendations Best practices indicate successful models establish actions in the

Context of Potential Action Recommendations Best practices indicate successful models establish actions in the context of a “carrot-and-stick” approach – Enacted ordinances have appropriate alternative that provides a measure of relief to those impacted Resources – – – Cost & source of funds Impact on limited public resources (dollars & personnel) Can the City afford to take or not take action Timing of when recommendation be implemented: – – – Short Term defined as already completed to 6 months Medium-Term defined as 6 to 12 months Long-Term defined as 12 to 24 months 3

Potential Goal/Action Item Recommendations Nine Goals: 1. Define “Costa Mesa” homeless individual 2. Protect

Potential Goal/Action Item Recommendations Nine Goals: 1. Define “Costa Mesa” homeless individual 2. Protect health & safety of CM residents through enforcement of “Civility” laws & improvements such as alternate storage 3. Proactive resolution of issues related to motels that cater to transient population & enforcement of local codes/ordinances at problem halfway houses 4. Centralized in-house homeless services coordination 5. 3 -pronged approach to address chronic homelessness 6. Permanent supportive housing & access center 7. Interim housing options 8. Metrics system to monitor reduction in homelessness in CM 9. Promotion of Lions Park as a local venue for special events 4

Goal 1 Define “Costa Mesa” Homeless Individual Resided in CM within last 24 months

Goal 1 Define “Costa Mesa” Homeless Individual Resided in CM within last 24 months & for no less than 90 days OR Must have proof of strong ties to the community: – Current residency of immediate family member – e. g. parent, sibling – Proof that individual or dependents attend/attended Costa Mesa K-12 school – 1 st hand or recorded knowledge by CMPD or CM Code Enforcement Dept that individual has been living on CM streets for 24 months prior to adoption of the homeless definition Examples of acceptable documentation to confirm recent residency : – – – Copy of a previous lease Confirmation of previous utility service Written confirmation of residency from a previous landlord or proof of residency in transitional living facility – Confirmation of school records confirming previous residency 5

Goal 1 Continued Define “Costa Mesa” Homeless Individual Exceptions – Medically Compromised – Elderly

Goal 1 Continued Define “Costa Mesa” Homeless Individual Exceptions – Medically Compromised – Elderly (65+) Exclusions – the following individuals may be excluded from the definition: – Residents living in a motel or recovery home – Intentionally homeless: A person who has the means to occupy reasonable accommodations & refuses to do so, or a person who deliberately does or fails to do anything, which would allow them to occupy or continue to occupy such reasonable accommodations 6

GOAL 2 Protect Health & Safety of CM Residents via Enforcement of Civility Laws

GOAL 2 Protect Health & Safety of CM Residents via Enforcement of Civility Laws & Improvements such as Alternative Storage Facilities Reduce homelessness in CM via coordinated actions to create processes & policies that will lead to a reduction in homelessness & an increase in the City’s quality of life Establish ordinances that create: – The means by which the City can enforce desired outcomes – The personnel & standard operating procedure of law enforcement to manage infractions – The political buy-in from parties involved in the process to reach an acceptable outcome for the community 7

Goal 2 Continued Ordinances Parking - New Sleeping - Existing Storage - Revision Food

Goal 2 Continued Ordinances Parking - New Sleeping - Existing Storage - Revision Food Sharing - New Smoking Prohibition - In process (to City Council 11/1/2011) Sex Offender Ban - In process 8

Goal 2 Continued Parking Ordinances (New) Parking issues result as vehicles park for long

Goal 2 Continued Parking Ordinances (New) Parking issues result as vehicles park for long periods of time in City parks which results in vehicle owner/occupant using the space for lodging purposes & possibly preventing residents from parking in order to recreate in City parks ACTION: Recommend Researching Enforcement and/or Implementation of Parking Regulations to Reduce use of Parking for Overnight Lodging Including: Red-curbing Meters Permit parking Gated parking Limited nighttime parking – Time Frame: Short- & Long-term – Resources: General fund 9

Goal 2 Continued Sleeping Ordinance (Existing) Anti-camping/lodging ordinances are not necessarily unlawful, but Best

Goal 2 Continued Sleeping Ordinance (Existing) Anti-camping/lodging ordinances are not necessarily unlawful, but Best Practices suggests to avoid allegations of civil rights violations an alternate location should be provided so that an individual’s ability to sleep is unabridged ACTION: Recommend Enforcement of Anti-Camping & Lodging Ordinances – Time Frame: Short- & Long-term – Resources: General Fund 10

Goal 2 Continued Storage Ordinance & Alternative Storage Site Ordinance (Revision) Best Practices suggests

Goal 2 Continued Storage Ordinance & Alternative Storage Site Ordinance (Revision) Best Practices suggests enforcement of personal property storage ordinances are best defended from litigation when alternate storage sites are provided so personal property can be reasonably stored & retrieved HCD staff & Church Consortium have met regarding the utilization of church property for this purpose ACTION: Recommend Updating & Enforcing Existing Personal Property Storage Ordinances – Time Frame: Short- to Long-Term – Resources: General Fund ACTION: Recommend that the City, in Partnership with Local Faith-Based or Nonprofit Organizations, Provide Accessible & Secure Location for Homeless to Store & Retrieve Personal Property – Time Frame: Short-term – Resources: Faith-based Organizations 11

Goal 2 Continued Food Sharing Ordinances (New) Restricting individuals from feeding the homeless is

Goal 2 Continued Food Sharing Ordinances (New) Restricting individuals from feeding the homeless is an action that has been subject to lawsuits but also prevents an activity which manifests a difficult environment for tackling the root issues of homelessness Legal counsel is reviewing food sharing ordinances in effect in other jurisdictions Effective enforcement of food sharing ordinances may depend on other “positive” actions by City ACTION: Recommend Research of Ordinance Banning Food Sharing Programs in City Parks & other Public Locations – Time Frame: Short- & Long-term – Resources: General Fund 12

Goal 2 Continued Prohibition on Smoking Ordinances CM Youth Sports Council has proposed a

Goal 2 Continued Prohibition on Smoking Ordinances CM Youth Sports Council has proposed a smoking ban ordinance for City-owned athletic facilities CM Parks & Recreation Commission has recommended expanding proposed smoking ban to include: – – All City-owned buildings, facilities & motor vehicles Areas within fenced areas (including parking lots if not within the fenced areas) of City owned sports fields – City owned community gardens – Within 50 ft of any City park - parking lots are included in the park boundaries Item scheduled for City Council Action on Nov 1, 2011 ACTION: Support the Park & Recreation Commission’s Recommendation to Expand Current Smoking Ban Ordinance to Parks, Sports Fields , Parking Lots, etc. – Time Frame: In process – Resources: General Fund 13

Goal 2 Continued Ban Sex Offenders in Park Ordinance The City Attorney is researching

Goal 2 Continued Ban Sex Offenders in Park Ordinance The City Attorney is researching the feasibility of an ordinance to exclude registered sex offenders from city parks & youth sports fields owned/operated by the City This restriction potentially implicates constitutional rights & may interfere with certain aspects of free speech rights The City Attorney is preparing a legal analysis for Council so they can evaluate whether to adopt such a restriction ACTION: Recommend that the City Council Adopt an Ordinance Banning Registered Sex Offenders from City Owned Parks & Recreation Facilities – Time Frame: In process – Resources: General fund 14

Goal 3 Proactive Problem Resolution for High Crime Motels & Halfway Homes One causes

Goal 3 Proactive Problem Resolution for High Crime Motels & Halfway Homes One causes of the influx of homeless to CM is the proliferation of motels & halfway houses Perceived as an alternative to affordable housing, these businesses may attract homeless from outside the City & CA Law enforcement agencies from other jurisdictions (e. g. , OC Probation & CA Dept of Parole) utilize these motels & halfway homes for clients Actions in this area should focus on better regulation of these establishments, the enforcement/removal of nuisance properties & educating law enforcement agencies of the concentration & impact of high crime motels & halfway homes on CM residents 15

Goal 3 Continued Building Code Changes to codes regarding the addition of bedrooms to

Goal 3 Continued Building Code Changes to codes regarding the addition of bedrooms to a residence may help reduce the financial motive to start or expand recovery homes ACTION: Recommend that Staff Explore Changes to Current Building Codes that could Reduce or Mitigate Impact of Half Way/Sober Living homes on Residential or Business Neighborhoods – Time Frame: Short-term – Resources: Existing staff 16

Goal 3 Continued Proactive Motel/Half Way Inspections A combined State Parole, County Probation &

Goal 3 Continued Proactive Motel/Half Way Inspections A combined State Parole, County Probation & City Code Enforcement team could inspect motels & recovery homes to ensure they operate in accordance with CUPs & that individuals residing in units are not violating terms of parole or probation By conducting joint property inspections, a proactive code enforcement program could significantly reduce some of the impacts these operations have on residents & businesses ACTION: Recommend that City Staff Pursue a Partnership with Probation & Parole Personnel to Proactively Inspect Motels & Recovery/Half way Homes to Ensure Code Compliance – Time Frame: Long-term – Resources: To be determined 17

Goal 3 Continued Halfway House/Sober Living Home Outreach Based on discussions with service providers,

Goal 3 Continued Halfway House/Sober Living Home Outreach Based on discussions with service providers, many motel/halfway house residents leave housing without a support system & some slip into homelessness City staff has asked the Church Consortium to develop a program to reach out to individuals living in motels/halfway houses in the City to help support their transition into permanent housing vs. living on the streets The Church Consortium is currently working on this ministry ACTION: Recommend Support for Church Consortium Halfway Houses/Sober Living Homes Outreach Program – Time Frame: Short- & Long-term – Resources: Existing staff, Church drive 18

Goal 3 Continued Motel Task Force Based on input from CMPD, some Costa Mesa

Goal 3 Continued Motel Task Force Based on input from CMPD, some Costa Mesa motels tend to attract at-risk and homeless populations A Motel Task Force was created in 1997 to address problems @ CM motels, but since then has been decommissioned ACTION: Recommend that the Motel Task Force be Reactivated – Time Frame: Medium-term – Resources: To be determined 19

Goal 4 Centralized In-House Homeless Services Coordination Because homeless issues affect many jurisdictions &

Goal 4 Centralized In-House Homeless Services Coordination Because homeless issues affect many jurisdictions & outside entities, best practices suggests one department be responsible for coordination of homeless services & complaints This department should be responsible for: – Coordinating in-house & outside task force efforts – Addressing complaints regarding the homeless in order to coordinate responses with CMPD, City Attorney, other City departments & outside agencies such as County agencies & other jurisdictions – Evaluating new techniques for addressing homeless issues – Implementing Homeless Task Force short-, medium- & long-term strategies 20

Goal 4 Continued Centralize Homeless Services Coordination Homeless services & coordination are currently being

Goal 4 Continued Centralize Homeless Services Coordination Homeless services & coordination are currently being managed by City Manager’s office in conjunction with CMPD, Recreation & other City departments as needed ACTION: Recommended that Centralized Coordination Continue through the Housing & Community Development Division – Time Frame: Ongoing – Resources: Existing staff/PT NIP Manager & Intern 21

Goal 4 Continued Create Smaller Homeless Task Force The HTF has developed an implementation

Goal 4 Continued Create Smaller Homeless Task Force The HTF has developed an implementation plan which will involve coordinating services as well as researching funding sources, developing programs, etc. A smaller HTF could continue to operate to monitor plan implementation & report to the City Council ACTION: Recommend Creation of a Smaller HTF to Monitor Implementation of HTF Priorities & Action Plan – Time Frame: Long-term – Resources: Existing staff & PT Analyst/Intern 22

Goal 5 3 -Pronged Approach to Address Chronic Homelessness Best practices have shown that

Goal 5 3 -Pronged Approach to Address Chronic Homelessness Best practices have shown that the motivations of homeless individuals differ from the motivation of average citizens; therefore, enforcement responses should be tailored to the situation The City should consider adopting a 3 -pronged approach to law enforcement which involves: 1. 2. 3. Arresting chronic offenders & criminals CMPD working closely with mental health providers Referral of chronic violators to the City Attorney’s office 23

Goal 5 Continued 1 st Prong: Enforcement Team “Homeless Officer” Best practices suggests sworn

Goal 5 Continued 1 st Prong: Enforcement Team “Homeless Officer” Best practices suggests sworn police officers engaged in a strategy to address chronic homelessness is vital to reducing the number of homeless Cities that have success with homeless issues usually have officers trained in homeless specific solutions – Defusing potentially volatile situations – Assisting patrol officers in assessing a homeless person’s need for mental health services as an alternative to incarceration As the 1 st responders to homeless calls for service a homeless officer can free up officers to return to patrol duty Homeless officers build rapport with transient population which helps assess long-term needs of the chronic homeless Equally important - public safety is CMPD’s 1 st responsibility & arrest by the homeless officer is not ruled out as warranted 24

Goal 5 Continued 1 st Prong: Enforcement Team “Homeless Officer” A homeless officer would

Goal 5 Continued 1 st Prong: Enforcement Team “Homeless Officer” A homeless officer would work closely with the police department, the CEO’s office & mental health providers Even though Lions Park is presently the center of the City’s homeless issues the homeless officer would have responsibility for homeless enforcement issues Citywide ACTION: Recommend that the City Explore the Implementation of a “Homeless Officer” – Time Frame: Long-term – Resources: General fund, CDBG 25

Goal 5 Continued 1 st Prong: Enforcement Team - Park Ranger A short-term measure

Goal 5 Continued 1 st Prong: Enforcement Team - Park Ranger A short-term measure to address homeless-related issues in Lions Park Rangers could be assigned to: – – – Patrol park Enforce current ordinances Provide support for the CMPD ACTION: Hire 2 Park Rangers to be Posted on-site at Lions Park – Time Frame: Completed – Resources: General fund 26

Goal 5 Continued 2 nd Prong: Engagement - Coordinated Mental Health & Street Outreach

Goal 5 Continued 2 nd Prong: Engagement - Coordinated Mental Health & Street Outreach Presently service providers visit CM libraries & parks weekly – E. g. , OC Mental Health, Veterans 1 st, VA CMPD calls on these agencies for assistance as needed Service providers removing chronic homeless from streets often need multiple encounters to build trust & assess needs As part of 3 -pronged approach, the City can expedite trustbuilding process by funding a part-time street outreach team These services can support CMPD with mental health resources & also help move homeless individuals off streets ACTION: Recommend Staff Explore Contract Opportunities with Qualified Providers to Coordinate Mental Health & Street Outreach Services – Time Frame: Underway, Short- to Long-term – Resources: General fund 27

Goal 5 Continued 3 rd Prong: Enforcement Team – Formalize Legal Strategy for Chronic

Goal 5 Continued 3 rd Prong: Enforcement Team – Formalize Legal Strategy for Chronic Violators Develop a multi-faceted legal strategy that involves a stronger presence in court when transients appear before a judge City Attorney’s office will prosecute municipal code violations for repeat offenders & will communicate with DA’s office regarding specific cases of interest This approach could result in the ability to remove people from the community who commit repeated offenses & who refuse assistance Also provides the City with an opportunity to work closely with DA to track Homeless Court referrals ACTION: Recommend Continued Support for this Current Legal Strategy – – Time Frame: Short-term Resources: General Fund 28

Goal 5 Continued Housing - Motel Vouchers for CMPD occasionally encounter situations which require

Goal 5 Continued Housing - Motel Vouchers for CMPD occasionally encounter situations which require the rapid, temporary placement of vulnerable individuals/families into safe/decent housing The CMPD should have a supply of vouchers for emergency situations especially for families with children found sleeping in the street ACTION: Recommend that Staff Identify Resources to Provide CMPD with Motel Vouchers for Emergency Situations & Help Develop Criteria for the Use of Vouchers – Time Frame: Short- to Long-term – Resources: General fund Estimate $22 K = 12 vouchers/wk X $50/voucher X 36 wks 29

Goal 6 Create Permanent Supportive Housing & Possible Access Center Best practices suggest that

Goal 6 Create Permanent Supportive Housing & Possible Access Center Best practices suggest that the availability of supportive housing & a daytime facility where the homeless may congregate often reduce the impacts the chronic homeless have on local businesses & neighborhoods Some members of the HTF have suggested exploring the concept of an access center & purchase of existing motel for use as transitional/supportive housing Locating such a facility will be a challenge – must ensure that impacts to surrounding neighborhoods are mitigated These facilities would only be accessed by CM homeless based on the definition conceived by the HTF 30

Goal 6 Continued Create Permanent Supportive Housing & Possible Access Center ACTION: Recommend that

Goal 6 Continued Create Permanent Supportive Housing & Possible Access Center ACTION: Recommend that staff develop a Financing Strategy for Supportive Housing based on existing HOME, RDA & other sources such as HUD Continuum of Care grant financing – Time Frame: Short-term – Resources: To be determined (federal, state, local & private $) ACTION: Recommend Development of Supportive Housing/Access Center – Time Frame: Long-term – Resources: TBD (combination of federal, state, county & private $) 31

Goal 7 Interim Housing Options There are few emergency shelter beds in OC that

Goal 7 Interim Housing Options There are few emergency shelter beds in OC that also serve as an entry point systems of care for homeless Armories (SA & Fullerton) open during Winter (Nov-Mar) If anti-camping ordinance is enacted, best practices suggests alternate sleeping location should be provided CM’s homeless strategy recommends development of permanent supportive housing (long-term goal); immediate housing program may be needed to deflect criticism of anticamping ban ACTION: Explore Implementation of a Motel Vouchers for CM Homeless – Time Frame: Medium-term – Resources: General fund & private donations ACTION: Work with County to Explore Ways to Keep Armories Open Longer – – Time Frame: Medium-term Resources: CDBG or General fund 32

Goal 8 Develop Appropriate Metrics System to Monitor Reduction in Homelessness Best practices suggests

Goal 8 Develop Appropriate Metrics System to Monitor Reduction in Homelessness Best practices suggests a homeless strategy should measure impact of actions on the homeless Many OC homeless service providers use the HUD’s Client Management Information System (CMIS) – CMIS records activities & services provided to homeless clients but doesn’t provide long-term tracking – Many service providers (i. e. , churches & faith-based organizations) do not use CMIS to track homeless they serve CM should develop appropriate metrics system to measure success or failures of its homeless strategy including a reduction in homelessness ACTION: Develop Analytical Tool to Measure Homeless Reduction – Time Frame: Medium-term – Resources: To be determined (e. g. , CDBG) 33

Goal 9 Promotion of Lions Park as a Local Venue for Special Events Lions

Goal 9 Promotion of Lions Park as a Local Venue for Special Events Lions Park is located in the center of downtown Costa Mesa near a major transportation node & neighborhood shopping The community centers are utilized by adults & children for an array of classes & services Lions Park contains both passive & active recreational facilities & there are plans to transform it into a more vital recreational center With new emphasis on special event promotion the City should explore utilizing Lions Park for more dynamic event programming ACTION: Removal of Shelter and Integration of Recreational Facilities – Time Frame: Medium-term – Resources: Redevelopment ACTION: Identify Special Event Programming Opportunities for Lions Park – Time Frame: Long-term – Resources: Existing Staff 34

QUESTIONS? ? 35

QUESTIONS? ? 35