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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09 HOMELESSNESS IN ORANGE COUNTY AND CITY OF TUSTINAgenda Item 9 Reviewed: AGENDA REPORT City Manager RP Finance Director N/A MEETING DATE: JULY 18, 2017 TO: MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL FROM: JEFFREY C. PARKER, CITY MANAGER CHARLES F. CELANO, JR., CHIEF OF POLICE SUBJECT: HOMELESSNESS IN ORANGE COUNTY AND THE CITY OF TUSTIN BACKGROUND/SITUATION A month ago, a number of citizens attended the City Council meeting seeking information expressing concerns and asking what they could do to help the City in dealing with the homeless population in our community and the Civic Center in particular. In an effort to inform our citizens about the issue of homelessness in our community and the County and to provide information as to the number of actions taken by the City through its various departments to address the homeless issue not only here but at a regional level, staff has prepared the following report. RECOMMENDATION Review staff report and recommend any modifications to current City approaches for addressing homelessness in Tustin and the County. FISCAL IMPACT The City currently expends approximately $150,000 annually through Police Services and the Community Development Block Grant Program to address assisting the homeless and ensuring enforcement of all laws pertaining to health and safety in the community. CORRELATION TO THE STRATEGIC PLAN The proposal supports the implementation of Goal B: Public Safety and Protection of Assets: Ensure Tustin is an attractive, safe and well maintained community in which people feel pride. Homelessness in Orange County and the City of Tustin July 18, 2017 Page 2 of 8 BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION Numerous departments within the City have been extremely proactive in addressing the local homeless issue. It is well understood the homeless are in desperate need of housing and wrap-around services. Additionally, homeless encampments, such as the one in the Civic Center Courtyard, create additional health and public safety concerns, as well as quality of life issues. It is critical we address the problem in a coordinated manner with other governmental agencies, non -profits, and private companies. It is also incumbent on City staff to regularly inform the public of our efforts and on any progress made. The City of Tustin has been sparsely populated by homeless individuals for the past several decades, with the number ranging from ten to twenty people at any given time. Up until recently, they have never been centralized in one general location, but rather spread throughout the City in parks, on bus benches, or on private property (commercial complexes). Within the last two years, we have seen a concentration of homeless individuals in and around the Civic Center. In particular, the plaza between the library and the Clifton C. Miller Community Center has become an encampment. The reasons for this vary, depending on the individual, but most cite a feeling of safety and security as a primary factor. Police Department Specifically, within the Police Department, the following steps have been taken over the past few years to address these issues: • Community Impact Officers: For many years, the Department has enjoyed the benefit of Community Impact Officers (CIOs). These two sworn officers (one North and one South) are assigned to address repeat calls for service and quality of life issues in their respective areas. They are not subject to calls for service and report directly to a Lieutenant Area Commander. The CIOs have a great deal of latitude and authority, a robust network of colleagues from other governmental and non-governmental agencies, and they are very good at what they do. Over the past 12-18 months, the CIOs have become de facto "Homeless Liaison Officers". They spend a great majority of their time working on homeless -related issues, conducting outreach with our homeless population, and more. In essence, we have two full-time police officers dealing with homelessness and related mental health issues. P.E.R.T.: In 2016, the Police Department partnered with the Orange County Mental Health Agency to create a part-time P.E.R.T. program for our City. The Psychological Emergency Response Team is comprised of one officer (CIO) and one clinician from OC Mental Health: they work together one day per week, responding to mental -health-related calls, conducting outreach to some of our homeless population with mental health issues and conduct follow up on prior calls. Homelessness in Orange County and the City of Tustin July 18, 2017 Page 3 of 8 It is estimated that 25-30 percent of the homeless suffer from a mental illness. This problem is exacerbated by the fact that many of these individuals are un-medicated and could be experiencing serious psychotic episodes. Although the P.E.R.T. team has been effective since its inception over a year ago, it is limited due to only having the clinician working one day per week.  COAST TO COAST: Coast to Coast was one of the first homeless outreach organizations we partnered with. They are a volunteer organization that serves the region providing meals and various other services that include emergency shelter and transitional housing opportunities. Our affiliation with Coast to Coast ended in May of 2017 when we contracted with City Net.  CITY NET: City Net is a team of nonprofit professionals who work to end street- level homelessness in a City or region through the coordination of community efforts and activities. In May of 2017, the City contracted with City Net to provide 80 hours of outreach each month. A City Net team member is paired with a police officer one day a week, in addition to performing outreach independently. As part of their contract, City Net conducted a citywide homeless census to identify specific needs and potential resources for our population. Community Development Department The Community Development Department designates Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding to provide direct financial assistance to agencies assisting the homeless population. These agencies include Mercy House Emergency Shelter, Mary’s Shelter, Human Options Transitional Housing, Olive Crest Transitional Housing, and Goodwill of Orange County. The amount of grant funding provided is approximately $27,000. Additional staff funding to administer the CDBG program and homeless services providers is approximately $10,000. Homelessness Efforts in Tustin Legacy With the closure of the Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Tustin, the Homeless Assistance Plan for MCAS Tustin was adopted to address homelessness. The adopted Plan provides sites and designated land uses to accommodate identified homeless needs. To date, the following have been provided at Tustin Legacy:  A 387-unit emergency/transitional home at the Village of Hope operated by the Orange County Rescue Mission. The Rescue Mission currently offers approximately 200 units with hopes to offer more once logistics and budget constraints allow for it.  A 90-bed intermediate care shelter for abused children and their parents to be operated by the Orange County Social Services Agency. Homelessness in Orange County and the City of Tustin July 18, 2017 Page 4 of 8 • Six (6) new units at Tustin Field I operated by Salvation Army. • Fourteen (14) new units at Columbus Grove operated by Families Forward, formerly Irvine Temporary Housing. • Six (6) new units at Columbus Grove operated by Human Options. • Six (6) new units at Columbus Grove operated by Orange Coast Interfaith Shelter. • Acquisition of 16 units in Buena Park operated by the Salvation Army. The City assisted in acquisition and contributed grant funds to acquire the units. • Overhauled two (2) fourplexes to the Village of Hope to house 32 homeless veterans. Currently, the City is evaluating additional opportunities to create more permanent housing to address not only the homeless, but also low- and moderate -income residents and veteran housing. With the exception of the emergency shelter, these units are transparent and dispersed throughout the community consistent with the City's goals and policies to provide an adequate supply of housing to meet the need for a variety of housing types for the diverse socio-economic population and to promote the dispersion and integration of housing for all individuals throughout the community. ENFORCEMENT OF THE LAW It is important to reiterate that it is not the against the law to be homeless. However, we have taken several steps to enforce violations of laws that impact health and safety issues in the community. The following is a list of police activities that have occurred in our community over the last since January 2016: • Police have responded to 159 calls for service related to the Civic Center Plaza homeless population • Ten (10) of those calls resulted in an arrest • In total, 43 arrests have been made at the Civic Center Plaza during this period (33 officer initiated) • Arrests include charges of assault with a deadly weapon (knife), assault on a police officer, terrorist threats, resisting arrest, narcotics possession, under the influence Homelessness in Orange County and the City of Tustin July 18, 2017 Page 5 of 8 of narcotics, possession of drug paraphernalia, assault & battery, possession of stolen property and public intoxication and others • Since January 2017, officers have issued 34 municipal code citations for charges of possessing open alcohol containers, drinking in public, urinating in public, defecating in public, scavenging etc. e-4 - ld-,- JEFFFEIC. PARKER �d CHARLES F. CELANO JR. CAv a aaer Chief of Police Attachments Attachment A: Orange County Point -In -Time Count 2017 Attachment B: Tustin Homeless Census Draft Report (City Net) Attachment C: Grand Jury Response Letter (City of Tustin 2012) Attachment A Orange County Point -In -Time Count 2017 DRQ )nlNl .0 N1 nUNT lin Orange County's Point in Time (PIT) count occuredo nJanuary28th,2017.The PIT count isa biennial taIlyofpeople without a home on a particuIarnight. We count because we want to understand homelessness in our community in order toe nd it. This PIT count provides vital information thatguides and shapes the way we approach and solve homelessness in Orange County. This information is provided to the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and informs the amount and type of resources Orange County receives to help end homelessness. SERVICE PLANNING AREA MAP ,7920,-YA L T it A Orange County is divided into three Service Planning Areas (SPAs) that efficiently direct resources as individuals experiencing homelessness UNSHELTERED SHELTERED enter the Coordinated Entry System. • NORTH • 936 • • 1 1 • EMERGENCY TRANSITIONAL CENTRAL 2,584 • SHELTER SHELTER 1362 • 1,248 960 CONTINUUM OF CARE A Continuum of Care (CoC) is an integrated system of care that guides homeless individuals & families through a comprehensive array of services and housing designed to prevent and end homelessness. The County of Orange is the lead for Orange County's CoC, which funds 14 nonprofits across the OC CoC. SUMMARY OF KEY FINDINGS In conjunction with 2-1-1 Orange County, the OC Commission to End ;sness convened an ad hoc committee to provide ance on the 2017 PIT count project. The ad hoc )mmittee's direction included a public places count with sampling methodology. This methodology was also used for the 2013 and 2015 PIT counts. During the 2017 PIT count, 86 additional maps were counted and surveyed for a total of 270 maps in comparison to 184 maps in the 2015 PIT count. Reductions in transitional shelter beds is reflective of national UD funding priorities. Increase in emergency shelter Is is a result of The Courtyard, a County investment. notw iucation of resources to permanent housing are not reflected in the count results. SOUTH 286 2013 2015 2017 Unsheltered Homeless People 1,678 2,201 2,584 Sheltered Homeless People 2,573 2,251 2,208 Emergency Shelter 1,145 925 1,248 Transitional Shelter 1,428 1,326 960 Total PIT Count # 4,251 4,452 4,792 Change Year to Year + 4.73% (201) + 7.6% (340) In conjunction with 2-1-1 Orange County, the OC Commission to End ;sness convened an ad hoc committee to provide ance on the 2017 PIT count project. The ad hoc )mmittee's direction included a public places count with sampling methodology. This methodology was also used for the 2013 and 2015 PIT counts. During the 2017 PIT count, 86 additional maps were counted and surveyed for a total of 270 maps in comparison to 184 maps in the 2015 PIT count. Reductions in transitional shelter beds is reflective of national UD funding priorities. Increase in emergency shelter Is is a result of The Courtyard, a County investment. notw iucation of resources to permanent housing are not reflected in the count results. SOUTH 286 HOMELESSNESS *2017 Point In -Time Count* •1=NAI' AL • 2,150 • 434 "IiIIIiiiiIiTOTAL: 2,584 7 UNSHELTERED VETERANS Orange County is the third largest county in California, and sixth largest in the nation with a population of more than three million people. Despite our affluent reputation, we have residents who have needs you might not expect. Like many counties across the nation, we have people experiencing homelessness. The County of Orange is working diligently to provide funding and resources for this vulnerable population. Here is a look at what we've done in the last year. CU LITL� The Board of Supervisors has committed more than $23.5 MILLION to providing multiple shelter options that meet a variety of needs. 400 BEDS THE COURTYARD (Santa Ana Civic Center) KRAEMER CENTER (North Anaheim) County's first year-round emergency shelter and multi -service center with on-site programs. 100 beds in phase one opening Spring 2017, 100 additional beds in phase two anticipated in late 2018. DEC — ADR oNLy ARMORIES (Santa Ana and Fullerton) Day service center and low barrier, low Overnight cold -weather emergency shelter threshold safe sleep shelter. providing 400 beds from December to April. PERMANENT SUPPORTIVE HOUSING The Board approved issuance of the 2016 Permanent Supportive Housing Notice of Funding Availibility to provide up to $8 million for the acquisition, new construction and acquisition/ rehabilitation of permanent supportive housing for Orange County's extremely low-income households that are homeless. RESTAURANT MEALS PROGRAM $250K PER YEAR The Board approved the Restaurant Meals Program that will enable CalFresh recipients who are homeless, disabled and/or elderly to purchase meals from participating restaurants with their CalFresh benefits. It is intended to increase food access for those who do not have a place to store or cook food, may not be able to prepare food or lack access to a grocery store. WHOLE PERSON CARE INITIATIVE The Whole Person Care Initiative will target services to those that are experiencing homelessness and are high utilizers of emergency rooms. $9.6 MILLWN PHASE ONE PHASE TWO NOVEMBER 2016 - DECEMBER 2020 TBD - DECEMBER 2020 Housing +111� Navigators Beds Support\•/ Service nr Coordinators CRISIS STABILIZATION UNITS $23.9 MILLION In funding from the County has increased the number of beds available for people in a psychiatric crisis, allowing individuals to receive immediate psychiatric care as opposed to going to the emergency room. CONTINUUM OF CARE Planning The County is the lead for Orange County's Continuum of Care, which provides MILLION in funding to nonprofits to provide permanent housing options (rapid rehousing or permanent supportive housing) to individuals and families in our community. Provides funding for increased and strategic coordination of resources targeting the most vulnerable populations. :0 * Permanent Coordinated Entry System Housing EMERGENCY SOLUTIONS GRANTS $1.1 MILLION The Board approves local nonprofits to receive state grant funding to provide emergency shelter and rapid rehousing services to individuals and families in the community. • q;p 10 1 STATE COUNTY NONPROFIT INDIVIDUAL Attachment B Tustin Homeless Census —Draft Report (City Net) TUSTIN I Results and Findings HOMELESS CENSUS June 2017 Produced by City Net for the City of Tustin ,-, R1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY OVERVIEW The Tustin Homeless Census was organized and executed by City Net (Bedrock Creek, LLC) under contract with the City of Tustin for the purpose of: 1. ...identifying a baseline number of individuals living without housing against which to measure all homelessness prevention and intervention efforts, and 2. ...determining the demographic, asset, and other special characteristics of individuals without housing to better inform resource allocation. The street census was conducted on the morning of June 6rh and evening of June 8'h. This is the first large- scale, comprehensive homeless census in the City of Tustin, and the City anticipates utilizing the results to assess whether resource allocation results in reduced homelessness. KEY FINDINGS The census identified 47 unsheltered homeless individuals in Tustin. • 930 of all homeless individuals surveyed reported primarily sleeping in Tustin and/or having lived in Tustin immediately before becoming homeless. Viewed as a composite of the highest -frequency responses, the typical unsheltered homeless individual in Tustin is a man in his 50s or 60s who identifies ethnically as "White" and is almost as likely to have a disability and/or mental health concern as not. • 59% of homeless individuals surveyed have no income, and 62% are not accessing CalFresh benefits. By contrast, 69% have health insurance. 27% of respondents have been homeless for 6 or more years. • 42% of respondents reported the loss of a job or other income as the cause of their homelessness. 15% of respondents have served in the U.S. military. TUSTIN HISTORY BUILDING OUR FUTURE HONORING OUR PAST v s roti POLICE Produced by City Net for the City of Tustin Page 1 of 11 a A u Homelessness in Tustin The Numbers 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 Total Homeless:!, • c ,7,h. y SADDLEJACK I LACY EMM Stn ( . v�M1 4 VIEVI _ = EF1rs1Sr • • 43 r m l�� f,r q Rd k ECSennm.' :'i r.t 1 • EMainS F LYON STREE olf Club ® 7 � 9„• 1< $� o P•bnsaa �; ... 'PARK • e © park- .z¢A+e•, ;Po.... `o a` ¢ ac. r 0NORTNP,A RK m ° MYGORD / ♦ ,, �Ecingxr ave =��. k ijM a: LOWER PETERS IL°ofl The Market Plac O CANYON k°R 'tom 13 % 113 ® a a 4damn Sr o^ Graves Home Sales O E over ae �- 1 ® NO W O (THE GRO' c RTH 00 Note: Each red dot represents an unsheltered homeless individual counted curing the census. Methodology City Net executed the Tustin Census on the morning of June 6th and evening of June 8th. Each surveyor's area was indicated on a map, and specific locations within that mapped area where homeless individuals were known to sleep were highlighted. Because the goal of this project was a comprehensive census—not a representative sample—even those areas on the teams' maps where no homeless individuals were known to sleep were visited. Additionally, because of the comprehensive approach, all of Tustin was mapped and included in the census, including residential areas where homeless individuals are very rarely seen. Teams were deployed from the Tustin Police Station. The city's geographic area was covered fully twice by the teams. Homeless individuals who did not wish to answer the survey questions were simply counted, and—when possible—surveyors estimated their ages and entered their genders. Responses from homeless individuals who opted to participate in the survey were entered onto paper forms and then entered into a spreadsheet, and duplicates were removed after the completion of the census by comparing names and age ranges. The street census questionnaire can be found in Appendix A. The street census identified 47 unsheltered individuals. The number of respondents for each survey item is indicated in the charts below as "n = [number of respondents]." Produced by City Net for the City of Tustin Page 2 of 11 Results Demographic Comparisons See Appendix B for the Table of Demographic Data Chart 1: Age Chart 2: Ethnicity Chart 3: Gender trans, 2% n=42 Produced by City Net for the City of Tustin other, 5% asian, 2% american �_ indian, 0% hispanic atino, 10% 0 n=42 Chart 4: Children Present yes, 0% Page 3 of 11 n=42 Comparison of Assets See Appendix C for the Table of Asset Data Chart 5: Income, CalFresh, and Insurance 100% 80% 60% o. t'7 Cl* M 11 II 11 C C C 40% 20% 0% income calfresh insurance Comparison of Special Characteristics See Appendix D for the Table of Special Characteristics Data Chart 6: Military Service, Disabilities, Mental Health Concerns, and Substance Abuse 100% 80% 60% c o• 11 II 11 II = C C C 40% 20% 0% military disabilities mental substance health abuse Produced by City Net for the City of Tustin Page 4 of I I Chart 7: Domestic Violence (DV) n=39 Chart 9: Primary Cause of Homelessness n=12 Chart 8: Duration of Homelessness 1 1 to 20 21+ n=38 Chart 10: Interest in Case Management Produced by City Net for the City of Tustin Page 5 of 11 Recommendations The results of the Tustin census suggest that an increase in low -threshold bridge housing services may be needed, especially bridge housing that targets the demographic most represented among the Tustin homeless population—single men with no income who may have disabilities and/or mental health concerns. Additionally, because of the high percentage of respondents with mental health and/or substance abuse concerns (45% and 21 %, respectively), deploying behavioral health outreach and engagement workers more frequently may increase the number of homeless individuals who are successfully connected to stable housing. Limitations The limited number of respondents created a high margin of error (5% or great) in the majority of data categories (average margin of error: 7.14%). The results of all data categories are regardless presented in this report because they provide valuable insight into the composition of the population. The term "addiction" (i.e. substance abuse concern) was not defined in the survey, and thus the data in this category does not represent a diagnosable condition but only respondents' self-perceptions of the condition. For More Information For more information about this report and/or the results presented, please contact City Net—www.citynet.org. 's This report and the data it contains were prepared for City Net by Upswing Group. Produced by City Net for the City of Tustin Page 6 of 11 Appendix A Tustin Street Census Questionnaire " Cross streets & lb I st Full Street Name 2nd Full Street Name Describe location/give address (e.g. SW corner behind Chevron) Z., 2 Client Name First Name or Ei Doesn't know El Refused Middle Initial Last Name or El Doesn't know o Refused 'Gender (Select one) o Man o Woman o Trans Ei Other o Doesn't know Ei Refused 'Age range (Select one) o Under 18 ri 18-19 Ei 20s D 30s o 40s o 50s o 60s o 70s Ei 80s+ o Doesn't know o Refused 'What race/ethnicity do you identify with? (Select all that apply) • American Indian or Alaska Native o Asian o Black or African American o Hispanic/Latino o Pacific Islander o White • Other o Doesn't know Ei Refused o Doesn't know Ei Refused ' What language do you feel most comfortable speaking? (Select one) o English o Spanish o Vietnamese o Other o Doesn't know ciRefused 'Have you ever served in any branch of the US military? (Select one) o No F -i Yes o Doesn't know oRefused Are you currently receiving any income? (Select one) ❑ No (go to 9) o Yes o Doesn't know o Refused 8' If yes: What are the sources of your income? (Select all that apply) o Employment/earned income o Unemployment o Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Ei Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) o VA Compensation o VA Pension o Private disability insurance • Worker's Compensation o CalWORKS o General Relief o Social Security ReOrement o Job pension/retirement • Child Support o Alimony or spousal support o Other o Doesn't know o Refused "And: What is your total gross monthly income? (Select one) o $1-$500 o $501-$1000 D $1000+ 11 Doesn't know o Refused 9Are you currently receiving CalFresh (food stamps)? (Select one) o No o Yes o Doesn'tknow Ei Refused 10Do you have health insurance" (Select one) o No (go to 11) Yes ci Doesn't know o Refused "" If yes: Where do you get your insurance? (Select all that apply) ' • MediCal (Medic a id/CalOptima) o Medicare o VA Medical Services o Employer -Provided Health Insurance • Private Pay Health Insurance o Indian Health Services Program 0 Doesn't know D Refused 11 How tong have you been. homeless? (Select one) * Less than I mo. o 1-2 mos. o 2-3 mos. o 3-6 mos. o 6 mos, -I yr. El 1-2 yrs. * 2-3 yrs. o 3-5 yrs. o 5-7 yrs. Ei 7-10 yrs, n 10-15 yrs. o 1.5-20 yrs. *p 20+ yrs. ri Doesn't know Ei Refused 12 What would you say is the primary reason you became homeless? (Select one) • Loss of job/income Ei Loss of spouse/significant other Ei Physical or mental health u Alcohol/drug abuse • Other o Doesn't know Ei Refused 13 What city do you usually sleep in? (Select one) • Tustin o Santa Ana o Oranges Irvine • Other D Doesn't know o Refused "What city was your last permanent residence in? Ei Tustin o Santa Artao Orange o Irvine o Other Ei Doesn't know o Refused "Do you have any minor children who are staying here with you? (Select one) D No (go to 16) o Yes o Doesn't know o Refused 15a If yes: How many children? (Select one) Ei I o 2 o 3 o 4 Ei 5 o 6 o Other o Doesn't know o Refused M And: What are their ages? (Separate ages with a comma) Ei Doesn't know Ei Refused 16 Do you have a permanent disability or health condition (including, for example, long-term physical or health concerns that significantly limit your ability to take care of yourself)? (Select one)n No o Yes o Doesn't know o Refused "Do you have any mental health concerns (including, for example, anxiety or depression that lasts longer than a few days)? (Select one) Ei No Ei Yes Ej Doesn't know o Refused " Do you struggle with alcohol or drug addiction'? (Select all that apply) Ei No o Yes — Alcohol o Yes — Drugs o Doesn't know o Refused "Have you ever been the victim of domestic violence (including, for example, having been hit, threatened, or consistently put down by an adult you lived with or had a romantic relationship with)? Ei No Ej Yes o Doesn't know o Refused "Are you interested in case management services? Ei No u Yes (provide outreach card) o Doesn't know o Refused Produced by City Net for the City of Tustin Page 7 of 11 Appendix B Table of Demographic Data Produced by City Net for the City of Tustin Page 8 of 11 Count Percentage Under 20 0 0% 20s 4 10% 30s 6 15% 40s 4 10% 50s 13 33% 60s 11 28% 70s ir Ethnicity 2 (Table Count 5% 2) Percentage Hispanic/Latino 4 10% White 30 71% Black 5 12% American Indian 0 0% Asian 1 2% Other 2 Gender • Count 5% Percentage Woman 8 19% Man 33 79% Trans ChildrenPresent 1 Count 2% Percentage Yes 0 0% No 42 100% Produced by City Net for the City of Tustin Page 8 of 11 Appendix C Table of Asset Data (Table 5) Produced by City Net for the City of Tustin Page 9 of 11 Percentage Yes7Count 16 41 No 23 59% CalFresh Count Percentage Yes 15 38% No 24 62% Count Percentage Yes 27 69% No 12 31% Produced by City Net for the City of Tustin Page 9 of 11 Appendix D Table of Special Characteristics Data 11 Military Service ••-.• Count I Percentage Yes 6 15% No 34 85% Count Percentage Yes 23 66% No Mental Health Concern 12 34% (Table 6c) Count Percentage Yes 17 45% No Substance Abuse 21 55% (Table 6d) Count Percentage Yes 8 21% No Domestic Violence 31 79% (Table 7) Count Percentage Yes 13 33% No Duration of Homelessness 26 (Table Count 67% 8) Percentage Less than 1 year 9 24% 1 to 2 years 8 21 3 to 5 years 11 29% 6 to 10 years 6 16% 11 to 20 years 3 8% 21 + years 1 3% Primary Cause of Homelessness (Table 9)i Count Percentage i Loss of job/income 5 42% Loss of partner 2 17% Physical/mental health 3 25% Substance abuse 2 Interest in Case Management Count 17% (Table 10) Percentage Yes 15 36% No 10 24% Already receiving 17 40% now Produced by City Net for the City of Tustin Page 10 of 11 THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK. Produced by City Net for the City of Tustin Page 11 of 11 Attachment C Grand Jury Response Letter (City of Tustin 2012) Office of the City Manager February 21, 2012 Lynn Cudd, Chair Human Services Committee 2011-2012 Grand Jury Dear Ms. Cudd and Ms. Alberts: Helen Alberts, Member Human Services Committee 2011-2012 Grand Jury Thank you for your letter dated February 6, 2012, inquiring into Homelessness in Orange County and the role of each city. Your letter seeks information about the City of Tustin involvement in "The 2020 Plan to End Homelessness." Specifically addressed Senate Bill (SB) 2 requirements and requested that the City responded to the following: SB 2 Requirements: • Requires all cities and counties ("localities") to provide at least one zoning category in which emergency shelters can be located without discretionary approval from the local government. The zoning category must be identified in the locality in the locality's housing element, and include sites with sufficient capacity to meet the local need for emergency shelter. • Requires that localities provide at least one such site. • Expands that Housing Accountability Act, to prohibit localities from denying proposals to build an emergency shelter, transitional housing or supportive housing if it is needed and otherwise consistent with the locality's zoning and development standards. Grand Jury Request: 1. How has the City of Tustin met these requirements? Please send documentation with your response. 2. What activities have you initiated to support "The 2020 Plan to End Homelessness?" City Response: With the closure of the Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Tustin, the City was provided with the opportunity to address homeless accommodation. As part of the conveyance process and under the Base Closure Community Redevelopment and Homeless Assistance Act of 1994 (The "Redevelopment Act"), the City of Tustin as, the Local Redevelopment Agency (LRA) considered the interest of the homeless in buildings and property in preparing the Reuse Plan (MCAS Tustin Specific Plan/Reuse Plan). In developing the Reuse Plan, one criteria the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) utilized to determine the adequacy of the Reuse Plan was whether the Plan considered the size and nature of the homeless population, in the vicinity of the 300 Centennial Way, Tustin, CA 92780 • P: (714) 573-3010 • F: (714) 838-1602 0 www.tustinca.org February 21, 2012 OC Grand Jury Page 12 installation, and availability of existing services in such communities to meet the needs of the homeless in such communities. At the time of the preparation of the Reuse Plan, it was estimated that there was a total net homeless need of 411 persons in the City of Tustin and City of Irvine. A large portion of this homeless need was identified as necessary to support emergency transitional housing for youth and individuals. The local homeless need as described in both Tustin and Irvine's Consolidated Plans also indicated a gap in the continuum of care in the areas of vocational and job training/educational opportunities, some emergency and transitional housing units for individuals and families, support services, and affordable ownership units. Accordingly, the Homeless Assistance Plan for MCAS Tustin was adopted to address homelessness by utilizing the continuum of care model promulgated by HUD for accommodating the needs of the homeless in a manner which is consistent with the Consolidated Plans approved for the City of Tustin (Attachment 1). The fundamental components of the continuum of care system implemented within the MCAS Tustin Reuse Plan: e Provides emergency shelter beds; e Offers transitional housing and services which enable homeless persons to progress to self-sufficiency; and e Provides opportunities for permanent affordable housing. As a result, the adopted MCAS Tustin Specific Plan provided sites and designated land uses to accommodate the identified homeless needs. The following sites were set aside in implementing the homeless accommodation at Tustin Legacy (formerly MCAS Tustin): An approximate five (5) acre transitional/emergency shelter site was set-aside for accommodation of the homeless at MCAS Tustin. The City acquired a site from the Department of Navy; initially ground leased the site, and ultimately conveyed the site to the Orange County Rescue Mission at no cost and facilitated the construction of the Village of Hope, a 192 unit transitional/emergency shelter facility, without the need of a discretionary approval. The project has been completed. A four (4) acre site was recommended by the City of Tustin and deeded directly by the Department of Navy at no cost to the Orange County Social Services Agency for the development of an abused and neglected child and emancipated youth facility with a 90 bed capacity. The project has been completed. A total of 50 transitional housing units were originally included in the Base Reuse Plan. Based on further negotiations with non-profit homeless providers, a total of 32 brand new transitional housing units have been constructed and conveyed at no cost to non-profit homeless providers at Tustin Legacy. These units are dispersed throughout the Tustin Legacy community to allow integration into the February 21, 2012 OC Grand Jury Page 13 community. The sites are designated as residential sites and the units were constructed in conjunction with market rate units. The units are transparent since the units are developed identical to those of market rate units in terms of size, materials, locations, etc. No special or other entitlement applications were required for the creation of these units other than those typically required for development of residential units at Tustin Legacy. In addition to the homeless accommodation on-site at Tustin Legacy, the City also facilitated the purchase of a 16 unit transitional housing facility off-site for one of the homeless providers. The City subsidized the creation of these units through the use of housing set aside funds and Federal HUD Homeless Assistance funds. In addition to the homeless accommodation, the City also encourages support services to support the community of continuum of care model to end the cycle of homelessness and to provide participants with tools to once again become contributing members of the community. • Private sector opportunities are provided to create a balanced mix of housing types on the base. Through inclusionary Zoning standards in the MCAS Tustin Speck Plan, a total of 879' affordable units or 20.8 percent of total authorized units at Tustin Legacy are required to allow participants with an opportunity to achieve self-sufficiency. Specific affordable housing requirements would be established at the time of development project approval to ensure conformity with the Housing Element of the City's General Plan and any provisions of California Community Redevelopment Law. The Navy will be transferring a child care facility at the former MCAS Tustin to the City of Tustin, which will provide access opportunities for all to mainstream child care facilities, including early child care and education programs, Head Sta rt, etc. • Adult education and training opportunities will be provided at the new site within the educational village proposed for conveyance to the South Orange County Community College District. Zoning Code: Emergency shelters are permitted within Planning Area 1 of the MCAS Tustin Specific Plan. Transitional homes and supportive housing are also designated as permitted uses within Planning Areas 1 and 3 of the MCAS Tustin Speck Plan. Community care facilities such as group homes, foster homes, elderly care facilities, etc, with six (6) or fewer people are outright permitted within any residentially zoned properties (Attachment 2). I Includes 32 transitional housing units set aside for non-profit homeless providers. February 21, 2012 OC Grand Jury Page 14 The City of Tustin's zoning code accommodates transitional housing within several zoning districts depending on the project's physical structure: 1) transitional housing operated as a residential care facility is permitted/conditionally permitted depending on the number of occupants in residential districts; and 2) transitional housing operated as rental apartments, it is permitted by right as multi -family residential uses where multifamily housing is permitted. Supportive housing is defined as permanent (no limit on the length of stay), provides supportive services and is occupied by low-income persons with disabilities and certain other disabled persons. Services may include assistance designed to meet the needs of the target population in retaining housing, career counseling, mental health treatment, and life skills. The City of Tustin's zoning code permits supportive housing as a residential use, provided supportive services are ancillary to the primary use. The following Table summarizes zoning regulations for homeless accommodation: SUMMARY OF HOMELESS ACCOMMODATION ZONING REGULATIONS Permitted/ Housing Type Conditionally Zoning Permitted Emergency Shelters Permitted Planning Area 3 of WAS Tustin Specific Plan Transitional Homes Permitted Planning Area 3 of MCAS Tustin Specific Plan _ Supportive housing Permitted Planning Areas 1 and 3 of MCAS Tustin Specific Plan Community Care Facility for six (6) or All residentially zoned fewer Permitted _ Family care home, foster home, or All residentially zoned group home for six (6) or fewerl Permitted —^— N— inewoes congregate can: facility, single room occupancy hotel, and children's intermediate care shelter Activities supporting "The 2020 Plan to End Homelessness": To date, the following have been provided at Tustin Legacy: • A 192 -unit emergency/transitional home at the Village of Hope to be operated by the Orange County Rescue Mission. • A 90 -bed intermediate care shelter for abused children and their parents to be operated by the Orange County Social Services Agency. • Six (6) new units at Tustin Field I operated by Salvation Army. • Acquisition of 16 units in Buena Park operated by the Salvation Army. The City assisted in acquisition and contributed grant funds to acquire the units. • Fourteen (14) new units at Columbus Grove operated by Families Forward, February 21, 2012 OC Grand Jury Page 15 formerly Irvine Temporary Housing.2 • Six (6) new units at Columbus Grove operated by Human Options. • Six (6) new units at Columbus Grove operated by Orange Coast Interfaith Shelter. With the exception of the emergency shelter, these units are transparent and dispersed throughout the community consistent with the City's goals and policies to provide an adequate supply of housing to meet the need for a variety of housing types for the diverse. socio-economic population and to promote the dispersion and integration of housing for all individuals throughout the community. The City has also provided the following direct and indirect support to end homelessness: • The City participated in the OC Ten Year Plan to End Homelessness Implementation Group Community Forums. City staff were engaged in the discussion, evaluation, and provided input to the community forums. • The City Council adopted numerous Housing Element policies and programs to accommodate homeless needs (Attachment 3). • The City Council also has approved and continues to provide grants to assist homeless providers. Within the last five years, the City has provided a total of $106,179 to homeless providers such as Laurel's House, Mercy Housing, Olive Crest, Human Option, Families Forward, etc. (Attachment 4). • Provided supports and Certification for Consistency with the City's Consolidated Plan for Orange County, OC Partnership, Volunteer Center of OC, Illumination Foundation, and Families Forward Continuum of Care Homeless Assistance Grant applications. Provided Certification for Consistency for Orange County Housing Authority Public Housing Plan (Attachment 5). • Participates and partnering with the Orange County Section 8 voucher program by providing outreach, computer and fax access, links on City's website. City staff is also trained to provide technical assistance as needed. • The City's Tustin Family Youth Center provided supportive services such as free daycare, food distribution, computer classes, ESL classes, etc. to the very low income families at either no cost or nominal costs. • Supports the Orange County Rescue Mission Village of Hope to accommodate homeless individuals consisting of homeless single men, single women, single women with children, single men with children, and two parent families. Based upon the available data obtained from the Orange County Partnership and McKinney Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act, approximately 34-55 individuals reported either Tustin as their last known permanent address or enrolled within the Tustin Unified School District. The Orange County Rescue Mission Village of Hope's priority is to serve the Tustin homeless population prior 2 Although these units are located in the City of Irvine, these units were negotiated as part of the base realignment/conveyance process with Tustin as the Local Redevelopment Agency February 21, 2012 OC Grand Jury Page 16 to taking any other referrals from other cities or county. This means that the City of Tustin is accommodating 137-158 homeless persons beyond its jurisdictional boundaries thereby accommodating a regional need. The Orange County Rescue Mission Village of Hope also indicated that the shelter has met above and beyond the City's conservative estimate of 55 homeless persons and that the shelter could accommodate the year-round needs and seasonal fluctuation in the amount of available beds. The Orange County Rescue Mission Village of Hope also provides food service program of approximately 450 meals daily to the Armory. As evidence, the City's policies, goals, and objectives and the City's participation and efforts in supporting "The 2020 Plan to End Homelessness" have gone above and beyond SB2. In fact, facilities in the City of Tustin have been utilized as meeting the County's homeless subpopulation. The City will continue to provide support to end homelessness not only within our City boundaries but also at the County level. If you should have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Elizabeth A. Binsack, Community Development Director at 714-573-3031. Sincerely, e C. Parker City Manager Attachments: 1. MCAS Tustin Homeless Accommodation Plan 2. MCAS Tustin Specific Plan District Regulations (MCAS Tustin Zoning) 3. Housing Element Policies and Programs 4. CDBG Grants to Homeless Providers and Supportive Services 5. Certificate of Consistency C: John Nielsen, Mayor Elizabeth A. Binsack