San Diego County Grand Jury • 2004-2005 • Agency Response

Received R EC §~FVElJDOOST the City of SAN Diego

Published: September 02, 2005 5 pages
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Findings and Recommendations 11 findings

F1
The effort is underway to address the chronic homeless problem in San Diego County, the State of California and the nation. Agree.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1
Enact ordinances to ensure aprocess for the rehabilitation of the homeless. The City's primary focus for assisting homeless off the street isthe creation of "permanent supportive" and "affordable" housing. The City will continue to review and consider all available methods to address the problem of homelessness, including changes to the municipal code as applicable. At this time there isno specific municipal code change related to homelessness that is under review for implementation.
F2
The San Diego Regional Task Force to End Chronic Homelessness continues to make progress on a regional plan. Agree.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2
Provide funding to support the on-going efforts of the San Diego Regional Task Force to End Chronic Homelessness empowered in January 2004. The City is an active partner inthe development of the Plan to End Chronic. Homelessness. The San Diego Regional Task Force to End Homelessness is considering all fiscal resources to help meet that objective. Additionally, the City, County and other localjurisdictions will continue to pursue all federal and state grant opportunities, as well as local housing funding to address the problem. The most promising funding source at this point in time is funding from State Proposition 63, which brings millions of dollars to San Diego to address the problem of mental illness. .~ .~. Community and Economic Development >f of 1200ThirdAvenue,Suite924. SonDiego,CA92101 DIVERSITY Tel(619) 236.5990. Fox(619) 236-5596 @ ~IJ5AI.i'JUt'a. Honorable John S. Einhorn September 2, 2005 Thank you for your interest in needs of both the chronic and temporarily homeless populations in our region. Please feel free to contact Ernie Linares at (619) 236-6719 if you have additional questions. Sincerely, ~~ City Manager EL/alj cc: Ellen Oppenheim, Deputy City Manager Debra Fischle-Faulk, Acting Director, Community & Economic Development Ernie Linares, Deputy Director, Community Services Division Sharon Johnson, Homeless Program Manager San Diego County Grand Jury Walter F. Ekard, Chief Administrative Officer, San Diego County RECEIVEDot SEP 2 3 ZOOS! THE CITY OF SAN DIEGO RECE\VED September 20, 2005 SEP 2 8 2005 Honorable John S. Einhorn Presiding Judge SAN DIEGO JURY San Diego County Superior Court COUNTY GRAND Main Courthouse, Third Floor 220 W. Broadway San Diego, CA 92101 Dear Judge Einhorn: Subject: 2004-2005 Grand Jury Report entitled Homeless in San Diego
F3
The need for services clearly exists. Agree.
No recommendations for this finding
F4
San Diego is not one of them. r Disagree. The City of San Diego has implemented effective programs for the homeless, including: The Winter Shelter Program; the Neil Good Day Center; and the Year-Round Family Center on Cortez Hill.
No recommendations for this finding
F5
Legislation isnecessary to provide leverage to effect a response. Not Applicable. The facts cited do not apply to programs in the City's ~ jurisdiction. Office of the City Manager )f. f 202 CStreet, MS9A. SonDiego, CA 92101.3869 DIVERSITY Tel(619)236.6363 Fox(619)236-6067 @ ~~~All -\Xtltt. Honorable John S. Einhorn September 20, 2005
No recommendations for this finding
F6
A more effective process isrequired. Disagree. While it is always possible to improve services with additional resources, the current process addresses all legal requirements.
No recommendations for this finding
F7
Conservatorships are beneficial to the homeless and could be more effectively utilized. Disagree. Conservatorship is an involuntary legal process whereby the person and his or her assets can be protected only through the removal of certain rights and liberties. Conservatorships may be beneficial to some limited number of gravely disabled homeless persons.
No recommendations for this finding
F8
City and County run shelters are not allowed to use these behavioral rules because of legislative constraint. Disagree. The City's Winter Shelter Program implements behavioral rules as deemed appropriate. For example, the City has the discretion to refuse entrance to aperson who is obviously intoxicated.
No recommendations for this finding
F9
Homeless Court supports the rehabilitation process by dismissing warrants and charges after evidence of continuing rehabilitation efforts. Agree.
No recommendations for this finding
F10
The Homeless Outreach Team is effective in dealing with those homeless willing to improve their situation. Agree.
No recommendations for this finding
F11
The Serial Inebriate Program reduces the revolving door and the large associated expense for medical care. Agree.
No recommendations for this finding