The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors response to the Homelesssness: Big Problems, Little Progress Report failed

The inaccuracy of the HUD PIT Count results in significant numbers of homeless adults and children not being counted and therefore not receiving needed services. AGREE X PARTIALLY DISAGREE – explain the disputed portion DISAGREE – explain why Response explanation (required for a response other than Agree): The HUD PIT Count is a HUD requirement for every continuum of care in the U.S. and its methods are mandated to assist in counting sheltered and unsheltered – homeless individuals on a particular day. It has a specific purpose and is not intended to capture all types of homelessness including individuals who may be couch surfing, or doubled up in homes. It is not the only tool used for evaluating the extent of homelessness in the community, but it is the tool HUD uses to help determine CoC funding throughout the U.S.

The lack of coordination between key stakeholders is a significant barrier to the efficient and capable implementation of homelessness solutions. AGREE X PARTIALLY DISAGREE – explain the disputed portion DISAGREE – explain why Response explanation (required for a response other than Agree): The County agrees that there is much room for improved coordination between stakeholders, however implementation is much more than coordination alone. The County, through our work with Focus Strategies, has adopted a work plan including steps to take towards an improved governance structure which will enhance stakeholder coordination.

The public opposition to homeless solutions is partially due to a lack of education, engagement and political will by City and County leadership. AGREE X PARTIALLY DISAGREE – explain the disputed portion DISAGREE – explain why Response explanation (required for a response other than Agree): This is not universally true, as there are many City and County leaders who are educated, involved, and champions for implementing homeless solutions. Furthermore, public opposition to homeless solutions exists in most jurisdictions throughout the U.S. despite widely varying levels of engagement and political will.

Santa Cruz County elected officials have been unable to combat NIMBYism, which is a significant barrier to getting projects approved and built to support the homeless. AGREE X PARTIALLY DISAGREE – explain the disputed portion DISAGREE – explain why Response explanation (required for a response other than Agree): The County disagrees that County officials have never been able to overcome NIMBYism, and indeed many existing programs at first faced some level of NIMBYism. In these cases and others, local elected officials have gone above and beyond to reach out and engage with their constituents in finding solutions in order for the project to be successfully implemented. However, it is true that NIMBYism remains a challenge for all elected officials.

Inconsistent and unclear funding sources and processes inhibit the effective implementation of solutions that require long term planning and sustained operations. X AGREE PARTIALLY DISAGREE – explain the disputed portion DISAGREE – explain why Response explanation (required for a response other than Agree):

The Homeless Action Partnership (HAP) is not organizationally equipped with the appropriate authority, structure, leadership, staff, training or processes and as a result is ineffective in its mission of reducing homelessness. AGREE X PARTIALLY DISAGREE – explain the disputed portion DISAGREE – explain why Response explanation (required for a response other than Agree): The Homeless Action Partnership has been effective at bringing in significant State and Federal funds. These funds have been deployed across the community and sustain numerous housing programs including hundreds of emergency shelter beds, rapid rehousing slots, permanent supportive housing beds, and host homes. Additionally, those funds have supported day services, hygiene services, major expansion of our domestic violence shelter, and more. Absent the work of the HAP, many of these programs would either not have been created in the first place, or would not have sufficient funding for continued operations. That said, the governance has long been an area the HAP has wanted to improve. This is a central component of the Focus Strategies system improvement work that is in process, evidence of which can be seen in the Six Month Work Plan that was approved by the Board of Supervisors in August.

An insufficient number of treatment facilities in Santa Cruz County for mental health and substance use disorders leaves homeless individuals without necessary treatment options. X AGREE PARTIALLY DISAGREE – explain the disputed portion DISAGREE – explain why Response explanation (required for a response other than Agree):

Because Santa Cruz County lacks adequate prevention and diversion programs, individuals who could remain in their homes with minimal cash assistance are ending up homeless. AGREE PARTIALLY DISAGREE – explain the disputed portion X DISAGREE – explain why Response explanation (required for a response other than Agree): The County of Santa Cruz is one of the most expensive places to live in the world, and even substantially funded cash assistance programs would have limited overall impact. The county also has an inadequate supply of affordable housing, and what housing is available is not sufficient to meet the demand for individuals who are very difficult to house. And the community needs far more structured and staff-supported living arrangements to assist high-needs individuals. The county’s cost-of-living issues are exacerbated when measured against household income and other employment metrics, with a lack of sufficient income and economic opportunities, and the PIT County shows job loss (followed by evictions) as the most common self-reported cause of homelessness. In a highly competitive housing market impacted by wildfire and an influx of homebuyers from neighboring Bay Area cities during the COVID-19 pandemic, housing prices have remained unchanged, if not increased. We also need more landlords willing accept homeless tenants with housing vouchers and offer opportunities even to those with past eviction histories. Additionally, there are significant prevention dollars at work in the community which serve to keep people who are “at imminent risk of homelessness” housed. The County contracts with numerous community-based organizations for provision of eviction prevention services and administration of rental assistance funds. A diversion program is in the process of implementation, in coordination with the SmartPath Coordinated Entry System.

The lack of Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) results in the significant compounding of the homeless issue. X AGREE PARTIALLY DISAGREE – explain the disputed portion DISAGREE – explain why Response explanation (required for a response other than Agree):

Supportive services are limited to one year; this limitation can contribute to instability, a loss of housing, and a return to homelessness. AGREE PARTIALLY DISAGREE – explain the disputed portion X DISAGREE – explain why Response explanation (required for a response other than Agree): Limitations such as these are the function of certain funding sources, but not all, and this finding does not reflect local policy. In fact, most funding sources utilized for County services do not have such limitations. For example, the County of Santa Cruz Health Services Agency (HSA) Behavioral Health programs do not place limitations on the support services offered to clients. HSA Behavioral Health provides rental assistance through housing vouchers, case management and other behavioral health services based on the needs of the individual and not a set time period. The length of time that persons receive supportive services differs by housing or service program, funding source, and the needs, situation, and preferences of the participant. For example, there is no limit on the length of time that participants in Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) programs can receive housing subsidies or supportive services. The Disabled and Medically Vulnerable (DMV) Voucher program requires that participants receive a minimum of one year of case management but has no maximum service provision. Rapid Re-Housing Programs vary their provision of services and financial subsidies based on the individual needs and situation of participants. Regardless of the specific program, to facilitate housing retention, if a participant needs services longer than a housing program can provide, most programs identify alternative supports for the participant, rather than having them return to homelessness.

A lack of case managers and outreach results in homeless individuals not having timely access to necessary supportive services. AGREE X PARTIALLY DISAGREE – explain the disputed portion DISAGREE – explain why Response explanation (required for a response other than Agree): The County of Santa Cruz Health Services Agency (HSA) manages over half of all HUD funded permanent supportive housing programs within our Continuum of Care. The collaborative efforts of outreach workers across all of HSA’s departments, and the inclusion of community-based agencies in these efforts, contributed to a three-fold increase in \clinic visits by the highest utilizers of hospital services in 2019, according to recent data shared by the Central California Alliance for Health. That level of coordination between outreach workers and case managers ultimately leads to improved health outcomes while reducing unnecessary emergency room visits and hospital admissions, critically important during the COVID-19 pandemic. HSA Behavioral Health provides a broad range of targeted services and programs for the homeless including the HOPES Program (Homeless Outreach and Proactive Engagement), the FIT Team (Focused Intervention Team), and our specialty mental health and substance use disorder programs, as well as housing navigation services in the community which are peer staff assisting with connecting to housing in the community. These services were not reflected in this Grand Jury report. The issue of connecting to services goes beyond capacity- there are always going to be a group of homeless individuals averse to ongoing treatment, and while we work with them using harm reduction interventions, we often cannot meet the legal standards required to force an individual into treatment. Further complicating this is the fact that the County does not have enough supportive infrastructure systems to adequately address the behavioral and physical health needs of the number of people experiencing homelessness (such as medical respite beds, a medical detoxification facility, and board and care facilities able to provide 24/7 nursing support). There is also a need for more medical providers trained and deployed to provide street medicine in the field. Without these critical infrastructure pieces available for clients, any crisis response system of case managers and outreach workers, not matter how coordinated, Will be unable to improve outcomes because there are not adequate systems in place to which case workers may refer this population.

There are parcels of land throughout the county that appear to be unused or underutilized, and could possibly be used to build housing for the homeless. X AGREE PARTIALLY DISAGREE – explain the disputed portion DISAGREE – explain why Response explanation (required for a response other than Agree):

Santa Cruz County law enforcement response to homeless, addiction, and mental health issues has the potential to criminalize social, medical, and psychological conditions. This requires law enforcement to perform the role of social worker; a role for which they lack the resources and mental health training. AGREE X PARTIALLY DISAGREE – explain the disputed portion DISAGREE – explain why Response explanation (required for a response other than Agree): The Sheriff’s Office has incorporated on-going Mental Health and Crisis Intervention training (CIT) into our yearly training plan for over four years. 65% of our deputies have successfully completed and are certified in CIT. Our comprehensive approach to these issues also includes Integrating Communications, Assessment and Tactics (ICAT) training which stresses de-escalation and communication strategies for resolving incidents involving persons in crisis. Additionally, in 2014 our office partnered with Health Services Agency (HSA) and implemented the Mental Health Liaison (MHL) program where MHL clinicians are imbedded into our Patrol Division and respond with deputies to incidents involving emotionally distressed persons.

There is a lack of leadership from County and City officials to engage the business community in exploring potential solutions to homelessness. AGREE PARTIALLY DISAGREE – explain the disputed portion X DISAGREE – explain why Response explanation (required for a response other than Agree): County Homeless Services Coordination Office has engaged with Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Association, and Business Council of Santa Cruz County to discuss the issue of homelessness, understand impacts to businesses, and explore potential for collaboration. The Downtown Streets Team is an example of a successful government-business collaboration that has included City and County leadership.

The Rountree Detention Center provides inmates with construction skills training. This training could be effectively applied to the building of tiny homes or other structures that could provide much needed housing. AGREE PARTIALLY DISAGREE – explain the disputed portion X DISAGREE – explain why Response explanation (required for a response other than Agree): Rountree inmates are provided only basic, entry level craftsman skills.

Santa Cruz County and Cities, despite owning numerous parking lots, choose not to utilize their parking lots for safe parking programs, which results in an underutilization of resources that could help reduce homeless parking in neighborhoods and business districts. AGREE PARTIALLY DISAGREE – explain the disputed portion X DISAGREE – explain why Response explanation (required for a response other than Agree): City as already utilizing City-owned parking lot(s) for safe parking and County leadership is actively engaged with AFC to identify County lot(s) for FY 2020-21 expansion of the safe parking program.

Faith-Based Organizations are an underutilized resource in the effort to end homelessness. AGREE X PARTIALLY DISAGREE – explain the disputed portion DISAGREE – explain why Response explanation (required for a response other than Agree): While the Faith-Based community may have more to offer, they have been exemplary partners to date. The Association of Faith Communities operate the Faith Community Shelter and Safe Spaces Parking programs, both of which utilize multiple church sites around the County. The Seventh Day Adventist site is currently hosting a Transition Age Youth shelter-in-place program. Mid-County Homeless Coalition operates the mid- county hygiene program.

Due to the inconsistent collection of Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) data, the accuracy of funding decisions for service providers is negatively impacted. AGREE X PARTIALLY DISAGREE – explain the disputed portion DISAGREE – explain why Response explanation (required for a response other than Agree): To date, HMIS data has not been a factor in funding decisions, however that is already in the process of changing. There has been a tremendous effort over the past year to engage with each homeless services provider to review their HMIS data, including quality of the data, and to understand how their individual project’s performance impacts the overall homeless response system performance. Agencies have invested significant time and effort to review and correct data quality issues. HAP and County leadership are committed to using data as part of funding decision-making processes. To this end, effective October 1, 2020, the County Human Services Department is assuming responsibility as the HAP’s HMIS Lead Agency in order to utilize the department’s existing data evaluation team, strengthen homeless system data analysis, and better inform decision-making.

Santa Cruz County lacks an organization that is accountable for tracking the cost of homelessness, allocating funding, and measuring the effectiveness of funding which results in the inability to make progress toward solving the homeless problem. AGREE X PARTIALLY DISAGREE – explain the disputed portion DISAGREE – explain why Response explanation (required for a response other than Agree) There is no single organization in Santa Cruz County that does all of this. There are systems in place for portions of it, i.e. a significant amount of State and Federal homelessness funding is allocated at the local level through the Homeless Action Partnership, however there are substantial other funds utilized by homeless services providers that do not originate with the HAP.

There are tools available, such as Santa Clara County’s “Silicon Valley Triage Tool," that could be applied to Santa Cruz County to allow the County to better understand the true cost of homelessness enabling the County to use public resources more efficiently. X AGREE PARTIALLY DISAGREE – explain the disputed portion DISAGREE – explain why Response explanation (required for a response other than Agree):

If underutilized parcels of land throughout Santa Cruz County were identified, such as the area near Coral Street in Santa Cruz, and the parcel adjacent to the County Government Mental Health Building in Watsonville, these parcels could potentially be used to increase the number of beds and services to support the homeless. X AGREE PARTIALLY DISAGREE – explain the disputed portion DISAGREE – explain why Response explanation (required for a response other than Agree):

The information provided in the ADU section of the Santa Cruz County Planning Department’s website is not user friendly, and therefore not as encouraging as it could be to homeowners looking to build much needed housing for the County. AGREE X PARTIALLY DISAGREE – explain the disputed portion DISAGREE – explain why Response explanation (required for a response other than Agree): The County’s ADU website is continually being updated to enhance usefulness and ensure that the content provided on the website is accurate and reflective of current state law. This website was created in 2018 with the purpose of helping applicants learn about ADUs and navigate the ADU application process. Staff has received positive feedback from applicants on the usefulness of this website. In fact, the various resources on this website constitute an ADU toolkit that received a CSAC Challenge Award in 2019 in the category of “Housing, Land Use and Infrastructure” (https://www.counties.org/post/2019-challenge-award-recipients). During the first quarter of 2020, most links on this website were temporarily disabled while staff updated content to reflect the many changes to ADU state law that went into effect this year. Creation and update of this website has taken considerable staff time and resources, and while the Planning Department is committed to updating content on the website, a website redesign to match the format of another jurisdiction’s website is not planned. Regarding the Grand Jury’s concern, staff has identified two tasks that will be completed in the near term that will enhance the usefulness of this website: 1. The ADU Guides (Basics, Design, Finance) will be updated to reflect new state laws, and will be made available on the website once again (the links to these guides are currently broken, pending content update) 2. The ADU website will add a direct link to the County’s ePlan website to more clearly guide applicants to the building permit process once they are ready to proceed with construction.