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Presentation on the City of Alameda Homeless Survey by the Social Service Human Relations Board. (Community Development 667100)
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To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Elizabeth D. Warmerdam, Interim City Manager
Re: Presentation on the City of Alameda Homeless Survey by the Social Service Human Relations Board
BACKGROUND
One of the functions of the Social Service Human Relations Board (SSHRB) is to assess and report to the City Council the social service needs of Alameda residents and to propose methods of meeting those needs. SSHRB developed this survey in response to community concerns raised about a perceived increase in the number of homeless on the streets of Alameda. The process began when Council Member Ezzy Ashcraft and a concerned citizen met with SSHRB President Doug Biggs on a walking tour of Webster Street for the purpose of gathering first-hand information. Following the walking tour, President Biggs invited various service providers, Alameda Police, and other stakeholders to SSHRB's meeting on April 24, 2014. At this meeting, the Board received input and discussed which actions might be appropriate to respond to the concerns that had been raised. The SSHRB Board then voted to move forward with developing and conducting a survey of homeless people living on the streets of Alameda.
DISCUSSION
A working SSHRB group prepared a survey tool to be used for the count (Exhibit 1) and developed a plan for carrying out the survey. Volunteers were recruited from the Alameda Police Volunteers in Policing Program; the Alameda Collaborative for Children Youth and their Families; service providers; and members of the public. A training session was held for the volunteers and a version of the training was posted online. The Homeless Count took place on September 24, 2014, from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. More than thirty-five volunteers participated in the count. The volunteers were divided into six groups and sent out to engage with and interview persons identified as being homeless. Backpacks with resource information, bus passes, phone cards, food items, toiletries and socks were prepared and provided to interviewees. Information on the survey process, findings, and next steps are included in Exhibit 2.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
There is no impact on the General Fund to accepting the SSHRB's presentation on the homeless survey. Funds to support proposed next steps are included in the SSHRB's proposed FY 15/16 budget (Fund 667100).
MUNICIPAL CODE/POLICY DOCUMENT CROSS REFERENCE
This action is consistent with SSHRB Charter and Ordinance authority "to create an environment which will encourage and bring about mutual understanding, respect, and goodwill among groups of people in the community" (Alameda Municipal Code Section 2-11.5).
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This action is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15601(b)(3).
RECOMMENDATION
Accept the presentation on the City of Alameda Homeless Survey by the Social Service Human Relations Board.
Respectfully submitted,
Debbie Potter, Community Development Director
By,
Jim Franz, Community Development & Resiliency Coordinator
Financial Impact section reviewed,
Elena Adair, Finance Director
Exhibits:
1. Alameda Homeless Survey Interview Form
2. Alameda Homeless Survey Presentation