Title
Update On Plans To Conduct A Second Homeless Count
Body
ACTION item with a suggested time limit of 30 minutes
One of the functions of the SSHRB is to assess and report to the City Council the social service needs of Alameda residents and the methods of meeting those needs.
In response to community concerns raised about a perceived increase in the number of homeless on the streets of Alameda, President Biggs invited various service providers, the Police and other stakeholders to the Board's meeting on April 24th, 2014, to receive input and discuss which actions might be appropriate to respond to these concerns. One of the actions agreed upon was to conduct a count of homeless individuals living on the streets and in encampments in Alameda.
A working group of the SSHRB developed a survey tool to be used for the count, and developed a plan for carrying out the survey. Volunteers were recruited from the APD Volunteers in Policing Program, service providers and members of the public. Backpacks with resource information, bus passes, phone cards, food items, toiletries and socks were prepared and provided to interviewees. The Homeless Count took place on Sept 24th, 2014, from 6 am to 9 am.
Data was collected, a summary report was created, which included plans to conduct a follow-up homeless count in July 2015. The Summary Report was presented to the City Council, at its meeting of June 11, 2015.
The homeless count committee, led by President Biggs, is currently planning for the July 2015 count, and will provide a report as to their progress.
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the Board hear the update, discuss how the Board can support the project, including allocating funds for materials and supplies necessary to conduct the count.