Title
Recommendation to Review and Provide Comment on Planning to Establish a Transitional Housing Option for Alameda’s Unhoused Residents; Appoint Representative(s) to the Program Model Planning Committee and Other Committees, As Appropriate
Body
To: Honorable President Christine Chilcott and Members of the Social Service Human Relations Board
BACKGROUND
On December 18, 2019, City Council participated in a workshop to set its 2020-2021 priorities. Council’s Focus Area 3: Supporting Enhanced Livability and Quality of Life, includes homelessness as a priority and identifies transitional housing/resources as a strategy. The Community Development Department (CDD) had been tasked to lead this project, with support from the City Manager’s Office.
CDD works directly with the Social Service Human Relations Board (Board) on addressing the health and human service needs of Alameda residents. At its October 22, 2020 meeting, CDD staff had asked, and the Board unanimously approved, to work with the City Manager, through staff, to explore the development of a temporary, transitional housing option for Alameda’s unhoused population. This report provides the Board with an update on the planning effort on this project.
DISCUSSION
At its October 29, 2020 meeting, the Collaboration Advancing Resources, Efforts, and Supports for Alameda’s Homeless (CARES) team established the Transitional Housing Program Model Planning Committee to provide subject-matter expertise to help guide the exploration of an intermediate housing option to support Alameda’s unhoused population. CARES is a cross-sectoral, multidisciplinary partnership with business associations, City departments, law enforcement, and nonprofit organizations that advises and develops citywide strategies to address homelessness in the jurisdiction.
The Program Model Planning Committee is responsible for developing a service and housing model proposal that will be presented to City leadership. This entails:
• vetting transitional housing programs in other communities,
• proposing a service model that will most effectively serve the immediate shelter needs of clients while they work towards a permanent solution, and
• developing strategies to engage with community stakeholders.
The committee had its initial meeting on November 13, 2020 and will meet for four consecutive weeks to develop a service and housing model plan that will be presented to City leadership for their consideration.
At the Board’s December 3, 2020 meeting, staff will present an update on the transitional housing planning effort. Staff will solicit feedback from the Board on the planning process and will request Board representation on the Program Model Planning Committee and other workgroups that may be established towards this effort.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Board review the Transitional Housing Option planning plan and provide feedback on the effort. Staff also recommends that the Board appoint one or more representatives to serve on the Program Model Planning Committee and other committees that may be established in relation to the development of a transitional housing program for Alameda’s unhoused residents.
Respectfully submitted,
Ana Bagtas, Community Development Manager