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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-07-10 HT Regular Meeting Agenda PacketCity of Palm Desert Page 1 HOMELESSNESS TASKFORCE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA AGENDA (HYBRID MEETING) City Hall, North Wing Conference Room 73-510 Fred Waring Drive Palm Desert, CA 92260 Pursuant to Assembly Bill 2449, this meeting will be conducted as a hybrid meeting and there will be in-person access to this location. •To participate via Zoom, use the following link: https://palmdesert.zoom.us/j/86979260079 or call (213) 338-8477, Zoom Meeting ID: 869 7926 0079 •Written public comment may also be submitted to mnance@palmdesert.gov. Emails received by 8:00 a.m. prior to the meeting will be distributed to the Taskforce. Any correspondence received during or after the meeting will be distributed to the Taskforce as soon as practicable and retained for the official record. Emails will not be read aloud except as an ADA accommodation. 1.CALL TO ORDER 2.ROLL CALL 3.ELECTION OF THE HOMELESSNESS TASKFORCE CHAIRPERSON AND VICE CHAIRPERSON 4.NON-AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENT: This time has been set aside for the public to address the Homelessness Taskforce on issues that are not on the agenda for up to three minutes. Because the Brown Act does not allow the Taskforce to act on items not listed on the agenda, members may briefly respond or refer the matter to staff for a report and recommendation at a future meeting. 5.ACTION CALENDAR A.APPROVAL OF MINUTES RECOMMENDATION: Approve the Homelessness Taskforce Regular Meeting minutes of May 1, 2023. B.HOMELESSNESS TASKFORCE MEETING SCHEDULE FY 2023/2024 RECOMMENDATION: Approve the Homelessness Taskforce meeting schedule for fiscal year 2023/2024. Monday July 10, 2023 9:00 a.m. Special Meeting Homelessness Taskforce Agenda July 10, 2023 City of Palm Desert Page 2 C. HOMELESSNESS TASKFORCE WORK PLAN RECOMMENDATION: Approve the 2023/2024 Annual Work Plan for the Homelessness Taskforce. D. PIT COUNT UPDATE RECOMMENDATION: Receive and file the PIT Count summary and report provided by Riverside County. 6. INFORMATIONAL REPORTS & COMMENTS A. HOMELESSNESS TASKFORCE MEMBERS B. CITY COUNCIL LIAISONS C. COMMUNITY PARTNERS 1. None D. CITY STAFF 1. Code Compliance Activity Report E. ATTENDANCE REPORT 7. ADJOURNMENT: The next Regular Meeting will be held on September 11, 2023, at 9:00 a.m. AFFIDAVIT OF POSTING I hereby certify under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California that the foregoing agenda for the Homelessness Taskforce was posted on the City Hall bulletin board and City website not less than 72 hours prior to the meeting. /s/ Michelle Nance Recording Secretary PUBLIC NOTICES Agenda Related Materials: Pursuant to Government Code §54957.5(b)(2) the designated office for inspection of records in connection with this meeting is the City Clerk’s Office, City Hall, 73-510 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert. Staff reports for all agenda items and documents provided to a majority of the legislative bodies are available for public inspection at City Hall and on the City’s website at www.palmdesert.gov. Americans with Disabilities Act: It is the intention of the City of Palm Desert to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in all respects. If, as an attendee or a participant at this meeting, or in meetings on a regular basis, you will need special assistance beyond what is normally provided, the City will attempt to accommodate you in every reasonable manner. Please contact the Office of the City Clerk, (760) 346-0611, at least 48 hours prior to the meeting to inform us of your needs and to determine if accommodation is feasible. City of Palm Desert Page 1 HOMELESSNESS TASKFORCE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA MINUTES Click HERE to review the meeting audio. Click HERE to access the meeting agenda packet. 1. CALL TO ORDER A Regular Meeting of the Homelessness Taskforce was called to order by Chair Vines on Monday, May 1, 2023, at 9:00 a.m. in the North Wing Conference Room, City Hall, located at 73-510 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert, California 2. ROLL CALL Present: Taskforce members Joseph Butts, Scott Marks, Davis Meyer, Vice Chairperson Cindy Burreson and Chairperson Diane Vines. Absent: Taskforce member Matthew Johnson. Liaison(s) Present: Mayor Kathleen Kelly and Mayor Pro Tem Karina Quintanilla Staff Present: Jason Austin, Social Services Coordinator; and Michelle Nance, Recording Secretary 3. NON-AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENT Alex, voiced concerns relative to the Taskforce’s initiatives and the problems facing local unhoused residents. 4. PRESENTATIONS A. 2022 COACHELLA VALLEY COMMUNITY HEALTH SURVEY - HARC, INC. Dr. Jenna LeComte-Hinely, CEO, HARC, Inc., narrated a PowerPoint presentation regarding the purpose and uses of the community health survey and responded to Taskforce inquiries. Monday, May 1, 2023 9:00 a.m. Regular Meeting Homelessness Taskforce Minutes May 1, 2023 City of Palm Desert Page 2 ALL ACTIONS ARE DRAFT, PENDING APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES 5. ACTION CALENDAR A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES MOTION BY TASKFORCE MEMBER BUTTS, SECOND BY TASKFORCE MEMBER MARKS, CARRIED 4-0-1 (TASKFORCE MEMBER MAYER ABSTAINING), to approve the Homelessness Taskforce Regular Meeting minutes of March 6, 2023 B. HOMELESSNESS TASKFORCE BYLAW AMENDMENT Social Services Coordinator Austin presented the staff report. MOTION BY TASKFORCE MEMBER MEYER, SECOND BY VICE-CHAIR BURRESON, CARRIED 5-0, to recommend to the City Council moving forward with a Bylaw amendment to provide for one of the Community Member positions to be designated for someone with lived homelessness experience. C. HOMELESSNESS TASKFORCE JULY & SEPTEMBER MEETINGS Recording Secretary Nance requested feedback on whether the Taskforce desires to cancel or reschedule its summer meetings. MOTION BY TASKFORCE MEMBER MARKS, SECOND BY TASKFORCE MEMBER BUTTS, CARRIED 5-0, to reschedule its meeting to July 10 and September 11, 2023. 6. INFORMATIONAL REPORTS & COMMENTS A. HOMELESSNESS TASKFORCE MEMBER REPORTS & REMARKS Chair Vines provided an update on Coachella Valley Volunteers in Medicine website. B. CITY COUNCIL LIAISON REPORTS & REMARKS Mayor Pro Tem Quintanilla reported on the availability of a mobile clinic to serve the local unhoused population and currently available shelter space. Mayor Kelly provided an update on new affordable housing projects and the expansion of Sunline Transit routes. C. COMMUNITY PARTNER REPORTS Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG) Update Report: Erica Felci, representing CVAG, provided a summary of the CVAG Annual Report and responded to Taskforce inquiries. No action taken on this item. D. STAFF REPORTS & REMARKS 1. Code Compliance Activity Report: Report provided; no action taken on this item. 2. City Staff Update: Jason Austin, Social Services Coordinator, reviewed the Homeless Taskforce Strategic Priorities and FY 2023/24 budget. Homelessness Taskforce Minutes May 1, 2023 City of Palm Desert Page 3 ALL ACTIONS ARE DRAFT, PENDING APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES E. ATTENDANCE REPORT Report provided; no action taken on this item. 7. ADJOURNMENT The Homelessness Taskforce adjourned at 10:18 a.m. Respectfully submitted, Michelle Nance, Deputy City Clerk I Recording Secretary ATTEST: Jason Austin, Social Services Coordinator Staff Liaison APPROVED BY THE HOMELESSNESS TASKFORCE: __/__/2023 Page 1 of 1 CITY OF PALM DESERT STAFF REPORT MEETING DATE: July 10, 2023 PREPARED BY: Michelle Nance, Deputy Clerk I REQUEST: APPROVE THE 2023/2024 HOMELESSNESS TASKFORCE MEETING SCHEDULE RECOMMENDATION: Approve the 2023/2024 meeting schedule of the Homelessness Taskforce BACKGROUND: The Homelessness Taskforce meets the first Monday of the month on a bi-monthly basis. Below is the potential meeting schedule for Fiscal Year 2023/2024. Month Meeting Date and Time Location Notes JULY July 3, 2023 at 9am Palm Desert City Hall – North Wing Conf. Room Rescheduled to July 10, 2023 at 9am SEPTEMBER September 4, 2023 at 9am Palm Desert City Hall – North Wing Conf. Room Rescheduled to September 11, 2023 at 9am NOVEMBER November 6, 2023 at 9am Palm Desert City Hall – North Wing Conf. Room JANUARY January 1, 2024 at 9am Palm Desert City Hall – North Wing Conf. Room Reschedule to January 8, 2024 at 9am MARCH March 4, 2024 at 9am Palm Desert City Hall – North Wing Conf. Room MAY May 6, 2024 at 9am Palm Desert City Hall – North Wing Conf. Room Page 1 of 2 CITY OF PALM DESERT STAFF REPORT MEETING DATE: July 10, 2023 PREPARED BY: Jason Austin, Social Services Coordinator REQUEST: APPROVE THE 2023/2024 WORK PLAN FOR THE HOMELESSNESS TASKFORCE RECOMMENDATION: Approve the 2023/2024 Annual Work Plan for the Homelessness Taskforce BACKGROUND/ANALYSIS: At the July 11, 2022 Homelessness Taskforce Meeting, priorities for fiscal year 2022/23 were adopted as identified in the June 3, 2022 Strategic Planning Session. Prior to the Strategic Planning Session, Homelessness Taskforce Members and Community Partners were asked to complete a survey on the city’s homeless program strengths, weaknesses and opportunities for growth. Strategic priorities identified focused on identifying supportive services in the following areas: • Mental Health, Substance Use and Medical Services • Affordable Housing • Housing Programs and Supportive Services At the May 1, 2023 Homelessness Taskforce Meeting, the Committee met and held a discussion of potential work plan and committee goals for 2023/2024. This discussion identified the following as potential goals: • Increased Street Outreach and Engagement Efforts • Supportive Services Coordination between the City and Provider Agencies • Increased homeless shelter access These goals have been incorporated into the City’s Homeless System Pillars as part of the Homelessness Taskforce Work Plan. Pillar Resources Cost 1. Outreach and Engagement Increase street outreach services through request for proposal (RFP) with focus on street substance use and service linkage Up to $200,000 of Opioid Funding 2. Shelter Facilitate Partnership Agreement with Coachella Valley Rescue Mission (CVRM) for five dedicated city shelter beds $45,000 City of Palm Desert Annual Point-In-Time Count Report and Presentation Page 2 of 2 3. Housing • Increased street outreach to develop housing access plans for those experiencing homelessness in the city • Continue coordination with Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG) to house individuals through the CV200 Program No additional costs 4. Supportive Services Coordinate with County Behavioral Health System and Health Plans to increase linkage to mental health, substance use, physical health and supportive housing programs No additional cost 5. Community Programs Increase access to information and services for vulnerable populations in the city including development of city website and resource directories and the development of interfaith coordination of faith-based groups in the city No additional cost HOMELESSNESS TASKFORCE WORK PLAN JASON AUSTIN, MA LMFT SOCIAL SERVICES COORDINATOR CITY HOMELESS SYSTEM PILLARS Outreach and Engagement Shelter Housing Supportive Services Community Programs OUTREACH AND ENGAGEMENT •Develop outreach response available when and where people are on the streets •Increase street outreach throughout the city through Request for Proposal (RFP) for increased provider services •Utilize Opioid Settlement funds to promote linkage to substance use disorder programs SHELTER Increase shelter bed access for those experiencing homelessness through partnership with existing programs Facilitate Coachella Valley Rescue Mission (CVRM) Agreement for five dedicated shelter beds to be used by the City Use data from pilot shelter program to determine needs or next steps HOUSING Continue to coordinate with Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG) to house individuals experiencing homelessness through the CV200 Program Utilize a strength-based outreach system to engage those on the streets for connection to housing vouchers and housing assistance programs through County CES Promote affordable housing opportunities SUPPORTIVE SERVICES Coordinate Coordinate city outreach with county behavioral health system to leverage existing mental health, substance use and physical health programs for the vulnerable Assist Assist all unhoused individuals in linking to IEHP or other available health coverage Link Link to available food access programs through Find Food Map and Food Pantries COMMUNITY PROGRAMS •Continue developing programs to support those experiencing homelessness in the city •City Homeless Website is now in operation with features including: supportive services directory, information for residents and business owners, etc. •Develop an interfaith collaborative for coordination of faith-based groups to support vulnerable populations in the city Page 1 of 4 CITY OF PALM DESERT STAFF REPORT MEETING DATE: July 10, 2023 PREPARED BY: Jason Austin, Social Services Coordinator REQUEST: RECEIVE AND FILE THE 2023 POINT-IN-TIME COUNT RESULTS FOR THE HOMELESSNESS TASKFORCE RECOMMENDATION: Receive and file the 2023 Point-in-Time Count Results for the Homelessness Taskforce Committee BACKGROUND/ANALYSIS: The Point-in-Time (PIT) count is a count of sheltered and unsheltered people experiencing homelessness on a single night during the last ten days of January. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requires that Continuums of Care (CoC) conduct an annual count of people experiencing homelessness who are sheltered on a single night; and a count of unsheltered people experiencing homelessness every other year. Each count is planned, coordinated and carried out locally. The PIT count help communities understand more about the scope of the problems related to homelessness in their areas and assist policymakers and programs track progress toward reducing or ending homelessness. The first PIT count was conducted in January 2005 and the data is used to help communities plan services and programs to appropriately address local needs, measure progress in decreasing homelessness and identify strengths and gaps in a community’s current homelessness assistance system. Although methodologies have changed over the years from estimated to actual counts, the PIT count is a helpful tool in understanding the size and scale of homelessness across the country. The PIT is managed and conducted by the County with the support of volunteers and city staff each year. In 2023, the PIT count was conducted on Wednesday, January 25 for all ages with a Youth Count conducted between January 25-27 as well. The PIT count reflects a snapshot of the area’s homeless population as a moment in time. Obtaining an accurate count of people experiencing homelessness is critical to helping communities attract state and federal funding, support local planning efforts and help increase public awareness. The County uses mobile technology to complete the unsheltered count using an app on individual smart phones to collect data from each unsheltered individual. City Teams follow designated areas mapped ahead of time to avoid duplicated efforts in interviewing and counting the unhoused population. The sheltered count is completed electronically by having provider agencies and program data counted on one specific day. The PIT Count Results were released in May 2023. A copy of the summary report is attached for reference. A total of 3,725 individuals experiencing homelessness were counted in Riverside County, including 2,441 unsheltered and 1,284 sheltered individuals. This data reflects an City of Palm Desert Annual Point-In-Time Count Report and Presentation Page 2 of 4 increase from the 2022 PIT Count with 1,980 unsheltered and 1,336 sheltered individuals for a total of 3,316 individuals counted. In the City of Palm Desert, there were 39 individuals counted for the 2023 PIT, reflecting an increase from 26 individuals counted in the 2022 PIT Count. Regional Data Analysis City 2022 Unsheltered Count 2023 Unsheltered Count Increase/Decrease Cathedral City 61 40 Decrease Coachella 74 67 Decrease Desert Hot Springs 48 107 Increase Indian Wells 0 0 No Change Indio 105 108 Increase La Quinta 7 4 Decrease Palm Desert 26 39 Increase Palm Springs 222 239 Increase Rancho Mirage 3 3 No Change Total 546 607 Increase Demographics 1. Age Groups Under 18 18-24 25-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 65=+ County 1% 7% 20% 26% 22% 18% 6% Palm Desert 0 3% 21% 33% 31% 10% 3% 2. Ethnicity Non-Hispanic/Non-Latin(a/o/x) Hispanic/Non-Latin(a/o/x) County 63% 37% Palm Desert 72% 28% 3. Gender Male Female Gender Non Conforming/Transgender/Questioning County 71% 28% 1% Palm Desert 69% 31% 0 4. Race White Black/African American Multiple Races American Indian or Alaskan Native County 68% 15% 11% 3% Palm Desert 69% 13% 8% 8% City of Palm Desert Annual Point-In-Time Count Report and Presentation Page 3 of 4 5. Living Situation Vehicle Tent/Shed Abandoned Building Street Encampment County 20% 16% 7% 33% 16% Palm Desert 31% 9% 3% 44% 6% 6. Palm Desert Specific Survey Results Total Percentage Households with Children 0 0% Chronically Homeless 17 53% First Time Homeless 8 25% Pet Owner 5 16% Foster Care Experience 0 0% Formerly Incarcerated 5 16% Veterans 3 8% Health Insurance Coverage 27 84% 7. Palm Desert Specific Challenges/Barriers Total Percentage Chronic Health Issue 9 28% Domestic Violence 1 3% HIV/AIDS 2 6% Mental Health Issue 9 28% Physical Disability 10 31% PTSD 12 38% Substance Use 9 28% Traumatic Brain Injury 5 16% Developmental Disability 4 13% 8. Palm Desert Specific Primary Reason for Homelessness Total Percentage Family Disruption 7 22% Domestic Violence 0 0% Jail Release 0 0% Lack of income 7 22% Medical Discharge 0 0% Mental Illness 0 0% Runaway 1 3% Substance Use 5 16% Unemployment 3 9% Other 7 22% City of Palm Desert Annual Point-In-Time Count Report and Presentation Page 4 of 4 9. Other Regional Data Points • 22 individuals reported placement in the foster system • 902 individuals reporting having health insurance coverage • 296 individuals reporting having a companion animal • 39 individuals reported couch surfing Subpopulation Totals Sub-populations include specific vulnerable populations tracked through the PIT application. Sub-Population 2023 PIT Count Increase/Decrease Veterans 256 Increase (31%) Households with Children 143 Increase (12%) Transition Age Youth (18-24) 229 Decrease (27%) Seniors (62+) 257 Increase (6%) Additional Regional Data The County of Riverside included additional data: • 21% report this episode was their first time being homeless • Top three primary factors contributing to unsheltered homelessness reported include:  Family Disruption (27%)  Lack of Income (19%)  Unemployment (12%) • 32% of surveyed individuals requested post-count services • 784 individuals were referred to services • Top three requested services were Housing, Calfresh and Cashaid, and Food Pantries • Self-reports of substance use as a barrier to resolving homelessness was 458, up 17 ATTACHMENTS: 1. 2023 PIT Count Summary Report 2023 Point in Time Count Results Homelessness Taskforce Jason Austin, MA, LMFT Social Services Coordinator What is the Point in Time (PIT) Count? The Homeless Point-in-Time Count reflects a snapshot of Riverside County’s homeless population Obtaining an accurate count of families, individuals and communities experiencing homelessness is critical to helping communities attract state and federal funding, support local planning efforts, and help increase public awareness The County uses mobile technology to complete the unsheltered count using the mobile app on smart phones to collect data from each unsheltered individual City Teams follow designated areas mapped to avoid duplicated efforts in interviewing and counting unsheltered individuals  The sheltered count is completed electronically by having provider agencies submitting data directly to the county Coachella Valley City Results City 2022 Unsheltered Count 2023 Unsheltered Count Increase/Decrease Cathedral City 61 40 Decrease Coachella 74 67 Decrease Desert Hot Springs 48 107 Increase Indian Wells 0 0 No Change Indio 105 108 Increase La Quinta 7 4 Decrease Palm Desert 26 39 Increase Palm Springs 222 239 Increase Rancho Mirage 3 3 No Change Total 546 607 Increase Non-Hispanic/Non-Latin(a/o/x)Hispanic/Non-Latin(a/o/x) County 63%37% Palm Desert 72%28% Male Female Gender Non Conforming/Transge nder/Questioning County 71%28%1% Palm Desert 69%31%0 White Black/African American Multiple Races American Indian or Alaskan Native County 68%15%11%3% Palm Desert 69%13%8%8% Vehicle Tent/Shed Abandoned Building Street Encampmen t County 20%16%7%33%16% Palm Desert 31%9%3%44%6% Total Percentage Households with Children 0 0% Chronically Homeless 17 53% First Time Homeless 8 25% Pet Owner 5 16% Foster Care Experience 0 0% Formerly Incarcerated 5 16% Veterans 3 8% Health Insurance Coverage 27 84% Total Percentage Chronic Health Issue 9 28% Domestic Violence 1 3% HIV/AIDS 2 6% Mental Health Issue 9 28% Physical Disability 10 31% PTSD 12 38% Substance Use 9 28% Traumatic Brain Injury 5 16% Developmental Disability 4 13% Under 18 18-24 25-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 65=+ County 1%7%20%26%22%18%6% Palm Desert 0 3%21%33%31%10%3% Total Percentage Family Disruption 7 22% Domestic Violence 0 0% Jail Release 0 0% Lack of income 7 22% Medical Discharge 0 0% Mental Illness 0 0% Runaway 1 3% Substance Use 5 16% Unemployment 3 9% Other 7 22% CITY OF PALM DESERT CODE COMPLIANCE DIVISION ACTIVITY REPORT Pedro Rodriguez Code Compliance Supervisor prodriguez@cityofpalmdesert.org 760-776-6442 CODE COMPLIANCE DIVISION ACTIVITY REPORT This reporting period is for the months of May and June 2023. This report will reflect all the current activity regarding unlawful storage of personal property and unlawful encampments and assist the Riverside Sheriff’s Department. Code Compliance Officers responded to 36 complaints of unlawful camping and storage of personal property on private and public property. During this reporting period, there were no abatements of personal property. Code Compliance Officers responded to 2 calls to assist the Riverside County Sheriff’s Deputies in removing and storing personal property. Code Compliance Activity – March and April 2023 Code Compliance Cases for Unlawful Camping/Storage of Property 36 Violation by Case Type Unlawful Camping on Private Property 21 Unlawful Camping on Public Property 2 Storage of Personal Property on Private Property 2 Storage of Personal Property on Public Property 7 Panhandling Complaints 1 Assist Riverside County Sheriff Dept with removal/storage of property 2 Assist with 602 Penal Code Letter for Business 1 Abatements of Unlawful Campsites or Storage of Personal Property Cost Cost Cost Cost Cost Code Compliance Division YTD 2023 Jan Feb Mar April May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec YTD Assist RSO 2 1 2 4 0 2 11 Pan Handling 1 Storage of Personal Property on Private Property 1 4 2 3 1 1 12 Storage of Personal Property on Public Property 1 6 3 3 4 3 20 Unlawful Camping on Private Property 3 5 10 2 10 11 41 Unlawful Camping on Public Property 4 3 2 1 1 3 14 PC 602 letter 1 1 0 0 1 3 Storage of Shopping cart with personal property 1 7 0 0 1 1 10 CITY OF PALM DESERT ATTENDANCE REPORT Advisory Body: Prepared By: Year 2022 2022 2022 2023 2023 2023 2023 Month Jul Sep Nov Jan Mar May July Date 11-Jul 12-Sep 7-Nov 9-Jan 6-Mar 1-May 10-Jul Burreson, Cindy A P P P P P 1 1 Butts, Joseph A P P P P P 1 1 Fisher-Anaya, Rosemary N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A Marks, Scott P P A P P P 1 1 Meyer, Davis P P A P A P 2 2 Vines, Diane P P P P P P 0 0 Housing Liaison - TBD ------ Palm Desert Municipal Code 2.34.010: P Present A Absent E Excused -No meeting Bimonthly: Two unexcused absences from regular meetings in any twelve-month period shall constitute an automatic resignation of members holding office on boards that meet bimonthly. Total Absences Total Unexcused Absences Homelessness Taskforce Michelle Nance