DEPARTMENT:
Department of Human Services
DEPARTMENT HEAD:
Melody Woosley, Director
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED:
Citywide
SUMMARY:
Briefing and Update on the City’s Response to Homelessness during Covid-19 and the Homeless Strategic Plan
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The Housing Commission requested an update on the Department of Human Services (DHS) Homeless Community Strategic Plan presented during the November meeting. The Commission also requested an update on what the City is doing to assist the homeless during the pandemic and hear in depth what is happening on the streets, what issues have risen and how they can assist.
Human Services leadership will provide an overview of the services coordinated through DHS. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, DHS has worked closely with emergency shelter providers and other homeless services agencies to prepare for and respond to the pandemic by meeting immediate basic needs of people experiencing homelessness and ensuring safety of clients and staff working in the homeless services system.
Because of the COVID-19 response effort, adoption of the Homeless Community Strategic Plan, planned for early April, was put on hold, and dollars allocated in the FY 2020 Budget were suspended to help balance the City’s General Fund budget. Implementation is expected later this year. The Strategic Plan will contemplate the needs of the community in light of COVID-19 and additional Federal funds granted to the community.
ALTERNATIVES:
This item is for briefing purposes only.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact at this time.
RECOMMENDATION:
This item is for briefing purposes only.