DEPARTMENT: Human Services
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Melody Woosley
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: Citywide
SUBJECT: Homeless Strategic Plan
SUMMARY:
This item provides a briefing on the Department of Human Services development of a Homeless Community Plan. Since October 2019, the consultant HomeBase has worked with stakeholders, providers, and community members in building an understanding of the current homeless services system’s strengths and opportunities, while identifying strategies for action. In February 2020, HomeBase will conclude the first phase of their work gathering information and begin developing the strategic plan. At this meeting, the Community Health and Equity Committee will receive key findings and review preliminary, high-level recommendation areas, with the opportunity to provide input to HomeBase’s consultant team.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
On October 17, 2019 City Council approved a contract with HomeBase to develop a community strategy around homelessness. HomeBase’s work plan consists of three phases. Phase 1 (October 2019-February 2020), which is nearing completion, has consisted of building an understanding of current system functioning, needs and opportunities. Phase 2 (February 2020-March 2020) includes identifying strategies for action, building support, and submitting the strategic plan. During phase 3 (April-September 2020) HomeBase will provide technical assistance on the implementation of the plan for the remainder of the contract period through September 30, 2020
Since October 2019, the HomeBase consultant team has conducted stakeholder meetings including: six public community hearings; conversations reaching over 200 individuals currently or recently experiencing homelessness; dozens of individual or small group meetings with service providers, City leadership, community leaders, South Alamo Regional Alliance for the Homeless (SARAH), hospital systems, and tourism industry. The team has also attended several additional public meetings to hear input from the community. In addition, HomeBase has worked to analyze community data to inform the strategic planning process. The goal of Phase 1 is to analyze San Antonio’s homeless response system, homeless access points, and identify gaps/barriers to care, best practices, and map systems processes.
Concrete deliverables (through Phases 2 and 3) include a 5-10 year homeless strategic plan, to include data evaluation, qualitative input, systems mapping, and gaps analysis; a year 1 action plan; and a communication plan. HomeBase will present the strategic plan and provide recommendations for funding and addressing gaps in the homeless system in April 2020 at a City Council B Session.
ISSUE:
As the HomeBase team concludes Phase 1 research and listening, they have developed preliminary key findings and recommendation areas that will shape the direction of the Homeless Community Plan’s strategies. These will be presented to the Community Health and Equity Committee to gather committee members’ input before the strategies and recommendations are finalized. The presentation and discussion will be facilitated by a member of the HomeBase team who has been involved throughout the process.
ALTERNATIVES:
This item is for briefing purposes only.
FISCAL IMPACT:
This item is for briefing purposes only. Fiscal impact will be developed upon recommendations from the community engagement process along with Mayor and City Council input.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff will present a briefing on this item subject to possible action by the Committee.