2020 Continuum of Care General Meeting

AUGUST 6, 2020

AgendaoBrief Overview of the Continuum of Care

oHelene SchneideroRegional Coordinator for the US Interagency Council on Homelessness.

oHomelessness in Santa Barbara CountyoData debunking myths about homelessness in our community

oContinuum of Care Highlights

oBoard Election Results

Continuum of CareThe Continuum of Care (CoC) is a comprehensive, county-wide group of dedicated service providers, public sector employees, and community members working together to leverage national, state, and local resources to end homelessness in our community.

CoC General Members participate in committees, serve on rank and review panels, attend trainings, and assist in community outreach efforts.

COVID-19: Lessons Learned to Date

August 6, 2020

Helene Schneider, Regional Coordinator

Statutory Authority and Mission

U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness (USICH) is charged with:

• Coordinating the federal response to homelessness

• Creating a national partnership at every level of government and with the private sector to reduce and end homelessness in the nation

• Maximizing the effectiveness of the federal government in contributing to the end of homelessness

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Coordinating the Federal Response

• The Council

• Council Policy Group

• Interagency Working Groups

• Performance measurement and accountability

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USICH Roles and Activities

• DC-Based Policy Team – Coordinating strategies across federal agencies

• Field-based National Initiatives Team – Driving progress in communities

• Communications Activities – Providing tools and resources to strengthen practices

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USICH Regions: National Initiatives Team

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Impact of COVID-19 on People Experiencing Homelessness

• Primary goal has been to save lives and make sure that the emergency medical system is not overwhelmed.

• We have not seen the same rate of COVID-19 cases among people experiencing homelessness as originally feared.

• We continue to monitor hot spots and provide support to agencies and local governments to ensure that they have the tools and resources they need to respond.

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Key Observations and Lessons Learned

Communities have been able to mitigate the impact on people experiencing homelessness by:

• Rapid implementation of CDC protocols for de-intensifying shelters, increased access to non-congregate shelter opportunities, access to hygiene supplies and cleaning, providing Isolation and Quarantine, testing, and encampment response• On Encampments: Not clearing camps ≠ not engaging people in camps

• Working across health and homelessness systems to leverage expertise, resources, and eliminate communication barriers for fast decisions

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Shifting from Crisis Response to Long-Term Planning

“If it is unacceptable for people to remain homelessness during COVID, how can we go back to it being acceptable afterwards?”

- Terra Linzner, City of Detroit &

Tasha Gray, Homeless Action Network of Detroit (HAND)

USICH Webinar 7/27/2020

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Shifting from Crisis Response to Long-Term Planning

• Continue to follow CDC guidance

• Remain diligent on wearing masks, social distancing, and hand washing

• Rapidly respond using data and science to drive decisions around testing and interventions

• Screen for symptoms and educate everyone on what to look for

• Continued low-barrier access to testing and Isolation and Quarantine spaces if a person is COVID positive (Scale and Flex I/Q as needed)

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Shifting from Crisis Response to Long-Term Planning

• Continue to maintain adequate space in shelters and meal programs

• Relieve staff fatigue and non-profit capacity/staffing challenges

• Identify and provide safety to those most vulnerable among the homeless population

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Shifting from Crisis Response to Long-Term Planning

• Continue outreach, education, and hygiene services to help people experiencing unsheltered homelessness stay safe

• Minimize movement of unsheltered populations• Location/ contact tracing to notify those who may

have been in contact with someone who has COVID-19

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Shifting from Crisis Response to Long-Term Planning

• Help people experiencing homelessness move quickly from to permanent housing

• Continue strong contact with those in permanent housing so that they can maintain stability

• Track and share local data widely and respond quickly

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Shifting from Crisis Response to Long-Term Planning

• Work across public and private agencies, systems, and sectors to leverage new federal, state, and local resources and act with urgency

• Include feedback from people with lived experiences in determining best practices

• Ensure racial equity in future planning and policy considerations

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Shifting from Crisis Response to Long-Term Planning

• Coordinate and maximize funding • Ensure that everyone gets the Flu shot in the fall

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Federal Resources

• CDC Interim Guidance for Homeless Service Providers to Plan and Respond to COVID-19: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/homeless-shelters/plan-prepare-respond.html

• HUD COVID-19 Resources: https://www.hudexchange.info/homelessness-assistance/diseases/?utm_source=HUD+Exchange+Mailing+List&utm_campaign=f20e5d5591-SNAPS-COVID-19-Digest-04-13-2020&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_f32b935a5f-f20e5d5591-19545533#covid-19-key-resources

• USICH COVID-19 Resources: https://www.usich.gov/covid-19

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Federal Resources

• VA SSVF (Supportive Services for Veterans Families) Shallow Subsidy Compliance Guide (currently only available in specific geographic areas): https://www.va.gov/HOMELESS/ssvf/docs/SSVF_Shallow_Subsidy_Compliance_Guide.pdf#:~:text=Description%20of%20SSVF%20Shallow%20Subsidy%20The%20SSVF%20Shallow,in%20SSVF%E2%80%99s%20Rapid%20Rehousing%20or%20Homeless%20Prevention%20services.

• HUD VASH (Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing) Vouchers: https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/public_indian_housing/programs/hcv/vash

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Coordinating CA State & Federal Resources

• CA Homeless Coordinating & Financing Council “Guide to Strategic Uses of Key State and Federal Funds to Reduce Homelessness During the COVID-19 Pandemic” https://www.bcsh.ca.gov/hcfc/documents/covid19_strategic_guide.pdf

• CA Department of Social Services “Project Roomkey” https://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/cdss-programs/housing-programs/project-roomkey

• CA HCD “Project Homekey” https://www.hcd.ca.gov/grants-funding/active-funding/homekey.shtml

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Ingredients towards Success

•Political Will

• Effective Use of Adequate Resources

•Collaborative Approach

• “Never Give Up” Attitude21

Helene.Schneider@usich.gov

@Helene_USICHSign up for USICH E-Newsletter

www.usich.gov

www.usich.gov

Homelessness in Santa Barbara County

DATA-INFORMED MYTH-BUSTERS!

Where do we get our information?

500+ volunteers!

149 system end-users

Homeless Management Information System Point in Time Count

Coordinated Entry System

HMIS and Reporting:

SYSTEM PERFORMANCE MEASURES

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MYTHS ABOUT HOMELESSNESS IN OUR COMMUNITY

Myths about Homelessness in our Community

People came here from other areas because of the resources offered and the nice weather.

Residency:Where were you living when you first became homeless?

Point in Time Count 2019

Residency:How long have you lived in Santa Barbara County?

Point in Time Count 2019

Myths about Homelessness in our Community

People came here from other areas because of the resources offered and the nice weather.

According to the 2019 Pit Count:◦ 77% of those counted/surveyed reported SBC as their most

recent permanent address;

◦ 60% have lived in SBC 11+ years;

◦ 76% were living in SBC when they first became homeless.

Myths about Homelessness in our Community

Homelessness is concentrated in one main area in one city.

2019 Point in Time Count Map

Housing Intervention Needs

Persons assessed

Link to

Mainstream

Resources

Vulnerability Assessment Scores

2 7

30

50

8291 93

121

9890

71 69

50

29 26

6 1

2227

47

57

6054

62

44

2130

2112

8

624

18

31

50

54 4836

35

29

10

9

8

3

42

28

52

108

157

196 193 191200

148

130

101

89

61

3930

61

0

50

100

150

200

250

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

Vehicle

Shelters

Outdoor

Permanent Supportive Housing Rapid Re-

Housing

Santa Barbara County Individuals

Housing Intervention Needs

Rapid Re-Housing Link to Mainstream

Resources Permanent Supportive Housing

Vulnerability Assessment Scores

Families assessed

11

55

2

1 2 35

15 14

810

7 8

25

2 1 1 1

1

1

1 2

65

1

3

2

3

5

2 2

6

74

14

2018

18

26

2113

6

9

2

2 1

11

1 2

2

46

4

5

3

2

8

2

1

1

10

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 18 19

Vehicle

Shelters

Outdoors

Other Non-Vehicle

10

19

26

32

18

46

36

4040

22

910

8

Rapid Re-

Housing

Santa Barbara County Families

Myths about homelessness in our community

Homelessness is concentrated in one main area in one city.

◦ As you can see, people experience homelessness throughout our region.

◦ Homelessness impacts environment and people; it’s not healthy or safe for anyone, as there are impacts on the watershed and risk of fire/debris flow.

Myths about homelessness in our community

It’s all single men and free-loaders who are homeless.

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The Basics

• 3,168 people served in HMIS (FY18-19)• 553 were children under the age of 18• Individuals 66% Male, 33% female • Families 21% Male HoH, 79% Female HoH

• 59% have a source of income

• 50% Homeless for the first time

Individual Demographics from CES/HMIS

Average Age is 49 (1,732 clients) • 52 months (4.33 years)

Average Length of Time Homeless

• 182 Veterans

• 53% state that emotional,

physical or sexual trauma caused their current episode of homelessness

• 60% experiencing chronic

homelessness

19%

32%

19%

24%

5%

Age Groups

40-49

50-61

62+

25-39

Under 25

Family Demographics from CES/HMIS

Average Age is 35 (330 families) • 21 months (1.75 years)

Average Length of Time Homeless

• 25 Veteran HoH

• 55% state that emotional,

physical or sexual trauma caused their current episode of homelessness

• 41% experiencing chronic

homelessness

60%18%

10%

2% 10%25-39

40-49

50-61

62+

Under 25

Myths about Homelessness in our Community

It is their fault they are homeless.

All homeless people are mentally ill or addicts.

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Trauma – The Common Thread

• 52% report that trauma led to their current homelessness

• 33% have been attacked since becoming homeless

• 25% have contacted a crisis support system in the past 6 months

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Barriers to Health and Wellness

• 32% Chronic Health Condition

• 32% Substance Abuse

• 30% Mental Health Challenge or Brain Injury

• 20% Physical Disability

Disabling Conditions

31%

28%

34%

32%

0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40%

Chronic Health Conditions

Physical Disability

Mental Health OR Brain Injury

Substance Abuse

% of Persons with Assessments

Santa Barbara County Individuals

Disabling Conditions

Santa Barbara County Families

20%

18%

14%

23%

0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25%

Chronic Health Conditions

Physical Disability

Mental Health OR Brain Injury

Substance Abuse

% of Families with Assessments in Santa Barbara County

Myths about Homelessness in our Community

It is their fault they are homeless.

All homeless people are mentally ill or addicts.

Decades of research and experience show that people become houseless for a myriad of reasons:

◦ loss of a job or lowered wages,

◦ health care crisis,

◦ increased rent,

◦ a family emergency,

◦ or even landlord bullying.

People experiencing homelessness often also experience one or more disabling conditions, such as chronic health conditions, physical disabilities, mental health or brain injury, and/or substance abuse.

53% of individuals and 55% of families surveyed state that emotional, physical or sexual trauma caused their current episode of homelessness.

Residences at Depot Street: 80 units

Resilient Place: 4 rooms Gardens on Hope: 89 units

Rental assistance

Prevention and diversion

Rapid re-housing

Landlord incentives

Outreach Permanent supportive housing

Homelessness is Solvable

CoC Highlights

Recent Funding OpportunitiesHomeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention (HHAP)o $4M one-time state block grant o Landlord incentives o Rental assistance and rapid rehousing o Outreacho Navigation center/Interim Housing

California Emergency Solutions and Housing (CESH)o $229,777 o Partners in Housing Solutions o Flexible Housing Subsidy Pool to assist people experiencing homelessness secure permanent housing.

Recent Funding OpportunitiesEmergency Solutions Grant (ESG) 2020

◦ Rapid Re-Housing - $121,343

◦ Street Outreach - $19,328

◦ Emergency Shelter - $162,686

Continuum of Care (CoC) Funds – Approximately $2M Annually The Continuum of Care’s largest grant ($852,168) has a new grantee who will use it to continue supporting permanent supportive housing.

Improving Our System of Care

o Phase II Plan to Address Homelessness

o Assessment of the Coordinated Entry System

o 2020 Point in Time Count

o 2020 Grand Jury Report

o CoC 2019 HUD Application and Approved Strategies for System Improvement

o Creating a Culture of Prevention and Diversion

o Best Practice Trainings for Providers

2020 Grand Jury Report Findings

“The 2019-20 Santa Barbara County Grand Jury (Jury) elected to study this societal problem. There is a dearth of both affordable and

permanent supportive housing, shelters are full, and there is a lack of day centers. The high cost of land, insufficient funding, and

neighborhood resistance contribute to the problem. Despite the hard work and dedication of local charities and government workers,

homeless rates are increasing. Stronger leadership at the city and county levels, a consistent source of funding, and community support are

required to help alleviate the human suffering caused by this situation. Santa Barbara County is a wealthy county and needs to assume control

of this problem and solve it.”

The Full Report Can be Found Here

COVID-19 Update: Task Force Objectives 1. Prevent and mitigate COVID-19 impacts for persons who remain

unsheltered through support centers and outreach re-establishing access to showers, device charging, food and hygiene supplies.

2. Establish non-congregate sheltering for persons at highest risk of COVID-19 complications.

3. Sustain shelter capacity for persons not experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.

4. Enhance homelessness prevention and housing activities through increased funding for rental assistance and supportive services.

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COVID-19 Update: Support Centers

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COVID-19 Update: Overflow Shelter Good Samaritan Shelter Santa Maria High School

• 249 unique individuals served• 22 Seniors

• 22 Transitional Age Youth

• 9 Veterans

• 3,204 Bed Nights (March 20 – May 31)

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COVID-19 Update: Roomkey South • Up t0 74 hotel rooms (currently maintain 60 available rooms)

• Persons pre-screened for age or underlying medical conditions through enrollment in the Homeless Management Information System

• Providers contacted clients in the field to present opportunity for non-congregate shelter, primary purpose self –isolation (following Stay At Home order)

• Services at site include:• Shelter• Meals • Transportation• Security• Behavioral Health Services• Public Health Nurse• Case Management• Housing Navigation

2020 CoC Board Election Results

Seat WinnerCity of Goleta Claudia Dato - City of GoletaCity of Lompoc Chanel Ovalle - City of LompocCity of Santa Maria Rosie Rojo - City of Santa MariaCounty of Santa Barbara George Chapjian - Community Services DepartmentEducation Elizabeth Adams -SB County Education OfficeFaith Based Erin Wilson - Unitarian SocietyHealth Care Liz Snyder – Dignity HealthLaw Enforcement Gordon Auchincloss – Retired Chief Assistant DALGBTQ+ Kristin Flickinger - Pacific Pride FoundationMental Health Alice Gleghorn - Behavioral WellnessUnaccompanied Youth Edwin Weaver - Fighting Back Santa Maria ValleyVictim Services Jan Campbell - DVSYouth Services Steve Delira – Family Service AgencyYouth/Formerly Homeless Youth Carlos Soto

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