CC 2017-02-14_12b Participation in So County Homeless Task Force
MEMORANDUM
TO: CITY COUNCIL
FROM: ROBERT MCFALL, INTERIM CITY MANAGER
SUBJECT: CONSIDERATION OF: 1) PARTICIPATION IN THE FORMATION OF THE
SOUTH COUNTY HOMELESS TASK FORCE; AND 2) APPOINTMENT OF A
COUNCIL MEMBER TO SERVE AS A REPRESENTATIVE ON THE TASK
FORCE
DATE: FEBRUARY 14, 2017
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the City Council consider: 1) participation in the formation of the South
County Homeless Task Force; and 2) appointment of a Council Member to serve as a
representative on the task force.
IMPACT ON FINANCIAL AND PERSONNEL RESOURCES:
Aside from occasional participation on the proposed task force, there are limited financial or
personnel impacts resulting from the recommended action.
BACKGROUND:
Regional homeless issues are currently addressed by two (2) primary agencies: the Five Cities
Homeless Coalition (5CHC) and the Homeless Services Oversight Council of San Luis Obispo
County (HSOC). The mission of HSOC is “To ensure that everyone has access to appropriate
and affordable housing and to services they need to sustain it,” and the mission of the FCHC is
“Working to strengthen the south San Luis Obispo County community by mobilizing resources,
hope, and support for the homeless and those facing poverty.” HSOC is a department within
the County of San Luis Obispo and is a primary funding source for local programming
addressing the issues of homelessness. 5CHC is a coalition of people and organizations within
the Five Cities area working to address the issues of homelessness in a variety of ways with the
objective of individuals regaining self-sufficiency. Between these two agencies, substantial and
successful programs to support the needs of our homeless populations are provided. Council
Member Barneich currently serves as representative to HSOC, and the Mayor, Council Member
Barneich and other Council Members support 5CHC programs.
At a previous meeting, Council requested a report that would allow consideration of a task force
to further discussion on needs of the homeless population.
ANALYSIS OF ISSUES:
Recently, discussions have taken place among representatives in the Five Cities area about
how to more effectively coordinate specific issues related to the homeless population of a
localized nature, and effectively create a dialogue and problem solving structure to address
specific concerns. Two examples currently being discussed include the siting of the warming
Item 12.b. - Page 1
CONSIDERATION OF PARTICIPATION IN THE FORMATION OF THE SOUTH COUNTY
HOMELESS TASK FORCE, AND DESIGNATION OF A COUNCIL MEMBER TO SERVE AS A
REPRESENTATIVE ON THE TASK FORCE
FEBRUARY 14, 2017
PAGE 2
shelter, and where to host the next Mobile Assistance and Services Addressing Homelessness
(MASH) outreach event, that provides free services to the homeless, among other concerns.
These discussions have led to the suggestion to create the South County Homeless Task Force
(SoCoHTF). It is proposed that SoCoHTF would meet perhaps twice per year, and further only
on an as-needed basis to address specific concerns or needs that arise. The proposed task
force is not intended in any manner to replace or supplant the services currently provided
through HSOC and 5CHS, but to create a structure to make dialogue among local officials on
specific services more convenient. Also, it is not intended that SoCoHTF directly provide
homeless services, but to coordinate and develop recommendations to some aspects of the
services currently provided or available. It is further being proposed that the task force be
composed of representatives from Arroyo Grande, Grover Beach, Pismo Beach and the Oceano
Community Services District, as well as from State Parks associated with the State Parks
coastal areas. The representatives would include a City Council representative, along with the
City Manager/General Manager and Police Chief of each agency.
Each of these agencies is currently considering participation, although feedback has been
positive thus far. Grover Beach has already expressed their commitment to the effort.
ALTERNATIVES:
The following alternatives are provided for the Council’s consideration:
1. Consider participating in the formation of the South County Homeless Task Force, and
appoint a Council representative to the task force; or
2. Provide other direction to staff;
ADVANTAGES:
The proposed task force would allow for the timely and effective discussion and development of
recommendations regarding services to the south county homeless population.
DISADVANTAGES:
None identified.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW:
No environmental review is required for this item.
PUBLIC NOTIFICATION AND COMMENTS:
The Agenda was posted at City Hall and on the City’s website in accordance with Government
Code Section 54954.2.
Item 12.b. - Page 2