At the January 26, 2021 Council meeting, staff presented the Draft Comprehensive Strategic Plan to Address Homelessness (CSPAH) in which a framework of goals and strategic actions were identified to address homelessness in Garden Grove.  The Community and Economic Development Department (CEDD) is currently engaging the community to receive feedback on the Draft CSPAH and to provide information on resources available to the homeless and at-risk populations. A summary of these engagement activities are provided in Attachment No. 1 and briefly summarized below:

1.   Landlord/Tenant Workshops

2.   Homelessness 101 Workshop

3.   Advocacy 101 Workshop

4.   Workforce Activation & Readiness Program (WARP) Webinar

5.   Business Assistance Webinars

6.   Addressing Homelessness Webpage (https://ggcity.org/endhomelessness)

Currently programmed for May 2021 is the launch of a CSPAH community survey aimed at obtaining feedback regarding the Draft CSPAH and its various components. The survey will target all five sectors of the community (residents, businesses, non-profits, churches, and philanthropists) and the comments received will be incorporated into the Final CSPAH.  It is anticipated the Final CSPAH to be presented for approval in June 2021.

In addition to the City’s ongoing community engagement efforts and exploring opportunities to expand the homeless services described above, staff has been conducting preliminary research to deploy a pilot program for a Mobile Mental Health Services Unit. With the number of individuals experiencing mental health issues increasing (and further exacerbated during these challenging COVID-times) it is often the Garden Grove Police Department (GGPD) and its Special Resource Team (SRT) who get called upon to respond. 

The City recognizes that opportunities to partner with mental health experts who are better trained to navigate Orange County’s mental health care options available to individuals in-need is currently under consideration.  A review of similar programs such as the Crisis Assistance Helping Out On The Streets (CAHOOTS) out of Eugene, Oregon has demonstrated a very successful model in which teams of mental health workers and case managers respond to non-violent calls for service. Further research conducted included preliminary dialogue with the City of Huntington Beach and their selection of Be Well OC (Mind OC) to develop and implement an alternative Mobile Crisis Response program.

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This report is for informational purposes to receive and file. No action of the City Council is required at this time.