On September 28, 2021, the City Council approved the Comprehensive Strategic Plan to Address Homelessness (CSPAH). The CSPAH outlines the City’s ongoing initiatives, accomplishments, prioritized objectives and strategic actions for addressing homelessness. The strategic plan has since served as the City’s 5-year roadmap to address the growing demand for homeless services and the rising homeless population in Garden Grove.

The CSPAH delineates five (5) key goals and associated strategic actions:

• Goal 1: Enhance community engagement efforts regarding homelessness, and raise awareness around available resources and best practices.
• Goal 2: Improve and expand homelessness prevention efforts.
• Goal 3: Enhance data tracking and homeless outreach activities among city staff and service providers.
• Goal 4: Explore options to enhance emergency housing solutions.
• Goal 5: Increase production of and access to affordable and supportive housing.

In pursuit of these five (5) strategic goals, the City has achieved significant milestones in outreach efforts and program management.

During fiscal year 2022-23, the City provided assistance to a total of 12,228 homeless individuals. Out of the 12,228 individuals served:

• The Garden Grove Police Department Special Resource Team (SRT) made contact with 5,989 individuals;
• BeWell OC Mobile Response Unit assisted 4,509 individuals;
• 170 of the 532 emergency shelter bed referrals successfully achieved permanent housing;
• 380 individuals received support through rapid rehousing; and
• A total of 590 housing vouchers were offered.

Furthermore, several notable program management accomplishments include:

• BeWell OC Mobile Response Unit: On July 25, 2023, Council approved an extension for the service agreement for FY 2023-24 through FY 2027-28.
•  The launch of the CalOptima Health Street Medicine Program, Orange County’s first street medicine program, which has enrolled 85 individuals, including plans for a Street Medicine Support Center currently underway.
•  Partnered with Caltrans for the Fencing Improvement Project to address aesthetics and security within Caltrans right-of-way and provide access to SRT for more effective street outreach enhancement.
• Construction of the Central Cities Navigation Center (CCNC) is 35% complete with the operator selected and providing input on the design/ construction.
•  Jobs 1^st Program successfully assisted 15 Garden Grove businesses resulting in the creation or retention of 47 low-income jobs.

There is no financial impact for the City Council to For the City Council to receive and file the updated Comprehensive Strategic Plan to Address Homelessness for fiscal years 2021-22 and 2022-23.

It is recommended that the City Council:

• Receive and file the Updated Comprehensive Strategic Plan to Address Homelessness (CSPAH) (FY 2021-22 and FY 2022-23).

By: Christy Le, Homeless Liaison Analyst