Item 24 - California State Department of Housing and Community Development Prohousing Designation Program Application

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Page 2 of 3 Rev 4/8/24 Each Jurisdiction’s response to homelessness is based on the unique needs of the population they serve. Based on these efforts, the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness’ 7 Principles for Addressing Encampments provides best practice guidance to support communities as they develop and implement a comprehensive response to encampments. Please provide a response on how the Jurisdiction meets each of the principles noted below. Attach and reference any supporting documentation along with the page numbers accordingly. •Principle 1: Establish a Cross-Agency, Multi-Sector Response to Encampments (Describe how system partners work together. Attach communication and coordination plans. 350 characters max) •Principle 2: Engage Encampment Residents to Develop Solutions (Describe street outreach efforts to engage with encampment residents to find alternative shelter, housing, and service options before an existing encampment is closed. 350 characters max) •Principle 3: Conduct Comprehensive and Coordinated Outreach (Describe multidisciplinary connection strategies and linkages to resources and permanent housing solutions. If applicable, describe how the jurisdiction uses the coordinated entry system to connect individuals to resources and permanent housing. 350 characters max) •Principle 4: Address Basic Needs and Provide Storage (Describe efforts to meet basic needs, health, safety, and access to storage for people experiencing unsheltered homelessness. 350 characters max) Our Quality of Life team, consisting of Parks and Recreation, Planning and Building (Code Enforcement), the Santa Ana Police Department, and Public Works, was established to provide a cross-agency response to encampments. Additional information provided in attached documentation. The City of Santa Ana’s outreach program combines proactive engagement with individuals living in encampments and responding to hotline and community calls about residents seeking shelter. Case managers connect with potential clients by sharing the Outreach and Engagement contact information, allowing those who need more time to enroll to reach out later. For clients who engage immediately, case managers provide essential services such as hygiene kits, food and water packs, ID card vouchers, and other paperwork that may have been lost or expired due to homelessness. These documents are required to be considered document-ready for housing needs. For those needing to update their medical records or obtain a new diagnosis to reinstate supplemental support, our case managers arrange transportation and attend appointments as advocates, offering support every step of the way. They also ensure that unhoused veterans are reconnected with Veterans Affairs, providing transportation to local offices or acting as intermediaries if clients lack personal phones or consistent communication. Utilizing the coordinated entry system and reviewing an individual’s history with outreach and engagement and other partner agencies, a tailored list is created so that case management plans can better connect clients to Cal Aim or BHBH programs. Our case managers frequently collaborate with homeless liaison teams and local police departments to conduct necessary background checks for clients entering emergency shelters while working towards permanent housing. Our mission is to ensure that every individual feels supported and has access to the resources they need to transition to a more stable and secure living situation. The City of Santa Ana’s Outreach and Engagement team delivers information, services, and resources to individuals in encampments. Build trust by visiting each encampment area several times a week, delivering and assisting with basic needs such as snack bags, hygiene items, showers, and transportation. Each individual has access to their belongings, which are stored by our Parks and Recreation staff at the Santa Ana City Yard.