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156 <br />SP-60 Homelessness Strategy <br />The needs of individuals experiencing homelessness and persons with special needs are <br />complex and require a wide range of specialized services. Numerous agencies are involved <br />in the care of these individuals, providing distinct services such as housing, mental health <br />counseling, employment training, and case management services. The City funds multiple <br />activities to assist individuals experiencing homelessness and other special needs <br />populations. Overall, these services address the high priority of reducing homelessness <br />and the threat of becoming homeless, as well as providing necessary supportive services. <br />Reaching out to homeless persons (especially unsheltered persons) and <br />assessing their individual needs <br />Santa Ana will continue to invest HUD and non-HUD funding to engage individuals and <br />households experiencing homelessness, assessing their needs, and connecting them to <br />appropriate resources. street outreach and emergency shelter. In previous years ESG has <br />supported private providers of street outreach and emergency shelter. The City anticipated <br />continuing these efforts during the next five years. <br />The Santa Ana Police Department (SAPD) implements proactive policing and engagement <br />with residents experiencing unsheltered homelessness. The Quality of Life Team (QOLT) <br />comprises members from various City Departments, including Public Works, the Police <br />Department, Code Enforcement, Parks and Recreation, the Community Development <br />Agency, Homeless Services, and the City’s street outreach and engagement team. The <br />team works collaboratively to implement a coordinated response to community service <br />requests related to the impacts of homelessness. The SAPD’s Homeless Evaluation <br />Assessment Response Team (HEART) provides immediate assistance, long-term solutions, <br />and connections to services such as shelter, mental health support, and housing programs. <br />Other City programs that reach out to unsheltered homeless individuals are Coordinated <br />Entry and Family Reunification, Psychological Emergency Response Team (PERT), and the <br />Santa Ana Multi-Disciplinary Response Team (SMART). The Coordinated Entry and Family <br />Reunification program, which is privately funded, assesses the needs of residents and <br />connects them to the appropriate resources. Resources may include emergency shelter, <br />transitional or permanent supportive housing, and reconnecting with social networks. <br />PERT is a partnership with the Orange County Health Care Agency that pairs mental health <br />clinicians with officers to assist individuals with mental health or substance abuse issues. <br />SMART is a contracted service provided by CityNet. SMART addresses non-emergent <br />situations with a focus on connecting unhoused individuals to shelter, critical services, and <br />mental health and medical treatment. <br />EXHIBIT 1