RECOMMENDATION(S): (CONT'D)
Clearly defined city, county and state roles and responsibilities making it clear which level of government is responsible for what. Today, this structure does not exist.
Collaboration and coordination between the state, counties and cities from start to finish on countywide or regional plans that include measurable goals and outcomes.
Ongoing funding commensurate with responsibilities for each entity within the plan which provides for maximum local flexibility in alignment with established goals and outcomes.
Funding tied to results to ensure participating cities and counties adhere to clearly defined roles for siting and providing supportive services – as well as encampment outreach and clean-up.
FISCAL IMPACT:
No fiscal impact from the participation in the advocacy efforts for AT HOME.
BACKGROUND:
On March 12, 2023, the California State Association of Counties (CSAC) launched "AT HOME," a comprehensive plan to address homelessness in California with clear responsibilities for all levels of government. AT HOME was developed nearly a year after an all-county effort to analyze barriers to addressing homelessness and developing solutions, tailored to the unique needs of California communities. The CSAC Executive Committee, which includes Supervisor Gioia, is credited with developing the AT HOME framework.
The six pillars of the AT HOME plan are:
-
Accountability: Clear responsibilities aligned to authority, resources, and flexibility for all levels of government
-
Transparency: Integrate and expand data to improve program effectiveness
Housing: Increase and maintain housing units across the spectrum
Outreach: Develop sustainable outreach systems and increase workforce to support these systems
Mitigation: Strengthen safety net programs
Economic Opportunity: Create employment and education pathways, as well as support for basic needs
For far too long, there has been no comprehensive system to address homelessness in California. Despite the best efforts of so many, each day the crisis has continued to worsen while well-intentioned solutions are often limited in their impact and add more confusion.
CSAC and counties across the state, including Contra Costa, are committed to changing that.
The AT HOME Plan was developed following months of an all-county family effort analyzing barriers to addressing homelessness and developing tailored solutions, responding to the unique needs of urban, suburban and rural communities. This work culminated in an understanding that efforts to address homelessness will fail without a comprehensive system in which roles and responsibilities are clear for all levels of government. What is also certain is that accountability is the foundation to achieving successful outcomes. In addition, funding must be sustainable and aligned with responsibilities and accountability.
Now we must get to work. Collaboration and input are essential to the
AT HOME Plan given the far-reaching impacts of the homelessness crisis. CSAC has had preliminary discussions with the Administration, Legislature, and federal leaders as well as the CSAC Board of Directors and will continue to forge ahead to pursue enactment of the
AT HOME Plan policy recommendations at the state and federal levels. Each of the
AT HOME policy recommendations rest upon the adopted
CSAC homelessness principles and the broader
CSAC legislative platform.
AT HOME Plan ACTION STEPS
-
Support AT HOME in your county advocacy as the initial step for any successful homelessness or accountability solution.
-
Share AT HOME widely with your Legislators, city colleagues and community stakeholders.
-
Push AT HOME on social media using the CSAC AT Home toolkit to be released immediately after the March 16 press briefing.
-
Participation in the first-of-its-kind CSAC/Cal Cities joint general session on homelessness during the CSAC Legislative Conference.
CSAC AT HOME Webinar Recording
CSAC AT HOME Webinar Slide Deck
CSAC AT HOME Webpage
Recent Press Coverage of AT HOME:
East Bay Times, March 30, 2023
California Counties push for comprehensive homelessness plan
San Jose Mercury News & East Bay Times, March 25, 2023
https://www.mercurynews.com/2023/03/25/editorial-where-is-the-comprehensive-mental-health-plan-governor/
Sacramento Bee, March 20, 2023
“California lawmakers want to overhaul homeless spending. But Newsom opposes long-term funding.”
CalMatters, March 26, 2023
“Walters: Newsom displays penchant for shiny new things on California tour.”
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
The Board will not have an official position on the CSAC "AT HOME" Plan.
CLERK'S ADDENDUM
Speakers: Caller 1; Caller 6770.