MEETING NOTES
HOMELESS ISSUES COMMITTEE
 

Participants:
Richard Bloom, Council Member, City of Santa Monica
Kevin McKeown, Council Member, City of Santa Monica
Kate Vernez, City of Santa Monica
Carol Gross, Council Member, City of Culver City
Armando Abrego, City of Culver City
Shelly Wolfberg, City of Culver City
Richard Ryan, City of West Hollywood
Safiya Jones, City of Los Angeles
Stacy Rowe, City of Santa Monica
Ed Edelman, City of Santa Monica
Maria Rychlicki, City of Beverly Hills
John Maceri, Ocean Park Community Center
Robin Kay, Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health
Rhonda Meister, St. Joseph’s Center
Jim Lynch, Westside Chronicle
JeanAnn Holbrook, Santa Monica resident

I.





 

Update on LA County Homeless Plan: Implementation strategies and issues

Ed Edelman spoke about the momentum building with the approval of the County homeless plan committing $100 million one–time funding allocation and $19.7 million for on-going costs.  On June 1, an all day information program was held to address preliminary allocation models, Prop 63 issues and creation of a stakeholder input process.  Periodic updates will be provided to the committee as detailed information becomes available.

II.








 

III.




 

Discussion of new models of collaboration amongst the mental health, criminal justice and hospitals systems; discharge planning

Robin Kay provided a briefing on the “jail in-reach” program and SPA 5 coordination for those in jail being linked to support and service prior to release.
 

IV.























 

Good Neighbor Policies: Best practices for careful work with all adjacent communities on siting

We have learned that affordable and special purpose housing projects can be, and often are, the most attractive and well maintained buildings on the block.  The WSCOG Homeless Committee began discussion on how to educate the public that the residents of special purpose and homeless housing are good neighbors and can be a valuable asset to the community. John Maceri, Executive Director of OPCC provided an overview of siting issues encountered in recent Santa Monica projects. Identification of broad principles of a “good neighbor” approach include the following elements:

1.  Engaging the community early on to gain input and then support for what might be seen as an “objectionable” project by a neighborhood before they get to know it.
2.  Emphasize education, outreach, public relations and design elements that will be successful in addressing community concerns and active opposition.
3.  Maintaining a constructive relationship with the community and local stakeholders through all phases of the project.

The WSCOG homeless committee will next discuss opportunities to provide innovative and distinctive architectural solutions for community projects that integrate planning, outreach, and public input as a means to work with neighbors and local elected officials to reassure them about facilities in the community.  Council Member Carol Gross underscored the need to eliminate the word “NIMBY” since its pejorative connotation tends to bring all conversation and understanding to a halt.
 

V.













 

Review of Publicly Owned Underutilized/Available Property – Continuing discussion of available service sites; next steps CARES West Los Angeles VA proposal for homeless vet therapeutic housing; report on possible Westside properties for an emergency shelter with mental health and supportive services

WSCOG Chair Richard Bloom reviewed new efforts with both the Westside Chambers and  religious leaders on homeless issues. All the Chambers came together for the first time on April 28 in Culver City to discuss what the business community might do in a unified manner. Attendance included Hollywood, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Century City, and Culver City. Efforts will be focused on supporting the long term therapeutic housing for veterans on the West Los Angeles campus and building an education campaign for coordination with local police departments and service providers. Outreach has also begun to engage the Faith community in support of the West Los Angeles project. Culver City reported that its Interfaith Council has engaged in support of the West Los Angeles Veterans Administration project.
 

VI.












 

Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority;  Regional governance and coordinated homelessness strategies in Los Angeles County

With over 88,000 homeless persons on any given night in Los Angeles County, and one of the most competitive housing markets in the nation, it is clear that the production of more affordable housing units needs to be greatly accelerated across the region.  The WSCOG committee discussed the importance of sustained political will, effective governance of LAHSA and a guaranteed revenue stream to achieve results in the region. Mr. Edelman noted the City has appointed a “Homeless Czarina” Torie Osborn and LA County will name a Homelessness Coordinator soon. .  He also advised that LAHSA is looking for a new Executive Director- that he is on the search Committee, along with representatives of the Los Angeles Mayor, and the Board of Supervisors.  He hopes to see LAHSA expanded to bring in additional cities and is participating in a consensus process with regional stakeholders to improve coordination of homeless services.
 

VII.




 

Culver City RFP – Report on St Joseph’s Center project and community-based subcommittee

A detailed progress report was held to the next meeting, although so far 222 field contacts have been made and 22 people have attached to services.
 

VIII.


 

St. Joseph’s Center – Relocation Plan for Homeless Services Center

Postponed to next meeting
 

IX.




 

Regional Coordination and Advocacy - Discussion of strategies, action steps on program coordination and advocacy efforts; report on Prop 63 and State Initiatives

Robin Kay noted that Board approval was secured on the Prop 63 expenditure plan. The Department of Mental Health, none-the-less, is facing a $48 million deficit in the coming fiscal year.
 

X.




 

Identification of Additional Strategies - Homeless Mental Health Court, State/Federal legislative efforts including Senator Cedillo’s package of homeless measures

Efforts continue to establish a Santa Monica Community Court as meetings are underway with Judges, the County and service providers on model approaches.
 

• COG report on July 20, 2006
• Action Items Identification

None.