REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Study Session to Report on the Work of the City of Santa Clara Homelessness Taskforce and to Gather Feedback on a Draft Framework of the City's Homelessness Response Plan
Report
COUNCIL PILLAR
Promote and Enhance Economic, Housing and Transportation Development
BACKGROUND
At the November 16, 2021 Council meeting, the City Council directed staff to form an Ad Hoc Homelessness Taskforce and to engage a consultant, Homebase, to manage the Taskforce process. The intended purpose of the Taskforce was to allow community residents and stakeholders to identify and recommend potential strategies for the City to pursue to address the needs of Santa Clara's unhoused population, which in turn would be incorporated into a City Homelessness Response Plan. On December 6, 2021, the City Council approved an agreement with Homebase to assist the City with the Taskforce process and the preparation of the City Homelessness Response Plan.
In the spring of 2022, staff worked with Homebase to administer the selection of the Taskforce membership. Eight members were selected from a pool of over 130 applications, including one representative for each Council District and two 'at-large' members. Taskforce members represented a diverse set of backgrounds, including members who have experienced housing instability and members who have lived experience of homelessness as well as a mix of homeowners, renters, students, and people who work within the City.
Five local agencies were affiliated with the Taskforce and advised through the process. These agencies included the Bill Wilson Center, Abode Services, HomeFirst, Destination: HOME and the County Office of Supportive Housing.
The task force met virtually once a month for six months, beginning on April 28, 2022 and ending on October 27, 2022. All six meetings were live streamed for public viewing. Meeting recordings, agendas, and slide presentations are posted on the City's webpage at www.santaclaraca.go...
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