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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Report - May 5, 2021 C-19AGENDA ITEM (!00 t C) y� CITY OF LODI COUNCIL COMMUNICATION TM AGENDA TITLE: Adopt a Resolution Approving Adoption and Implementation of the Lodi Access Center Community Engagement Plan MEETING DATE: May 5, 2021 PREPARED BY: Community Development Director RECOMMENDED ACTION: Adopt a Resolution approving adoption and implementation of the Lodi Access Center Community Engagement Plan. BACKGROUND INFORMATION: On November 4, 2020, the City Council adopted the San Joaquin Community Response to Homelessness — 2020 San Joaquin Strategic Plan ("Strategic Plan"). The Strategic Plan includes goals and strategies developed from community feedback. Goals As designed, the Strategic Plan delineates three broad goals to address homelessness, along with three strategies to achieve each goal: Goal 1: Establish a Coordinated and Engaged Regional System o Create Shared Processes o Improve Data Collection o Educate the Community Goal 2: Increase Access and Reduce Barriers to Homeless Crisis Response Services o Expand Low -barrier Shelter(s) o Invest in Prevention and Diversion o Expand Outreach Goal 3: Ensure Households Experiencing Homelessness Have Access to Affordable and Sustainable Permanent Housing o Increase Affordable Housing o Invest in Landlord Engagement and Navigation o Expand Supportive Services All of the goals, strategies, and measures of success included in the Strategic Plan were the direct result of a broad, months -long coordinated effort to engage over 200 stakeholders County -wide and, importantly, includes contributions and perspectives from those who were formerly or are currently homeless. In order to move forward with several of the goals identified in the Strategic Plan, City staff would like to garner community input and support. The Community Development Department, Neighborhood Services Division would like to implement the Lodi Access Center Community Engagement Plan (incorporated in the draft resolution as Attachment "A"). This would allow the City to gain valuable data and feedback from residents, local businesses, community partners, and other key stakeholders in the development of an Access Center. Staff plan to have multiple community meetings where they share information, answer questions, and understand areas of support and concerns regarding an APPROVED: Stephen Schwabau Manager Lodi Access Center Community Engagement Plan May S. 2021 Page 2 of 2 Access Center in Lodi. A key component of the presentations, surveys, press release, and social media posts will focus on what an Access Center is, and what it is not, An Access Center is a low -barrier, service -enriched shelter that facilitates linkage to needed resources to help individuals and families exit the cycle of homelessness. Onsite services include intensive case management, hygiene facilities, 24/7 staffing including security, and janitorial services. An Access Center offers highly marginalized people the opportunity to regain safety and engage in supportive connections that allow them to move forward with rebuilding their lives, as well as develop pathways to permanent housing, income, healthcare, sobriety, and stability. To make sheltering more accessible, partners, pets, and possessions are allowed in a low -barrier setting. However, low -barrier does not mean low -expectations. Violence, weapons, open use of substances, or disruptive behavior is prohibited within and around the facility. It is important to note, an Access Center is not a homeless camp. It is a safe and secure option to our unsheltered community to access needed services to progress towards a path of self-sufficiency. Security is a central component of the Access Center and consists of 24/7 monitoring of the immediate neighborhood, discourages loitering by clients, and responds promptly to any neighborhood concerns. Additionally, routine patrol of the entire Access Center campus will occur to ensure safety and security of residents and that house rules are being followed. Janitorial staff would also ensure the Access Center campus remains clean and debris free on a daily basis. Additionally, with sufficient minimal barrier shelter beds, the City can focus its enforcement efforts on reducing the occurrence of camping in public right of ways, parks, in front of businesses, etc., because unsheltered individuals could be transported to the Access Center. Thus, the Access Center would not only provide access for the unsheltered individuals or families; it will also provide greater access for the entire community to City resources. Staff recommends that City Council adopt a resolution approving the Lodi Access Center Community Engagement Plan and implementation of the plan by the Community Development Department Neighborhood Services Division. FUNDING ALLOCATION: FISCAL IMPACT: Not applicable. FUNDING AVAILABLE: Not applicable John. Della Monica Jr. Com unity Development Dire 4r Attachments: A. Draft Lodi Access Center Community Engagement Plan Lodi Access Center Community Engagement Plan 2021 Objective: to enlighten, engage, and empower the residents of Lodi to contribute to the plan for how to best assist Lodi's unsheltered population. A Created by City of Lodi Neighborhood Services with the Support from Community Partners City of Lodi Community Engagement Plan Enlighten, Engage & Empower Overview* The City of Lodi ("City") and partner agencies recognize that effectively responding to the unsheltered population requires a combination of strategies at the local level. Since 2014, these efforts included the creation of The Lodi Committee on Homelessness ("LCOH"), development of a homeless liaison officer position in the Lodi Police Department, participation in the SJ Continuum of Care ("SJCoC"), and collaboration with community groups and service organizations. Presently, the City is focusing on the current chronic unsheltered population. In the 2019 San Joaquin County Point in Time Count, Lodi had 139 unsheltered residents. As recommended in the 2019 Point in Time Count Report, "a successful approach to reducing rates of homelessness in San Joaquin County should expand emergency shelter capacity through the construction of new low -barrier shelter facilities..." (Include full citation.) The report went on to recommend the "Housing First" approach, which is considered the most effective approach to ending chronic homelessness. Multiple studies have shown that Housing First programs yield higher housing retention rates, lower returns to homelessness, and significant reduction in the use of crisis services and institutions. Therefore, the City is adopting the SJCoC recommendation - "the most effective strategy is to create a long -live emergency shelter that accommodates a wide population and offers robust services." The City believes that this is the best chance to get the most people off the streets and into better living situations. This commitment was confirmed by the City Council's adoption of the San Joaquin Community Response to Homelessness — 2020 San Joaquin Strategic Plan on November 4, 2020 per resolution 2020-257. In order to achieve the intended results and the aid of the City's unsheltered population, effective community outreach and engagement is paramount to success in the development of an Access Center (AKA Navigation Center). *Excerpts taken from the SJCoC Strategic Plan (2020) and Lodi Report on Homelessness (2015). • httl2://www.sanioaciuincoc.org/wp-content/ul2loads/2020/06/San-Joaquin-Community-Response-to-Homelessness-Strateaic- Plan-June-2020.pdf • httl2s://www.lodi.gov/940/Homelessness 2 Created by City of Lodi Neighborhood Services with the Support from Community Partners What is an Access Center? An Access Center is a low -barrier, service -enriched shelter that facilitates linkage to needed resources to help individuals and families exit the cycle of homelessness. Onsite services include intensive case management, hygiene facilities, 24/7 staffing including security, and janitorial services. An Access Center offers highly marginalized people the opportunity to regain safety and engage in supportive connections that allow them to move forward with rebuilding their lives, as well as develop pathways to permanent housing, income, healthcare, sobriety, and stability. To make sheltering more accessible, partners, pets, and possessions are allowed in a low -barrier setting. However, low -barrier does not mean low -expectations. Violence, weapons, open use of substances, or disruptive behavior is prohibited within and around the facility. What is an Access Center Not? An Access Center is not a homeless camp. Rather, it is a safe and secure option to Lodi's unsheltered community to access needed services to progress towards a path of self-sufficiency. Security is a central component of the Access Center and consists of 24/7 monitoring of the immediate neighborhood, discourages loitering by clients, and responds promptly to any neighborhood concerns. Additionally, routine patrol of the entire Access Center campus will occur to ensure safety and security of residents and that house rules are being followed. Janitorial staff will ensure shelter campus remains clean and debris free on a daily basis. Additionally, with sufficient minimal barrier shelter beds, the City can focus its enforcement efforts on reducing the occurrence of camping in public right of ways, parks, in front of businesses, etc., because unsheltered individuals could be transported to the Access Center. Thus, the Access Center would not only provide access for the unsheltered individuals or families; it will also provide greater access for the entire community to City resources. What is community engagement? Community engagement is a two-way communication method between local government and the public. It provides a platform for the community to voice their opinions and inform the decisions that affect their lives. This inclusive engagement approach is to create a shared vision and outcome that will reflect the City and community's values and garner support for their joint objectives. 3 Created by City of Lodi Neighborhood Services with the Support from Community Partners Engagement Strategy 1. Purpose, Goals, and Objectives of Engagement 1. Purpose: rhe overall intent of the Plan is to: • Challenge misconceptions/stereotypes and build public awareness and support for the changes the City is advocating including an Access Center Emergency Shelter • Make housing and homelessness a priority within the community • Identify the potential support network and resources that exist within the community • Garner community support to effectively house Lodi's unsheltered population 2. Goals: By working with int: W-UMMUnily, lilt: a,igs GCbllr— .. .. • Community Support for an Access Center in Lodi • Development of an Access Center low -barrier shelter with navigation services to facilitate linkage to needed resources in order to help individuals and families exit the cycle of homelessness, and meet the needs of the Point in Time Count 3. Objectives 11111110 The City has identified the f vinq stPnq that nee&Woccur to achieve the Plan's identified goals- * Create a space for participants from the public, private, and non-profit sector to connect around issues relevant to assisting Lodi's unsheltered population • Showcase how Lodi's diversity makes them unique and able to better address local issues • Have conversations about an Access Center low barrier shelter in Lodi • Have City and Community leaders set priorities and demonstrate support for Housing and Homelessness objectives • Receive appropriate feedback to community surveys (online) o Objective: 150 respondents • Canvas the community to determine if there are any concerns and receive feedback (Door -to - Door) • Hold community meetings (zoom/in person) to answer questions, receive feedback, alleviate misconceptions and dispel stereotypes • Educate the public on the need to implement evidence -based best practices (e.g. Housing First, Coordinated Entry, prevention and diversion, trauma -informed care, low -barrier programming, and voluntary services) • Present findings of community outreach and engagement to the City Council and the Board of Supervisors 4 Created by City of Lodi Neighborhood Services with the Support from Community Partners 2. Stakeholders City and community partners will look to engage relevant stakeholders that could influence the project and its implementation. 1. rtesidents 2. Unsheltered Individuals 3. Local Leaders 4. Community Groups 5. Non -Profits 6. Business Owners 7. City Commissions/Committees 3. Resources City staff is unable to complete all of the outreach needed for the Community Engagement Plan, and will look for the assistance of volunteers within the community. Some of the resources available for the Community Engagement Plan are: 1. Neiahborhood Services Staff • Director, Manager, Administrative Staff 2. 'ontracted c • Michael Baker International 3. odi Committee on Homelessness • Social Service Providers, Community Residents, and Volunteers 4. odi Improvem -ommitt, • Appointed Committee Members and Community Residents 4. Messaging City staff will prepare messaging that address particular audience's concerns and express how an Access Center would be beneficial for the community. This will focus on - what message can be used to engage a particular person or group? 1. Appeal to comr ity concc and/or needs • How will this help? o Provides needed assistance to members of the community o Would have capacity to house the City's entire 2019 Point in Time Count (139) o Would reduce the number of unsheltered individuals around businesses, residences, parks, overpasses, etc. 2. Tailor messaqe for each audience. • Business Owners: o Need to demonstrate how this will reduce the number of unsheltered individuals in and around businesses o Assist Tourism with the reduction of unsheltered individuals near businesses 5 Created by City of Lodi Neighborhood Services with the Support from Community Partners • Residents: o Need to demonstrate the facility will be clean, provide security, and provide resources to reduce the unsheltered population in Lodi o Need to demonstrate how this will reduce the number of unsheltered individuals in and around residential properties • Caltrans o Need to demonstrate how this will reduce camps near and around transit facilities, freeways, and roadways • Public/Social Service Provider: o What help do City staff need from service providers to accomplish goals set forth in engagement process? o How will the resources be brought into the community to assist the service providers? 3. Delivering tris inussage — rotentiai KesponSibie • Zoom Meetings/Workshops: City Staff o City would be responsible for preparing presentation, responding to questions, drafting Action Item List, Develop FAQ • Social Media: City Staff and Partner Agencies o City would draft message to be shared and send out to Partner Agencies for distribution • Flyers: City Staff and Partner Agencies o City would develop and print flyer and provide to Partner Agencies/Committee's for Distribution • Print in-house or through local vender. • Canvassing Neighborhood: City Staff, Committee's • Survey: City Staff, Committee's o City Staff to work in collaboration with LCOH on questions o City will draft message for distribution 5. Potential Outreach Opportunities: City staff will work with community partners to share the message and outreach opportunities. To enlighten • Fact Sheets (Flyer) • Website • PowerPoint presentations • Email Blast • Social Media 6. Implementation o enaA To ern --m �• Committee • Resident advisory committees Meetings (Lodi Committee on • Meet in person, Homelessness ("LCOH"), Lodi schedule a meeting Improvement Committee (Limit amount of ("LIC"), Asset Based attendees due to Community Development COVID-19) ("ABCD") • Surveys/Polling • Participatory Input (Project Partners) 6 Created by City of Lodi Neighborhood Services with the Support from Community Partners City staff will work with community partners on all outreach and engagement efforts to gather data and feedback from the community. 1. ;ommunity Surveys • Executive summary at the beginning • Flyer • Animated PowerPoint Video o Number of Unsheltered Individuals o What is an Access Center? o Services o United Way Video (Our success stories and Barriers Video will not be ready yet) • Structured Questions for community members and service providers • Open note section at the end for additional comments/feedback • 20 day submission period • Marketing: o Post on Social Media o Post on Website o Send out to LIC, ABCD, Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Business Alliance, Public Service Providers, and Lodi News Sentinel 2. City Council Conse • Attach Lodi Access Center Community Engagement Plan • Open for questions and/or Feedback 3. Kl_&:_, • Public Notice • Flyer • Survey Information 4. Meet with Local Law Enf, • Discuss operations, field questions • Have Downtown Streets Team Attend • PowerPoint o United Way Video (Our success stories and Barriers Video will not be ready yet) • Open for questions and/or Feedback 5. Community Engagement Kick Off (Zoom): City and Partner Agencies (Social Service Providers, r--;##— and Community Leaders, Business Owners) • PowerPoint carnn1P rmflinc, is inrliirlarl in A"ri, nrli v Al o United Way Video (Our success stories and Barriers Video will be forthcoming) • Open for questions and/or Feedback 7 Created by City of Lodi Neighborhood Services with the Support from Community Partners 6. 'anvas the communitv — • Identify neighborhood to canvas to determine if there are any concerns with an Access Center (Door -to -Door). • Have 5 - 7structured questions for each individual interviewed • Additional comments/feedback 7. first community meeting (Loom): Residents, Business Owners, Community Leaders • PowerPoint • Video: Success Stories and Barriers • Open for questions and/or Feedback , • Develop Action Items L • Develop FAQ • Provide Survey Link and Closing date 8. Meet with San Joaquin Continuum of Can • PowerPoint 141111h, Ll� • Video: Success Stories and Barriers • Open for questions and/or Feedback 9. Meei warn %.ounIA. • PowerPoint • Video: Success Stories and Barriers • Open for questions and/or Feedback 10. Fin mmunit M Zoc, it In Person if feasible): Residents Business Owners Y( ) , ComrMWy Leaders • PowerPoint o Updated to include survey and Canvassing results • Video: Success Stories and Barriers • Open for questions and/or Feedback • Respond to Action Items • Share FAQ • If in person, provide survey to complete before they leave (3 questions) o Are they in support of an Access Center? o Were all of their questions addressed? 11. Meet with Board of Supervisors (Individually): • PowerPoint 8 Created by City of Lodi Neighborhood Services with the Support from Community Partners • Video: Success Stories and Barriers • Open for questions and/or Feedback 7. Modification - What is working and what is not? City staff will look at current outreach efforts to determine if any modifications to presentation or messaging need to occur. 1. Messaging • Does the message need to be modified before the second community engagement meeting? • Is City staff gaining the right attention? • Receive input from Stakeholders and adjust based on recommendations. 2. Mor'- ^- - --• - • Are City staff having difficulty getting a response from the community? • Does City staff need to change how it is communicating with them? • Is there a large request for translation services? 3. Ii L- MmmmCK LOOPS • Is the City's response time to the community timely? o If not, does the City need to ask for assistance from other Departments (Economic Development) or Community Partners? • Need to document questions being received and add to the FAQ if there are similar questions being received 4. -@*4eetin� • Since meetings are virtual, is there difficulty in engagement? • Will need to identify a potential outdoor location for last community meeting to increase engagement 8. Finalize Community Engagement City staff will gather all relevant data from all forms of outreach and share results with the Lodi City Council and will look to be added to an agenda to present at a San Joaquin Board of Supervisors meeting. 1, PYPCP11t to City Council • PowerPoint o Survey and Canvassing results o FAQ o Video: Success Stories and Barriers o Update on Harmony Homes (This is relevant to demonstrate the impact to the community and success of City projects) 9 Created by City of Lodi Neighborhood Services with the Support from Community Partners • Letters of support • Open for questions 2. . of Supervisor Meeting • PowerPoint o Survey/Canvassing results • Video: Success Stories and Barriers • Letters of support • Open for questions 10 Created by City of Lodi Neighborhood Services with the Support from Community Partners Appendix A PowerPoint Presentation Plan 1. Introduction 2. What is our Point in Time County number? • How was it determined? o Explain Point in Time Count 3. Whv is Lodi talkina about this' • Services already end homelessness for people on a day to day basis — but there has not been a significant decrease in numbers • What barriers are there to good outcomes? o Partners, Pets, Possessions o Income o Mental Health/Substance abuse • Lack of access to housing • Lack of appropriate support (length/type) • Lack of funding/resources • Other policy/systems/process issues 4. ..iju, a iiiv ,u.. ,.,uw., mluliity ponse eles s (Strategic Plan) and how does it ad - - - - -I- - - --I- - - - - --,sse • Explain the specific goals of the plan o Establish a Coordinated and Engaged Regional System of Care o Increase Access and Reduce Barriers to Homeless Crisis Response Services • Access Centers and Emergency Shelters o Ensure Households Experiencing Homelessness have Access to Affordable and Sustainable Permanent Housing Solutions 5. Statist) • Current number of calls to Police annually for unsheltered population • How many cleanups annually of public spaces due to unsheltered population 6. lknel the rumors • Safety/Security • Good Neighbor Policy • Downtown Streets Team • Explain Low -Barrier Shelter o Does not mean no rules • What services will be provided 7 'nnc;;fc r • Business Owners • Residents 11 Created by City of Lodi Neighborhood Services with the Support from Community Partners • Caltrans • Public/Social Service Provider • Estimated development cost o Anticipated resources to support this expense • Estimated annual operational budget o Potential resources to support this expense 9. Success Stories and Barriers Video 10. Feedback/Questions Note: Last Community Meeting (In person or Zoom): • Include Survey/Canvassing Results k l� 12 Created by City of Lodi Neighborhood Services with the Support from Community Partners RESOLUTION NO. 2021-126 A RESOLUTION OF THE LODI CITY COUNCIL APPROVING ADOPTION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE LODI ACCESS CENTER COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT PLAN WHEREAS, in October 2019, the City of Stockton and San Joaquin Continuum of Care ("SJCoC") engaged the consultant Homebase to work on a regional homeless strategic plan called the San Joaquin Community Response to Homelessness — 2020 San Joaquin Strategic Plan ("Strategic Plan"); and WHEREAS, on December 4, 2019, Homebase hosted an all -day "summit" of 140 stakeholders from across San Joaquin County to survey attendees, facilitate discussion and gather feedback on key aspects of the draft Strategic Plan; and WHEREAS, between January 1 and May 30, 2020, Homebase facilitated several meetings of the SJCoC Strategic Planning Committee and key stakeholders, including the City of Lodi, to finalize the document for presentation to the SJ CoC Board of Directors; and WHEREAS, on May 26, 2020, the SJCoC Board of Directors considered and discussed the final draft Strategic Plan and then adopted the Strategic Plan unanimously at the following meeting on June 11, 2020; and WHEREAS, the Strategic Plan delineates goals to address homelessness and strategies to achieve each goal, as well as a specific five-year implementation plan with guidance for responsible parties, stakeholders, and funding opportunities; and WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Lodi initially adopted Resolution No. 2020- 257 on November 4, 2020 to support the final Strategic Plan; and WHEREAS, to allow local implementation of the Strategic Plan goals and guidance, the City Council of the City of Lodi now desires to adopt the Lodi Access Center Community Engagement Plan, which is attached hereto and incorporated herein as Attachment "A". NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Lodi does approve the adoption and implementation of the Lodi Access Center Community Engagement Plan. Dated: May 5, 2021 I hereby certify that Resolution No. 2021-126 was passed and adopted by the City Council of the City of Lodi in a regular meeting held May 5, 2021, by the following vote: AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS — Chandler, Hothi, Khan, Kuehne, and Mayor Nakanishi NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS — None ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS — None ABSTAIN: COUNCIL MEMBERS — None JENNIFE CUSMIR ` City Clerk 2021-126