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CC - Item 5A - Homelessness Prevention and Response Plan AdoptionROSEMEAD CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL FROM: GLORIA MOLLEDA, CITY MANAGER , Y`- A IF DATE: JANUARY 26, 2021 SUBJECT: HOMELESSNESS PREVENTION AND RESPONSE PLAN ADOPTION SUMMARY In the summer of 2020, the City of Rosemead entered into a Memorandum of Agreement with the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments (SGVCOG) to develop a homeless response plan, implement a Homeless Prevention and Diversion Program, and participate in the Landlord Outreach and Education Program (Attachment A). Over the last seven months, the City in partnership with the SGVCOG and Focus Strategies, a national consulting firm focused on homelessness response efforts, developed the City of Rosemead Homelessness Prevention and Response Plan ("Plan") to enhance efforts to prevent and reduce homelessness among residents of Rosemead (Attachment B). The Plan aims to leverage local resources and support regional coordination efforts to: (1) reduce inflow into homelessness through targeted prevention and diversion, (2) boost existing homelessness response efforts in the City through increased coordination with and funding of existing programs and resources throughout the region and San Gabriel Valley, and (3) promote housing affordability. STAFF RECOMMENDATION That the City Council adopt the Homelessness Prevention and Response Plan and direct staff to begin implementation of plan. DISCUSSION The Plan is specific to the City of Rosemead and provides realistic and implementable strategies on preventing and reducing homelessness. By having a plan in place, it will allow the City to seek funding through Measure H, the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments, and potentially, other sources. Developing the Plan involved a comprehensive planning process to identify strategies and action steps to improve efforts to prevent and reduce homelessness in the City. The process included information gathering from meetings with City staff and community stakeholders to identify needs, resources, and gaps, as well as, to foster collaborative partnerships with various community groups and to improve the collective response to homelessness. AGENDA ITEM 5.A City Council Meeting January 26, 2021 Page 2 of 3 The following goals will guide the City in responding to and preventing further homelessness: A. Enhance and expand existing homelessness prevention and housing response resources that can serve residents of Rosemead. B. Improve coordination of available homelessness prevention and response strategies for households in Rosemead. C. Increase education about homelessness within Rosemead to reduce stigma and expand awareness of available resources. D. Adopt and strengthen policies to further promote affordable housing preservation and development within Rosemead. These goals align with broader regional system strategies, approaches, and efforts including those of the SGVCOG. The Plan includes actions that will be pursued to support achievement of each goal, performance metrics to gauge success, City resources that will be needed or leveraged, and target timelines for major tasks. By partnering with existing service providers and programs in the region, the City will be able to better leverage local resources. The City may focus on assisting: 1) persons and families currently experiencing homelessness that are seeking suitable housing or shelter; 2) persons that are at risk of becoming homeless; and 3) transition age youth coming out of foster care. Additionally, eviction prevention through the City's Homeless Prevention and Diversion Program and other rent relief programs may be further developed and expanded to assist the targeted homeless populations. FISCAL IMPACT There is no fiscal impact to adopt the Homelessness Prevention and Response Plan. Specific strategies that may have a fiscal impact will be brought separately for City Council consideration in the future. STRATEGIC PLAN IMPACT A Homeless Prevention and Response Plan is consistent with the "Key Organizational Goals" of ensuring the City's continued financial viability by actively pursuing quality economic development; and enhancing public safety and quality of life as well as Strategy I, Economic Development, to encourage new high quality and affordable housing stock and beautify commercial corridors. PUBLIC NOTICE PROCESS This item has been noticed through the regular agenda notification process. CD CL E M O '9 .41 CIVIC PRIDE '4; 'NCCRPORATED 0S9 Attachment A City of Rosemead and SGVCOG Homeless Program MOA CayeRy MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT CITY HOMELESS PROGRAM MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD AND THE SAN GABRIEL VALLEY COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS (SGVCOG) This Memorandum of Agreement("MOA") is by and between the City of Rosemead (City) and the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments (SGVCOG)to be effective as of the date signed by both Parties. RECITALS: A.The SGVCOG was established to have a unified voice to maximize resources and advocate for regional and member interests to improve the quality of life in the San Gabriel Valley by the member cities and other local governmental agencies; B. The SGVCOG entered into a contract with the County of Los Angeles for the purposes of administering Measure H funding allocations in support of the County's Homeless Initiative (HI) strategies to combat homelessness in the San Gabriel Valley; C. The SGVCOG received funding from the State of California via the 2019 Budget Trailer bill for the purposes of combating homelessness in the San Gabriel Valley; D.The SGVCOG allocated a portion of this funding towards the implementation of member cities' previously-developed homeless plans,the development of programs to prevent homelessness,and the implementation of pilot programs; E. The SGVCOG also allocated a portion of this funding to a landlord outreach and incentive program in which cities could opt to participate and executed a contract with Union Station Homeless Services and S. Groner Associates to implement the program; F. The SGVCOG allocated a portion of this funding to the development of homeless plans for member cities that had not previously developed plans and executed a contract with Focus Strategies to complete the plans; G.The City seeks to develop homeless programs; H. The City's homeless programs will support strategies and solutions to prevent and decrease homelessness within the City, based on local concerns and priorities; I. The City and the SGVCOG have a shared desire to successfully develop homeless programs,as defined in the attached scope of work (Exhibit A), to combat homelessness in the San Gabriel Valley; J. The City opted to participate in the SGVCOG's landlord outreach, education, and incentive program; K. The City seeks to participate in the SGVCOG's contract with Focus Strategies for the development of a homeless plan for the City; and 1501411.1 L. The City and the SGVCOG desire to set forth the terms of their ongoing collaboration with respect to this effort in this MOA. NOW,THEREFORE,the Parties agree to the following: I. TERM: The term of this MOA shall commence upon execution of the MOA by all Parties and shall continue through the date upon which all eligible expenditures have been reimbursed.The term of this MOA may be extended by mutual agreement of both Parties by way of an amendment to this MOA. II. RESPONSIBILTIES OF EACH OF THE PARTIES: A. SGVCOG 1. Undertake procurement,execute,and manage consultant and service provider contracts as necessary for regional homeless programs. 2. Review and pay properly submitted invoices for regional homeless programs and eligible City homeless program activities. 3. Manage and administer contracts and pay invoices for the following regional programs in which the City is participating: a. Landlord Outreach and Incentive Program b. City Homeless Plan Development 4. Manage invoicing and reporting schedules and deadlines. 5. Review submitted deliverables and reports from the City and notify City as to any additional that is required. 6. Coordinate participation in conference calls and/or meetings as necessary. 7. Review and approve procurement procedures for City's use of funds. 8. Hold monthly Homeless Working Group meetings with City's Project Manager to support information sharing. 9. Provide payment to the City within 30 days of approval of a City's invoice. 10.Reimburse the City up to $15,000, as described in Exhibit B. B. City 1. Must maintain membership in the SGVCOG during the entire term of this MOA. 2. Participate in monthly Homeless Working Group meeting. 3. Provide any updated point-of-contact described in Section III.B to serve as the City's Project Manager with name,title, and contact information. 4. Participate in scheduled conference calls and/or meetings throughout the term of this MOA. 5. Manage the homeless programs and activities to be implemented by the City, as such are described in Exhibit A. 6. Respond to SGVCOG and/or contractor requests related to the City's programs in a timely manner 7. Provide feedback and respond to SGVCOG and/or contractor requests for the City's participation in regional programs, including landlord outreach and incentive program and City homeless plan development. 8. For participation in the Landlord Outreach and Incentive Program: 2 1501411.1 a. Respond to requests,provide data and information as requested,review materials, and provide input to the SGVCOG and its selected vendor to support the implementation of the Regional Landlord Education,Outreach and Incentive Program in the City. 9. For participation in City's Homeless Plan Development: a. Respond to requests, provide data and information as requested, review materials,and provide input to the SGVCOG and its selected vendor to support the development of the City's homeless plan. b. Work directly with the selected vendor to provide support as needed for activities related to project administration, stakeholder engagement, data collection,and plan adoption. 10. Procure and administer contracts funded by the SGVCOG in accordance with SGVCOG-approved procurement procedures. Submit contracts or purchase orders executed with third-party vendors to the SGVCOG for authorization prior to the performance of work thereunder for which the City will be requesting reimbursement. 11. Submit rates for City staff time for SGVCOG approval prior to City staff performing work for which the City will seek reimbursement. 12. Submit deliverables and reports to the SGVCOG in accordance with the schedule included in Exhibit B. 13. Submit invoices to the SGVCOG in accordance with the schedule included in Exhibit B. 14. Reimburse the SGVCOG for expenditures that are determined to be not in compliance with funding requirements. III. PROJECT MANAGEMENT: A. For purposes of this MOA, the SGVCOG designates the following individual as its Project Manager: Samantha Matthews SGVCOG Management Analyst 1000 S.Fremont Ave,Unit 42 Bldg.A10-N, Suite 10210 Alhambra, CA 91803 626.457.1800 satthews@sgvcog.org B. For purposes of this MOA,the City of Rosemead designates the following individual as its Project Manager: Angelica Frausto-Lupo Director of Community Development 8838 E.Valley Blvd. Rosemead, CA 91770 626.569.2261 afrausto-lupo@cityofrosemead.org Additional parties' contacts include the following individuals: 3 1501411.1 Marisa Creter Executive Director San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments mcreter@sgvcog.org C. Either Party may change its Project Manager or contacts upon written notice to the other Party. IV. TERMINATION: A. This MOA may be terminated by either Party at any time without cause.Termination will occur 30 days after written notice is issued by a Party to the other Party's Project Manager. The City shall stop work and not incur any additional expenses upon receipt of or issuance of such notice,except that which is reasonable and necessary to effectuate the termination. The City shall be entitled to reimbursement for eligible expenses that are reasonably and necessarily incurred up to the date that such termination is effective. B. This MOA may be terminated for cause at any time for a material default by one of the Parties upon written notice to the applicable Project Manager. In the event of termination for cause, termination will be in effect three days after deposit of the written notice in the U.S. Mail, postage pre-paid, unless otherwise stated at a later time in the written notice. V. INDEMNITY: A. Neither the SGVCOG or its respective officers, employees, consultants or volunteers (the "SGVCOG Indemnitees), shall be responsible for any damage or liability occurring by reason of anything done or committed to be done by the City or its respective officers, agents, employees, or volunteers under or in connection with the performance of this MOA. B. Neither the City or its respective officers,employees,consultants or volunteers(the "City Indemnitees), shall be responsible for any damage or liability occurring by reason of anything done or committed to be done by the SGVCOG or its respective officers, agents, employees, or volunteers under or in connection with the performance of this MOA C. The City shall indemnify, defend and hold the SGVCOG Indemnitees harmless from and against any liability, claims, losses, actions, and expenses, including without limitation,defense costs,any costs or liability on account of bodily injury, death or personal injury of any person or for damage to or loss of use of property, any legal fees and any claims for damages of any nature whatsoever arising out of or resulting from the City's obligations under this MOA, unless caused by the negligence or willful misconduct of SGVCOG. D. The SGVCOG shall indemnify, defend and hold the City Indemnitees harmless from and against any liability, claims, losses, actions, and expenses, including without limitation,defense costs,any costs or liability on account of bodily injury, 4 1501411.1 death or personal injury of any person or for damage to or loss of use of property, any legal fees and any claims for damages of any nature whatsoever arising out of or resulting from the SGVCOG's obligations under of this MOA,unless caused by the negligence or willful misconduct of the City of Rosemead. VI. OTHER TERMS AND CONDITIONS: A. In performing this MOA, neither the City nor SGVCOG is a contractor, agent or employer of the other. Neither the City or SGVCOG shall represent themselves as contractors,agents or employees of the other Party and shall have no powers to bind the other Party in contract or otherwise. B. This MOA, along with the applicable funding requirements of the SGVCOG's agreement with the County of Los Angeles, constitute the entire understanding between the Parties,with respect to the subject matter herein.The MOA shall not be amended except in writing signed by the Parties. C. Neither Party hereto shall be considered in default in the performance of its obligations hereunder to the extent that the performance of any such obligation is prevented or delayed by unforeseen causes including acts of God, floods, earthquake, fires, acts of a public enemy, pandemic, and government acts beyond the control and without fault or negligence of the affected Party. Each Party hereto shall give notice promptly to the other of the nature and extent of any such circumstances claimed to delay, hinder, or prevent performance of any obligations under this MOA. D. Neither Party shall assign this MOA, or any part thereof,without the prior written consent and prior approval of the other Party, nor any assignment without consent shall be void and unenforceable. E. This Agreement shall be governed by California law and any applicable federal law. F. If any provision of this MOA is held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid,void,or unenforceable,the remaining provisions shall nevertheless continue in full force without being impaired or invalidated in any way. G. The terms of this MOA shall inure to the benefit of,and shall be binding upon,each of the Parties and their respective approved successors and assigns. In witness whereof,the Parties enter into this MOA on the date of last execution by the Parties. 5 1501411.1 FOR THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD By: tiI • , 1 . Gloria Molleda City Manager Date: ---11 l(.1-(2...0)__C- ATTEST: ___ 1(4 -- Ericka Hernandez City Cleric APPROVED AS TO FORM: I Rachel Rich' an City Attorney FOR THE SAN GABRIEL VALLEY COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS By: Tra_Av,, C--\--- Marisa —Marisa Creter Executive Director Date: B/74 2(" ) 7 0 i ..laatf/vIi Da id De:-erry ip General Counsel 6 1501411.1 EXHIBIT A Scope of Work Program: Prevention and Diversion Task 1: By September 1, 2020, implement a prevention and diversion program that incorporates problem-solving conversations with clients in order to develop an approach towards preventing clients from falling into homelessness or minimizing the amount of time from which clients are facing homelessness. The Program will be implemented in accordance with the City's submitted application, included as Exhibit C. Eligible activities include but are not limited to the following: • Housing relocation and stabilization; • Short-term or medium-term rental assistance; • Rental application fees; • Security deposits; • Utility deposits&payments; • Moving costs; • Housing search and placement; • Housing stability case management; • Mediation; • Tenant legal services; • Credit repair. Other activities should be discussed with the SGVCOG prior to using funding. Program implementers and administrators must have completed an approved problem-solving training(e.g. SGVCOG Problem-Solving;LAHSA Problem-Solving Training). Deliverables: • Prevention and Diversion Report Forms for each client served and outcomes after intervention, in the format provided by the SGVCOG • Final report at the end of the program documenting number of clients served and outcomes after intervention, in the format provided by the SGVCOG Basis of Billing:Materials Reimbursement Invoice Backup:Invoices,receipts, etc. documenting how funding was used. EXHIBIT B Budget/Schedule Program: Prevention and Diversion The City shall receive a maximum of$15,000 for implementation of the Prevention/Diversion Program.Funding shall be disbursed on a reimbursement basis. Quarterly reports must be submitted by the first Monday of each month, in accordance with the schedule listed below. 2020 2021 2022 • October 5,2020 • January 4,2021 • January 3,2022 • April 5,2021 • April 4,2022 • July 5,2021 • October 4,2021 All funding must be expended by June 15,2022. The final report is due by June 15,2022. ll:F 9 d C! . IC PRIDE '4; :•7 9 Ato.o.ATE0 Attachment B Homelessness Prevention and Response Plan Aritk R6 \ D Dill,,\ . „„i.11l Ici,•,n \i„,..., CITY OF ROSEMEAD HOMELESSNESS PREVENTION AND RESPONSE PLAN Plan Completed: January 2021 Plan Period: January 2021 — December 31, 2023 City of Rosemead 8838 East Valley Boulevard Rosemead, California 91170 A ,ii4 In partnership with ^y, &SG\ICOG P♦ San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments TABLE OF CONTENTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1 I. PLAN INFORMATION 3 II. PURSUIT OF A CITY PLAN TO ADDRESS HOMELESSNESS 3 III. PLANNING PROCESS 5 A. Information Gathering and Review 6 B. Key Findings 7 C. Plan Development 9 IV. THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD'S HOMELESSNESS RESPONSE PLAN GOALS 9 A. Enhance and Expand Existing Prevention and Response Resources 9 B. Improve Coordination of Available Prevention and Response Strategies 12 C. Increase Education about Homelessness and Available Resources 15 D. Further Promote Affordable Housing Preservation and Development 19 V. PLAN IMPLEMENTATION LEAD 23 VI. PARTICIPATION IN COLLABORATIVE EFFORTS 23 VII. COUNTY HOMELESS INITIATIVE STRATEGIES 24 APPENDIX A. Los Angeles County Homeless Initiative: Approved Strategies 26 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Homelessness and housing insecurity are a significant concern within the city of Rosemead and across Los Angeles County. Through its partnership with the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments, the City of Rosemead pursued this Homelessness Prevention and Response Plan to enhance efforts to prevent and reduce homelessness among residents of Rosemead. The Plan aims to leverage local resources and support regional coordination efforts to: (1) reduce inflow into homelessness through targeted prevention and diversion, (2) boost existing homelessness response efforts in the city through increased coordination with and funding of existing programs and resources throughout the region and San Gabriel Valley, and (3) promote housing affordability. The City's Homelessness Prevention and Response Plan was developed over a seven-month period from June 2020 through January 2021. To inform the strategies in the Plan, the City worked alongside its consultant, Focus Strategies, to review data on homelessness within Rosemead, examine related City policies and planning documents, and convene stakeholder sessions with City Departments and members of the public. Four key concerns were identified in the data collection and stakeholder engagement process. The first is that homelessness within Rosemead has increased over the years and is a common concern among residents. Second, public health and safety is a valued consideration in the community, particularly as it relates to unsheltered homelessness. Third, in comparison to the level of need, there is a lack of available homelessness response services and resources in or near Rosemead. And, lastly, there is an insufficient supply of affordable housing for current and future needs of residents in the city. As outlined in the Plan, the City of Rosemead identified the goals below to guide its homelessness response strategy. These goals respond to community concerns related to homelessness and align with broader regional system strategies, approaches, and efforts. A. Enhance and expand existing homelessness prevention and housing response resources that can serve residents of Rosemead. B. Improve coordination of available homelessness prevention and response strategies for households in Rosemead. C. Increase education about homelessness within Rosemead to reduce stigma and expand awareness of available resources. City of Rosemead Homelessness Response Plan 1 D. Adopt and strengthen policies to further promote affordable housing preservation and development within the city. Each of these goals is detailed in the Plan, with consideration to actions that will be pursued to support achievement of the goal, performance metrics to gauge success, City resources that will be needed or leveraged, and target timelines for major tasks. By partnering with existing service providers and programs in the region, the City will be able to better leverage local resources. The City may focus on assisting: 1) persons and families currently experiencing homelessness that are seeking suitable housing or shelter; 2) persons that are at risk of becoming homeless; and 3) transition age youth coming out of foster care. Additionally, eviction prevention through the City's Homeless Prevention and Diversion Program and other rent relief programs may be further developed and expanded to assist the targeted homeless populations. The City of Rosemead looks forward to the implementation of this Plan as an opportunity to guide the City's strategic efforts and investments in preventing and responding to homelessness among residents of Rosemead. These efforts will be pursued in collaboration with local, regional, and countywide partners including local homelessness response provider agencies, community-based groups, the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments, and the Los Angeles Continuum of Care. City of Rosemead Homelessness Response Plan 2 CITY OF ROSEMEAD HOMELESSNESS PREVENTION AND RESPONSE PLAN I. Plan Information Plan Presentation to City Council for Adoption Period of Time Covered by Plan January 26, 2021 January 2021 — December 31, 2023 II. Pursuit of a City Plan to Address Homelessness The City of Rosemead pursued and developed this Homelessness Prevention and Response Plan to enhance efforts to reduce homelessness within Rosemead. The Plan aims to leverage local resources, build on current efforts, and align with Los Angeles County Homeless Initiative Strategies to maximize impact. In particular, the City of Rosemead has adopted strategies to reduce inflow into homelessness through targeted prevention and diversion efforts, boost existing homelessness response efforts through increased coordination and funding, and promote housing affordability. The City of Rosemead is in the San Gabriel Valley of Los Angeles County, with a population of approximately 54,058 people. Rosemead's population size has remained consistent in comparison to the broader region, increasing by only approximately 1,110 people from 2000 to 2017.1 Of the residents in Rosemead, 60.6% identify as Asian; 34.5% identify as Hispanic or Latino; 14.4% as white non-Hispanic; 0.5% as American Indian and Alaskan Native; and 0.2% as Black or African American.2 Approximately half of the city's housing units are occupied by renters (50.49%) and half are occupied by owners (49.51%). The median household income in Rosemead is 23% lower than in the County overall and 30% lower than the State.3 In January 2020, the Los Angeles Continuum of Care Point-in-Time Count determined there were 79 people experiencing literal (unsheltered) homelessness within Rosemead. This reflects a slight decrease from 2019 when 91 people were identified but continues to reflect an overall trend increase from earlier years. While a more detailed demographic breakdown is not yet 1 U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey: 2000, 2013-2017 ACS 5-Year Estimates. 2 U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey: 2019. 3 U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey: 2013-2017 ACS 5-Year Estimates. City of Rosemead Homelessness Response Plan 3 available for the 2020 Point-in-Time Count, the data from Rosemead's 2019 Point-in-Time Count reveals 46.2% identified as Hispanic or Latino, 27.5% as white non-Hispanic, 22% as Black or African American, and less than 5% as Asian, American Indian or Alaskan Native, or multi-racial. This data reflects a disproportionate prevalence of Hispanic or Latino, Black and African American, and white non-Hispanic people amongst those experiencing homelessness in Rosemead in comparison to the city's total population. Number of People Experiencing Homelessness (Point-in-Time Count) 120 - 100 - 91 79 80 - 70 60 - 51 40 - 20 20 - 0 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Of the people experiencing homelessness within Rosemead who were captured through the Point-in-Time Count enumeration process, 100% were unsheltered and none were living in emergency shelter. No emergency shelters or transitional housing programs currently exist within the city's jurisdiction. The graph below shows the living situations of people experiencing homelessness within the City at the time of the 2020 Point-in-Time Count. As can be seen in the graph, most people who are experiencing homelessness within the City are staying outdoors on the streets, in tents, or in makeshift shelters (66%), while 24% are staying in cars, vans, or recreational vehicles. City of Rosemead Homelessness Response Plan 4 Location of People Experiencing Homelessness (2020 Point-in-Time Count) 8.79% 10.28% 14.85% 53.03% 1.93% 11.12% •Street Makeshift Shelter •Tents RV/Camper •Vans Cars Further, while not reflected in the data above, stakeholders in Rosemead expressed concern the Point-in-Time Count underrepresents the number of people experiencing homelessness within the city, whether those are families who are fearful of engagement or because there are limited commercial or public areas within the largely residential city where people normally congregate. The most recent data available on homelessness in the region pre-dates the COVID-19 pandemic. The full impacts of the pandemic on housing stability in the city remain to be witnessed. As of the drafting of this Plan, California State Assembly Bill 3088, the Tenant, Homeowner and Small Landlord Relief and Stabilization Act of 2020, provides some protections for renters from eviction for nonpayment of rent and protection from no cause evictions.4 III. Planning Process In February 2020, the Governing Board of the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments (SGVCOG) formalized funding to support regional cities in the development of homelessness response plans. The City of Rosemead elected to participate in this effort to develop a city- 4 AB 3088, which took effect on August 31, 2020, provides some protections from eviction for tenants experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19 and delays the timeline for rental recovery by property owners. AB 3088 prevents eviction before February 1, 2021 for covered tenants who provide valid hardship declarations. City of Rosemead Homelessness Response Plan 5 based plan. In June 2020, the City began working with Focus Strategies,' the contracted consultant for the project, to strategize and engage in planning efforts. A. Information Gathering and Review The Plan was developed over a seven-month period from June 2020 through January 2021. To inform the strategies within the Plan, the City and Focus Strategies reviewed data on homelessness within Rosemead and the surrounding region, examined related city policies and planning documents (e.g., Consolidated Plan, Housing Element, etc.), and facilitated city department planning sessions' and community input sessions. Throughout the months of July and August 2020, input sessions were held with a total of 26 stakeholders that included elected officials, city staff members, homelessness response service provider agencies, community groups, and residents. In addition, the City of Rosemead hosted a public survey on its website to provide an additional opportunity for residents and community partners to provide input into the planning process: over 40 responses to the survey were received. These forums provided participants the opportunity to share views on the most pressing concerns related to homelessness in Rosemead, available resources, and opportunities for future efforts. The planning and input sessions, as well as the survey, explored topics such as: • What are the most urgent issues related to homelessness in Rosemead? • Are there trends you have noticed in the scope or needs of people experiencing homelessness within the city? • What current resources are available within the city to prevent or respond to homelessness, and what are the biggest gaps? • What is working well, and what opportunities exist for strengthening, current regional coordination or strategic planning efforts? • What short-term opportunities for policy, program, or system changes could yield a significant impact in improving outcomes for people experiencing or at-risk of homelessness, if implemented? 5 Focus Strategies is a national consulting firm, based on the West Coast, that specializes in strategic, data-informed solutions to homelessness. Through services that include homelessness response planning, system and program assessment, and equity analyses, Focus Strategies helps client communities develop housing-focused, person-centered strategies to reduce homelessness. 6 The following City Departments participated in the planning effort: Community Development, Parks and Recreation, Public Safety, and Public Works. In addition, representatives participated from City- contracted Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department services. City of Rosemead Homelessness Response Plan 6 B. Key Findings Based on information gathered through the data collection and stakeholder engagement process, there are four key findings related to homelessness within Rosemead: • Homelessness has increased over the years and is a common concern in the community. • There are public health and safety concerns associated with people experiencing homelessness, particularly unsheltered homelessness. • In comparison to the need, there is a lack of available homelessness response services and resources in or near Rosemead. • There is an insufficient supply of affordable housing for current and future needs of residents in the city. Additional context for each of these findings is summarized below. These themes informed the prioritization and development of goals and action steps for the City's Homelessness Response Plan. 1. Increases in Homelessness As with much of the surrounding region and county, homelessness in Rosemead has been steadily increasing over the past decade. More assessment is needed to identify potential causes of the increase: however, potential contributors include the lack of affordable housing in the city, inadequate interim and permanent housing resources in the region, and gaps in mental health and substance use services that could support unhoused people experiencing mental health or substance use disorders with accessing housing. Many stakeholders expressed concern regarding the unknown impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on rates of homelessness and housing instability within the city. 2. Public Health and Safety Concerns Concerns for the public health impacts of people experiencing unsheltered homelessness, particularly in commercial areas of the city where business operators have expressed uncertainty as to how to respond to people who are unsheltered near their facilities, were also raised in the information gathering process. Some people also shared safety concerns related to the prevalence or perception of illegal activities such as theft, property destruction, or substance use in areas frequented by people who were unsheltered. Through its contract with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department and the City's Code Enforcement Division, the City currently responds to a multitude of calls that may include mental or physical health crises, reports of encampments, and concerns related to quality of life situations or illegal activity. City of Rosemead Homelessness Response Plan 7 3. Lack of Available and Accessible Homelessness Response Services and Resources As of the writing of this Plan, no emergency shelters or transitional housing programs operate within the city's jurisdiction for people experiencing homelessness. However, through the City's CDBG program, Family Promise of San Gabriel Valley (FPSGV) has received partial funding to help operate a temporary transitional housing program for homeless families with minor children. The program also includes a resource center where families in the program can drop in to access case management and a full range of social services, and to use the shower/laundry facilities. FPSGV provides overnight housing and food for no more than four (4) families (or no more than 14 individuals--adults and children) for one week (7 days) at a time with a maximum of four (4) nonconsecutive times a year. Apart from occasional mobile outreach services operated through the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) or Service Planning Area 3 Lead Agencies in the city, housing- related resources available to individuals experiencing homelessness are located outside of the jurisdiction in the surrounding region. Efforts to develop programs within Rosemead have historically faced challenges garnering sufficient community support. Through the information gathering process, the following resources were highlighted as particular gaps within the city: emergency housing options; rental assistance; medical, mental health, and behavioral health resources; and affordable housing. 4. Lack of Affordable Housing Fifty-seven percent of respondents to the City's online survey identified affordable housing as a significant gap within the city, and 40% of respondents indicated it is one of the most pressing issues they are concerned about related to homelessness. Concerns related to rising housing costs and the lack of new or available affordable units are also echoed in the City's 2020 HUD Analysis of Impediments report for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). The City of Rosemead has adopted multiple goals within its Consolidated Plan for 2020-2025 that are intended to advance affordable housing efforts. These include: • Expansion of affordable housing opportunities: Using CDBG and HOME funds, build new housing units, support home ownership, and assist households with special needs. • Expansion of Fair Housing choice and access: Using CDBG funds, the City will provide direct assistance to families and provide tenant or landlord training workshops. As noted above, many stakeholders expressed concern that some households that may have been able to manage rents before the pandemic will not be able to continue to sustain payment of high housing costs. While the effects are still unknown, it is likely that the COVID-19 pandemic will exacerbate housing instability challenges within the city. City of Rosemead Homelessness Response Plan 8 C. Plan Development Based on findings from the information gathering and stakeholder engagement process, the City of Rosemead and Focus Strategies identified key goals for the City's Homelessness Response Plan, with a focus on homelessness prevention and enrichment of existing services. To support successful implementation of each goal, supporting actions, major tasks, metrics, and project leads were determined for each goal area. Through this process, the City also explored ways in which each goal may align with or enhance the impact of the Los Angeles County Homeless Initiative's Strategies. An initial draft of the City's Homelessness Response Plan was developed on October 28, 2020, and a ten-week internal review and refinement process was facilitated to finalize the Plan's contents. IV. The City of Rosemead's Homelessness Response Plan Goals The City of Rosemead identified the following goals to respond to community concerns related to homelessness and align with broader regional system strategies, approaches, and efforts: E. Enhance and expand existing homelessness prevention and housing response resources that can serve residents of Rosemead. F. Improve coordination of available homelessness prevention and response strategies for households in Rosemead. G. Increase education about homelessness within Rosemead to reduce stigma and expand awareness of available resources. H. Adopt and strengthen policies to further promote affordable housing preservation and development within the city. Below, an outline of key implementation strategies is included for each goal. This includes supporting actions, any related administrative or policy changes needed to achieve the goal, performance metrics to measure the achievement of the goal, city resources that can be leveraged or are needed to support the goal, and major task plans for each supporting action. A-1. Goal Enhance and expand existing homelessness prevention and housing response resources that can serve residents of Rosemead. This goal ties to the following Los Angeles County Homeless Initiative Strategies: • Al/A5: Prevent Homelessness for Families and Individuals • E7: Strengthen the Coordinated Entry System City of Rosemead Homelessness Response Plan 9 A-2. Supporting Actions Action 1: Operate the City of Rosemead's new Homeless Prevention and Diversion Program, a rental assistance and eviction prevention program.' Action 2: Explore opportunities to leverage or designate city resources for prevention and diversion program expansion and/or sustainability beyond current program period. Action 3: Encourage participation in regional problem-solving trainings for key city department personnel who frequently engage with persons or households experiencing or at-risk of homelessness. Action 4: Explore and, as appropriate, pursue opportunities to apply for and/or direct funds to existing housing strategies and programs addressing homelessness among residents in Rosemead. A-3. Necessary Policy or Administrative Changes to Achieve Goal This goal may require City of Rosemead policy or administrative changes. For example, the City of Rosemead has an existing Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) in place with the SGVCOG, which provided the initial funding for the launch of the Prevention and Diversion Program. Policy or administrative changes may be needed for amendments to the MOA and/or City Council approval of matching funds for the Prevention and Diversion Program. In addition, this goal may require policy or administrative changes should the City of Rosemead consider allocating funding towards existing homeless shelters and programs such as Union Station Homeless Services. A-4. Goal Measurement Metric 1: Delivery of prevention/diversion assistance for a minimum of six households by December 2021. • Data Sources: SGVCOG Quarterly Report • Timeline: December 2021 • Internal Progress Management Lead: Management Analyst 'The City of Rosemead applied for and was awarded a $15,000 grant through the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments for homelessness prevention and diversion efforts through rental assistance. The program is in effect from September 2020 through December 2021. City of Rosemead Homelessness Response Plan 10 Metric 2: Identification of and application for additional funding resources for prevention and/or diversion program expansion. • Data Sources: Internal City Department memo/update • Timeline: Ongoing • Internal Progress Management Roles: Administration Metric 3: Identification of and application for additional funding resources for programs addressing homelessness among residents in Rosemead. • Data Sources: Internal City Department memo/update • Timeline: Ongoing • Internal Progress Management Roles: Administration A-5. City Resources Leveraged to Achieve Goal Staffing time will be needed for related activities including but not limited to: participation in planning, operation, and evaluation of prevention and diversion program; coordination with SGVCOG and regional providers regarding resource connections; participation in applicable trainings and/or review of relevant resources on best practices; and, research and staff analyses of potential funding sources to support service expansion. Should the City decide to leverage and/or dedicate staffing towards prevention and/or diversion efforts for residents of Rosemead, there will be associated financial costs. These costs will be researched and reviewed as part of the implementation process for this goal. A-6. Major Tasks and Timelines The table below outlines major tasks that will be required to achieve Goal A. The table reflects anticipated timeframes for completion of each task: the tasks and/or timeline may be adjusted when implementation is underway to respond to emerging or extenuating circumstances. Goal A: Enhance and expand existing homelessness prevention and housing response resources that can serve residents of Rosemead. Action 1: Operate the City of Rosemead's new Homeless Prevention and Diversion Program. Major Tasks Timeline Key Stakeholders Involved Provide prevention and diversion In Process • Management Analyst services to households, utilizing City- developed policies, documentation paperwork, and data collection processes for the rental assistance and eviction prevention program. In coordination with SGVCOG, evaluate Ongoing • Administration outcomes of prevention and diversion • Management Analyst efforts. City of Rosemead Homelessness Response Plan 11 Action 2: Explore opportunities to leverage or designate city resources for prevention and diversion program expansion. Major Tasks Timeline Key Stakeholders Involved Research potential funding and apply Ongoing • Administration where applicable. • Management Analyst Present outcomes and updates to City Ongoing • Homeless Task Force Chair Council for consideration. • Administration Action 3: Encourage participation in regional problem-solving trainings for key city department personnel who frequently engage with persons or households experiencing or at-risk of homelessness. Major Tasks Timeline Key Stakeholders Involved Maintain communications with regional Ongoing • Homeless Task Force Chair and countywide providers to identify • Management Analyst potential training opportunities. Action 4: Explore and, as appropriate, pursue opportunities to apply for and/or direct funds to existing strategies and programs addressing homelessness among residents in Rosemead. Major Tasks Timeline Key Stakeholders Involved Research potential funding and apply Ongoing • Administration where applicable. • Management Analyst Present outcomes and updates to City Ongoing • Homeless Task Force Chair Council for consideration. • Administration B-1. Goal Improve coordination of available homelessness prevention and response strategies for households in Rosemead. This goal ties to the following Los Angeles County Homeless Initiative Strategies: • A1/A5: Prevent Homelessness for Families and Individuals • E7: Strengthen the Coordinated Entry System • E14: Enhance Services for Transition Age Youth B-2. Supporting Actions Action 1: Convene a Rosemead Homeless Task Force and meet on a quarterly basis to strategize responses to issues and concerns related to homelessness and monitor progress towards City Homeless Plan goals. The Taskforce will provide occasional reports/updates to the City Council on its activities and outcomes. Action 2: Continue to participate in Greater Los Angeles Point-in-Time Count. City of Rosemead Homelessness Response Plan 12 • The Greater Los Angeles Point-in-Time Count will not be taking place in January 2021 due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. This Supporting Action will be applicable for years in which LAHSA and its regional partners participate in the Point-in-Time Count. Action 3: Continue to participate in San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments (SGVCOG) homelessness planning and response efforts. Action 4: Participate in regional homelessness prevention and response efforts led by youth, family, and adult SPA Lead Agencies8 and coordinating groups such as the San Gabriel Valley Consortium. B-3. Necessary Policy or Administrative Changes to Achieve Goal This goal may require policy or administrative changes should new partnership or funding opportunities be pursued through the local and regional coordination efforts. B-4. Goal Measurement Metric 1: City Department participation in upcoming Greater Los Angeles Point-in-Time Counts. • Data Sources: City Department internal memos/updates • Timeline: Ongoing • Internal Progress Management Lead: City Homeless PIT Count Coordinator Metric 2: Consistent attendance and participation in city homelessness prevention and response efforts by members of interdepartmental Homeless Taskforce. • Data Sources: City department internal memos/updates • Timeline: Ongoing • Internal Progress Management Lead: Homeless Task Force Chair Metric 3: Development and delivery of reports on efforts and outcomes of Homeless Taskforce, including progress on plan goals. • Data Sources: City department internal memos/updates • Timeline: Ongoing; minimum report frequency of one time per year • Internal Progress Management Lead: Homeless Task Force Chair 8 Within each SPA, a Lead Agency is designated to manage and facilitate Coordinated Entry System resources and processes within the region. There is a Lead Agency for adults, youth, and families. As of the writing of this Plan, Union Station Homeless Services is the SPA 3 Lead Agency for adults and families and Hathaway-Sycamores is the SPA 3 Lead Agency for youth. City of Rosemead Homelessness Response Plan 13 Metric 4: City department participation in regional homelessness response meetings, such as those convened by San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments and SPA 3 Lead Agencies. • Data Sources: City department internal memo/updates • Timeline: Ongoing • Internal Progress Management Lead: Administration B-5. City Resources Leveraged to Achieve Goal Staffing time will be needed for related activities including but not limited to participation in meetings and activities of interdepartmental Rosemead Homeless Taskforce; planning for and participation in Greater Los Angeles Point-in-Time Count; participation in SGVCOG meetings and SPA coordination meetings; and preparation and delivery of reports on activities to City Council. Accomplishment of supporting actions for this goal may require utilization of City of Rosemead communication platforms, including the City's website and/or newsletters. B-6. Major Tasks and Timelines The table below outlines major tasks that will be required to achieve Goal A. The table reflects anticipated timeframes for completion of each task: the tasks and/or timeline may be adjusted when implementation is underway to respond to emerging or extenuating circumstances. GOAL B: Improve coordination of available homelessness prevention and response strategies for households in Rosemead Action 1: Convene a Rosemead Homeless Task Force on a quarterly basis to strategize responses to issues and concerns related to homelessness and monitor progress towards City Homeless Plan goals. Major Tasks Timeline Key Stakeholders Involved Develop and share calendar of Ongoing • Administration upcoming meetings with Taskforce members. Develop and present regular updates to Ongoing • Homeless Task Force Chair City Council regarding Taskforce efforts • Administration and outcomes. Action 2: Continue to participate in Greater Los Angeles Point-in-Time Count. Major Tasks Timeline Key Stakeholders Involved Participate in countywide planning Ongoing • City Homeless PIT Count efforts. Coordinator Coordinate internal city department October— • City Homeless PIT Count efforts to participate in PIT Count. January, each Coordinator year leading up to PIT Count City of Rosemead Homelessness Response Plan 14 Utilize City and LAHSA communications December— • City Homeless PIT Count platforms to recruit volunteers for PIT January, each Coordinator Count. year leading up • Homeless Task Force Chair to PIT Count Action 3: Continue to participate in SGVCOG homelessness response efforts. Major Tasks Timeline Key Stakeholders Involved Attend and participate in SGVCOG Ongoing • Administration meetings related to housing and • Management Analyst homelessness; maintain ongoing communications. Consider funding and partnership Ongoing • Administration opportunities for new services or • City Manager resources that are made available through the SGVCOG. Action 4: Participate in regional homelessness prevention and response efforts led by youth, family, and adult SPA Lead Agencies and coordinating groups such as the San Gabriel Valley Consortium. Major Tasks Timeline Key Stakeholders Involved Coordinate with SPA 3 Lead Agencies Ongoing • Administration to identify appropriate regional meetings • Homeless Task Force Chair to attend. • Management Analyst Attend and participate in identified Ongoing • Homeless Task Force Chair meetings. • Management Analyst C-1. Goal Increase education about homelessness within Rosemead to reduce stigma and expand awareness of available resources. This goal ties to the following Los Angeles County Homeless Initiative Strategies: • Al/A5: Prevent Homelessness for Families and Individuals • B3: Expand Rapid Rehousing • B4: Facilitate Utilization of Federal Housing Subsidies • E6: Expand Countywide Outreach System C-2. Supporting Actions Action 1: Develop and implement a training strategy for key city departments regarding availability of and ways to access homelessness response resources. The training may be developed internally or via a partnership with local or regional entities with expertise in homelessness resource availability. City of Rosemead Homelessness Response Plan 15 Action 2: Develop and implement a communications strategy to increase awareness within Rosemead about homelessness and available prevention and response resources. This may include specific strategies tailored towards the business community in commercial districts and/or towards landlords with residential property in the city. Potential activities under this Action may include but not be limited to: • Updates on the City's external communication portals (e.g., website) regarding homelessness and available local and regional resources, including information regarding Los Angeles County's Homeless Outreach Portal9. • Participation in the SGVCOG Regional Homeless Services Coordination Program, which aims to develop a centralized online resource hub for San Gabriel Valley homelessness response resources and to increase coordination between jurisdictions, non-profit providers, and community-based groups. • Exploration of partnership with service providers who could co-facilitate community trainings and town halls or who can have tables at community events to share about homelessness and local resources. Action 3: Develop and implement a communications strategy to inform property owners/managers of opportunities to partner with homelessness response system efforts to house people experiencing homelessness. • Support with distributing information regarding the SGVCOG's Landlord Outreach, Education, and Incentive Program, which provides landlords with education on the benefits of renting to households experiencing (or at risk of) homelessness who have Housing Choice Vouchers (e.g., Section 8 Vouchers) or are in Rapid Rehousing Programs to facilitate housing connections and assist property owners in filling rental vacancies. Action 4: Promote the use of Coordinated Entry Systems and other homelessness response services for people experiencing or at-risk of homelessness and transition age youth. C-3. Necessary Policy or Administrative Changes to Achieve Goal Through this goal, the City of Rosemead may consider allocating funding towards an educational campaign and outreach strategy related to homelessness and homelessness response resources. 9 Los Angeles County's Homeless Outreach Portal, la-hop.org, is designed to assist people experiencing unsheltered homelessness by providing information that LAHSA and outreach teams throughout the County can utilize to dispatch homeless services outreach teams to specific areas. City of Rosemead Homelessness Response Plan 16 C-4. Goal Measurement Metric 1: Participation in trainings on resource availability and access by representatives from Homeless Task Force and key department personnel. • Data Sources: Internal memos and updates • Timeline: Year 1 -2 • Internal Progress Management Lead: Homeless Task Force10 Committee Chair Metric 2: Completion and publication of communications materials regarding homelessness and available resources for residents and business community. • Data Sources: City department internal memo/update • Timeline: Year 1 • Internal Progress Management Lead: Homeless Task Force Committee Chair Metric 3: Increased Coordinated Entry System resource accessed by people with ties to Rosemead. • Data Sources: Data reports available through LAHSA • Timeline: Progress will be evaluated in alignment with LAHSA CES data report schedule." • Internal Progress Management Leads: City Homeless PIT Count Coordinator and Homeless Task Force Committee Chair C-5. City Resources to Achieve Goal Staffing time will be needed for related activities including but not limited to: research on local resources and/or coordination with local service provider for assistance developing resource list; development of trainings; participation in trainings; development and online publication of resource materials for residents on services available within region; and coordination with countywide and regional entities for data collection. Accomplishment of this goal will require utilization of City of Rosemead communication platforms, including the City's website and/or newsletters. 10 The City of Rosemead Homeless Task Force is an interdepartmental committee that includes representatives from Administration, Community Development, Parks and Recreation, Public Safety, and Public Works. With direction from the City of Rosemead City Council and City Manager, the Homeless Task Force leads the implementation of the City's Homelessness Response Plan and related efforts. 11 The most recent CES data report, which reflected information gathered through the Homelessness Management Information System (HMIS) database, covered a six-month period. It is anticipated reports will be released semi-annually or annually. City of Rosemead Homelessness Response Plan 17 C-6. Major Tasks and Timelines The table below outlines major tasks that will be required to achieve Goal C through the supporting actions. The table reflects anticipated timeframes for completion of each task: the tasks and/or timeline may be adjusted when implementation is underway to respond to emerging or extenuating circumstances. GOAL C: Develop and implement a communications strategy to increase education about homelessness within the city to reduce stigma and increase awareness of available resources. Action 1: Develop and implement a training strategy for key city departments regarding availability of and ways to access homelessness response resources. Major Tasks Timeline Key Stakeholder Roles Determine list of key departments and January —March • Homeless Task Force personnel for participation in training(s). 2021 • Department Heads • Administration Determine if training project deliverables January — March • Homeless Task Force will be designed and conducted 2021 • Management Analyst internally or via a contracted provider. Research potential service providers to March —June • Homeless Task Force conduct training. 2021 • Management Analyst Draft or review training materials; Fall/Winter 2021 • Homeless Task Force Finalize and present developed • Management Analyst materials. Maintain and/or coordinate with regional Ongoing • Homeless Task Force Chair provider to receive regularly updated • Management Analyst resource lists. Action 2: Develop and implement a communications strategy to increase awareness within city about homelessness and available prevention and response resources. Major Tasks Timeline Key Stakeholders Involved Decide upon key elements of January—March • Homeless Task Force communications strategy (e.g., website, 2021 • Management Analyst town halls, partnership with SGVCOG efforts, etc.). Determine if project deliverables will be January — March • Homeless Task Force developed internally or via a contracted 2021 • Management Analyst provider. Research and/or review effective January —June • Homeless Task Force communications strategy samples. 2021 • Management Analyst Draft and/or review initial draft materials; June — • Homeless Task Force Finalize and publish/present developed December 2021 • Management Analyst materials. • Administration City of Rosemead Homelessness Response Plan 18 Action 3: Develop and implement a communications strategy to inform property owners/managers of opportunities to partner with homelessness response system efforts to house people experiencing homelessness. Major Tasks Timeline Key Stakeholders Involved Participate in the San Gabriel Valley Ongoing • Homeless Task Force Chair Council of Governments' Landlord • Management Analyst Outreach, Education and Incentive Program. Coordinate with United Way's Everyone January — March • Homeless Task Force In campaign for messaging and 2021 • Management Analyst materials that can be included within communications strategy. Action 4: Promote the use of Coordinated Entry Systems and other homelessness response services for people experiencing or at-risk of homelessness and transition age youth. Major Tasks Timeline Key Stakeholders Involved Schedule meetings and/or maintain January— March • Management Analyst communications with SPA Lead 2021; Ongoing Agencies to facilitate referral and thereafter coordination efforts; Refer eligible residents to CES agencies as appropriate for services and resources. Develop schedule for updates to related Ongoing • Management Analyst resources on City website and other communication platforms. Maintain and/or coordinate with regional January — March • Management Analyst provider to receive regularly updated 2021; Ongoing resource lists. thereafter Review LAHSA reports on CES Ongoing, as • Management Analyst assessments and services received by reports are people with connections to Rosemead. available D-1. Goal Adopt and strengthen policies to further promote affordable housing preservation and development within the city. This goal ties to the following Los Angeles County Homeless Initiative Strategies: • F5: Incentive ZoningNalue Capture Strategies • F7: Preserve and Promote the Development of Affordable Housing for Homeless Families and Individuals City of Rosemead Homelessness Response Plan 19 D-2. Supporting Actions Phase 1 Action 1: Explore opportunities within Housing Element Update12 to monitor and preserve existing affordable housing and to expand affordable housing stock for all income levels, including for households in low- and very low-income thresholds. Action 2: Explore opportunities to utilize Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) funding for affordable housing projects, including identification of feasible sites for projects serving Veterans and/or other populations in need of affordable housing. Action 3: Research Permanent Local Housing Allocation (PLHA) funding through the State of California designated for Rosemead to determine preferred usage(s). These funds can be utilized in a variety of ways to support efforts to increase the affordable housing stock such as: development, acquisition, and rehabilitation of multiple affordable housing project types; contributions to San Gabriel Valley Regional Housing Trust; preservation and creation of new permanent supportive housing; and assistance for people who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Phase 2 Action 1: Apply for Permanent Local Housing Fund (PLHA) allocation. Building upon Phase 1, Action 3 above, research feasibility of a City project and/or consider partnering with the SGV Regional Housing Trust for administration of Rosemead's fund allocation. Action 2: If determined to be in alignment with City and regional strategies, join San Gabriel Valley's Regional Housing Trust as a member city. There are two tiers of membership for consideration: affiliate or full membership. D-3. Necessary Policy or Administrative Changes to Achieve Goal There will be City Council action needed to advance each of the supporting actions identified for Goal D Phase 1 and Phase 2 pertaining to the advancement of affordable housing development and preservation. For Phase 1, the City Council will adopt the final Housing Element through a public hearing process. City Council approval may also be required depending on the type of project considered through HOME and/or PLHA funding. HOME-funded project approval may 12 The City of Rosemead's current Housing Element is for 2014-2021. The City is currently in the process of developing an update for 2021-2029. City of Rosemead Homelessness Response Plan 20 be pursued through the Annual Action Plan or via a HUD HOME funding Substantial Amendment. Phase 2 actions related to PLHA funding and/or Regional Housing Trust membership will also require City Council approval to move forward. D-4. Goal Measurement Metric 1: Inclusion of specific strategies within Housing Element that address needs of people at-risk of experiencing homelessness. • Data Sources: Housing Element • Timeline: Housing Element is scheduled for completion in October 2021 • Internal Progress Management Leads: Community Development Director; Planning and Economic Development Manager Metric 2: Identification of potential sites for affordable housing project for Veterans and other populations in need of affordable housing. • Data Sources: City Department internal reports • Timeline: Ongoing • Internal Progress Management Lead: Administration Further performance metrics and corresponding timelines for goals related to the monitoring and preservation of affordable housing, for all income levels including for lower-income households, will be incorporated into the upcoming Housing Element Update. D-5. City Resources Leveraged to Achieve Goal Community Development Department staffing time will be required for the Housing Element planning and development process. The specific City resources needed to support the implementation of the affordable housing strategies adopted in the Housing Element Update will be detailed in that document. Community Development and Administration staffing time will also be needed for research and preparation for proposals to City Council regarding the funding and housing development opportunities available through the PLHA and Regional Housing Trust. Should these items be approved, additional staffing time will be needed for implementation. D-6. Major Tasks and Timelines The table below outlines major tasks that will be required to complete the Actions in support of Goal D. The table reflects anticipated timeframes for completion of each task: the tasks and/or timeline may be adjusted when implementation is underway to respond to emerging or extenuating circumstances. City of Rosemead Homelessness Response Plan 21 Phase 1 Goal D:Adopt and strengthen policies to further promote affordable housing preservation and development within the city. Action 1: Explore opportunities within Housing Element update to monitor and preserve existing affordable housing and to expand affordable housing stock, for all income levels including for households in low- and very low-income thresholds. Major Tasks Timeline Key Stakeholders Involved Develop Housing Element schedule, November 2020 • Planning & Economic review existing conditions, issues, — February 2021 Development Manager opportunities, and challenges. • Community Development Director Conduct housing assessment and February—June • Planning & Economic needs analysis, survey vacant 2021 Development Manager developable land, and housing • Community Development production constraints analysis. Director • Administration Explore potential policies and programs April —August • Planning & Economic that will develop various housing types 2021 Development Manager for all income levels. • Community Development Director • Administration Draft Housing Element and facilitate August— • Planning & Economic community engagement process. September 2021 Development Manager • Community Development Director Finalize and adopt Housing Element September— • Planning & Economic Update. October 2021 Development Manager • Community Development Director Action 2: Explore opportunities to utilize HUD HOME funding for affordable housing projects, including identification of feasible sites for project serving Veterans and/or other populations in need of affordable housing. Major Tasks Timeline Key Stakeholders Involved Canvass vacant/underutilized land and Ongoing • Administration blighted properties for potential affordable housing site(s). Action 3: Research Permanent Local Housing Fund (PLHA) allocation designated for City of Rosemead (through entitlement formula). Major Tasks Timeline Key Stakeholders Involved Research funding source and potential January —June • Administration PLHA funding usages. 2021 • Management Analyst City of Rosemead Homelessness Response Plan 22 Phase 2 Goal D:Adopt and strengthen policies to further promote affordable housing preservation and development within the city. Action 1: Apply for Permanent Local Housing Fund (PLHA) allocation. Major Tasks Timeline Key Stakeholders Involved Prepare application for 2021 and/or To be • Administration 2022 NOFA. determined, • Management Analyst based on application dates. Additional tasks to be determined, based on City Council direction. Action 2: If determined to be in alignment with City and regional strategies, join San Gabriel Valley's Regional Housing Trust as a member city. Major Tasks Timeline Key Stakeholders Involved Research SGV Regional Housing Trust To be • Administration and present membership options to City determined. • Management Analyst Council. Additional tasks to be determined, based on City Council direction. V. Plan Implementation Lead The primary contact for the City of Rosemead's Homelessness Response Plan is the City Manager's Office. Contact information is included below: City of Rosemead City Hall 8838 E. Valley Boulevard, Rosemead, California, 91770 (626) 569-2100 VI. Participation in Collaborative Efforts As part of SPA 3 of the Los Angeles Continuum of Care, Rosemead connects residents to the Los Angeles Coordinated Entry System (CES) structure through the lead agency for each CES population: Union Station Homeless Services (Adults and Families) and Hathaway-Sycamores Child and Family Services (Youth CES). In addition, Volunteers of America operates CES City of Rosemead Homelessness Response Plan 23 Access Points in nearby Pomona and El Monte. Further, unhoused individuals in Rosemead receive outreach services via SPA 3's coordination outreach network.13 While not physically located within the City of Rosemead, these CES sites provide services to people residing in Rosemead. For example, between July 1, 2019 and December 31, 2019, 88 people who were staying in Rosemead were assessed through the CES process. Fifty-five percent of the households assessed were individual adults and 39% were family units. During the report period, 26 households from Rosemead accessed interim or emergency housing, 51 received rapid rehousing assistance, and 14 gained permanent housing through rapid rehousing, permanent supportive housing, or other stably housed destinations.14 A representative from the City of Rosemead will participate in relevant CES coordination meetings for the region, to continue to ensure and enhance services for residents. In addition to collaboration with the Los Angeles Continuum of Care, the City of Rosemead is a member of the SGVCOG. Together, the member cities work to improve the quality of life for the more than 2 million residents residing in the San Gabriel Valley by focusing on issues such as those related to housing stability and homelessness. Through the SGVCOG, Rosemead has recently launched its Prevention and Diversion Program, and joined the regional Landlord Outreach, Education, and Incentive Program. The City of Rosemead will continue to explore new opportunities through the SGVCOG and the Los Angeles Continuum of Care to serve residents experiencing housing crises. VII. County Homeless Initiative Strategies The following table summarizes the City of Rosemead's current and planned areas of collaboration or alignment with the Los Angeles County Homeless Initiative Strategies. Plan to Currently County Homeless Initiative Strategies Participate Participating A. Prevent Homelessness ❑ Al. Homeless Prevention for families ❑x ❑ A5. Homeless Prevention for Individuals 13 The El Monte Multi-Disciplinary Team, El Monte Homeless Engagement Team, Public Spaces West Team, and DMH Homeless Services Team are assigned to areas that include Rosemead. The El Monte teams cover the following cities: El Monte, Temple City, Rosemead, South El Monte, West Covina, Hacienda Heights, La Puente, and Valinda. The Public Spaces team outreach in parks, libraries, and Metro stations in San Gabriel Valley. The DMH team serves all of SPA 3. 14 Data from LAHSA's Homelessness Statistics by City report; February 2020. City of Rosemead Homelessness Response Plan 24 B.Subsidize Housing ❑ ❑ B3. Partner with Cities to Expand Rapid Rehousing ❑ B4. Facilitate Utilization of Federal Housing Subsidies ❑ ❑ B6. Family Reunification Housing Subsidies ❑ ❑ B7. Interim/Bridge Housing for those Exiting Institutions ❑ ❑ B8. Housing Choice Vouchers for Permanent Supportive Housing C. Increase Income ❑ ❑ Cl. Enhance the CalWORKs Subsidized Employment Program for Homeless Families ❑ ❑ C2. Increase Employment for Homeless Adults by Supporting Social Enterprise ❑ ❑ C4/5/6. Countywide Supplemental Security/Social Security Disability Income and Veterans Benefits Advocacy ❑ ❑ C7. Subsidize Employment for Homeless Adults D. Provide Case Management and Services ❑ ❑ D2. Jail In-Reach ❑x ❑ D5. Support for Homeless Case Managers ❑ ❑ D6. Criminal Record Clearing Project ❑ ❑ D7. Provide Services for Permanent Supportive Housing E.Create a Coordinated System ❑ ❑ E4. First Responders Training ❑ ❑ E5. Decriminalization Policy ❑x ❑ E6. Expand Countywide Outreach System ❑x ❑ E7. Strengthen the Coordinated Entry System (CES) ❑ ❑ E8. Enhance the Emergency Shelter System ❑ ❑ E10. Regional Coordination of Los Angeles County Housing Agencies x❑ ❑ E14. Enhance Services for Transition Age Youth F. Increase Affordable/Homeless Housing ❑ ❑ F1. Promote Regional SB2 Compliance and Implementation ❑ ❑ F2. Linkage Fee Nexus Study ❑ ® F4. Development of Second Dwelling Units Program ❑x ❑ F5. Incentive Zoning/Value Capture Strategies ❑ ❑ F6. Using Public Land for Homeless Housing x❑ ® F7. Preserve and Promote the Development of Affordable Housing for Homeless Families and Individuals ❑ ❑ F7. Housing Innovation Fund (One-time) City of Rosemead Homelessness Response Plan 25 Appendix A. Los Angeles County Homeless Initiative: Approved Strategies In 2015, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors launched the Homeless Initiative to create a coordinated, effective, stakeholder developed, response to the pervasive and increasing homelessness crisis in the region. The resulting set of strategies, organized in 6 key areas, form the basis of the Approved Strategies to Combat Homelessness.15 Additional details on the strategies referenced in the City's Homelessness Prevention and Response Plan are included in the table below. Strategy Brief Description16 A. Prevent Homelessness Al./A5. Homeless Develop an integrated, comprehensive homeless prevention Prevention Program for program for families and individuals that draws on existing Families and Individuals models and builds upon existing County homeless prevention funding sources. Prevention includes rental/housing subsidies, case management and employment services, and legal services. B. Subsidize Housing B4. Facilitate Utilization of Encourage landlord acceptance of subsidized tenants with a Federal Housing Subsidies Housing and Urban Development voucher issued by Los Angeles County Development Agency. D. Provide Case Management and Services D5. Support for Homeless Develop and implement a plan/plans to support community- Case Managers based case managers who are working with households experiencing homelessness. E. Create a Coordinated System E6. Expand Countywide Leverage current outreach efforts and create a countywide Outreach System network of multidisciplinary, integrated street-based teams to identify, engage and connect, or re-connect, households experiencing homelessness to interim and/or permanent housing and supportive services. 15 Los Angeles County Homeless Initiative's Approved Strategies to Combat Homelessness may be found at: https://homeless.lacounty.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/HI-Report-Approved2.pdf 16 Descriptions are excerpted or summarized from Approved Strategies to Combat Homelessness. City of Rosemead Homelessness Response Plan 26 E7. Strengthen the Strengthen the Coordinated Entry System through efforts that Coordinated Entry System may include strengthening the network of housing locators in each SPA, implementing core curricula for staff participating in CES, contributing funding to CES to support housing connections, etc.. E14. Enhance Services for Support strategies to prevent and respond to homelessness Transition Age Youth among transition age youth, which may include contributing funding to support services, strengthening collaboration with community-based organizations serving youth, etc.. F. Increase Affordable/Homeless Housing F4. Development of Support the development of second units on single-family lots Second Dwelling Units through the review process and technical assistance, which Program could be specifically tied to subsidized and/or homeless housing. F5. Incentive ZoningNalue Assess and implement various Incentive ZoningNalue Capture Capture Strategies strategies (e.g., transportation, infrastructure investments, zoning changes, density bonus) for potential increases in land values and profit opportunities for private landowners, for the benefit of the public good. F7. Preserve and Promote Preserve current affordable housing and promote the the Development of development of affordable housing for households experiencing Affordable Housing for homelessness. Homeless Households City of Rosemead Homelessness Response Plan 27 IS' I<OSEMEAD Iced iv\ 5ni.ill icnvit Aunerk.i City Homelessness Prevention and Response Plan Presentation to City of Rosemead City Council January 26, 2021 Intent of Planning Process • To develop a roadmap to guide the City's homelessness prevention and response efforts and investments • To better understand local trends in homelessness and feedback from community stakeholders about concerns and opportunities related to homelessness prevention (e.g., aiding in eviction prevention) and response strategies • To identify opportunities to increase support for existing strategies and programs providing services to youth, families and adults experiencing homelessness within Rosemead • To explore ways to address housing market affordability challenges • To align with regional and countywide homelessness response strategies to maximize impact and prepare for future funding opportunities Planning Process Information Identification Development Plan Gathering of Priority of Plan Goals Presentation and Action and and Review Needs Steps Finalization Homelessness in Rosemead L71c4r17,,::_.,.:,.a. s. :�.: ,� std". ,ham -i771—'70' - a �`" P t,Ed^4. �, � � Location of People Experiencing Homelessness (2020 Point-in-Time Count) 8.79% 10.28% 14.85% 53.03% 1 .93% 11 .12% • Street Makeshift Shelter ■ Tents RV/Camper •Vans Cars Homelessness in Rosemead Number of People Experiencing Homelessness (Point-in-Time Count) 100 - 91 • Overall upward trends in 79 homelessness over past 80 - 70 5+ years 60 - 51 • Over a 6-month period in 40 - 2019, 88 individuals or 20 families staying in 20 - Rosemead were assessed through the Coordinated 0 Entry System 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Stakeholder Priorities • Homelessness has increased over the years and is � � � :'-$4'.4.-'35- ---- ‘ �° z = a common concern in the community. *, '�" .. % 3 \ There are public health and safety concerns ' j associated with people experiencing homelessness, w particularly unsheltered homelessness. • In comparison to the need, there is a lack of kms, # = available homelessness response services and resources in or near Rosemead. .::::: l . , : :. - -.. • There is an insufficient supply of affordable housing for current and future needs of residents in the city. Plan Goals Enhance and expand existing homelessness prevention and •• housing response resources that can serve residents of Rosemead. :W4is Improve coordination of available homelessness prevention `_ and response strategies for households in Rosemead. Increase education about homelessness within Rosemead to - - - reduce stigma and expand awareness of available resources. IIAdopt and strengthen policies to further promote affordable /�1 housing preservation and development within the city. .• Enhance & Expand Prevention and Housing Resources •• •• Action 1 Operate the City of Rosemead's new Homeless Prevention and Diversion Program, a rental assistance and eviction prevention program. Action 2 Explore opportunities to leverage or designate city resources for prevention and diversion program expansion and/or sustainability beyond current program period Action 3 Encourage participation in regional problem-solving trainings for key city department personnel who frequently engage with persons or households experiencing or at-risk of homelessness. Action 4 Explore and, as appropriate, pursue opportunities to apply for and/or direct funds to existing housing strategies and programs addressing homelessness among residents in Rosemead. =f♦= Improve Coordination of Available Strategies _ .. .._ __ __ , , _ . _ . _ .. ._ , . _ .. . .. ._ ._ _ . „.. ., . „ . , , .. . Action 1 Convene a Rosemead Homeless Task Force and meet on a quarterly basis to strategize responses to issues and concerns related to homelessness and monitor progress towards City Homeless Plan goals. The Taskforce will provide occasional reports/updates to the City Council on its activities and outcomes. Action 2 Continue to participate in Greater Los Angeles Point-in-Time Count. Action 3 Continue to participate in San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments (SGVCOG) homelessness planning and response efforts. Action 4 Participate in regional homelessness prevention and response efforts led by youth, family, and adult SPA Lead Agencies and coordinating groups such as the San Gabriel Valley Consortium. Increase Awareness of Homelessness & Resources Action 1 Develop and implement a training strategy for key city departments regarding availability of and ways to access homelessness response resources. The training may be developed internally or via a partnership with local or regional entities with expertise in homelessness resource availability. Action 2 Develop and implement a communications strategy to increase awareness within Rosemead about homelessness and available prevention and response resources. This may include specific strategies tailored towards the business community in commercial districts and/or towards landlords with residential property in the city. Action 3 Promote the use of Coordinated Entry Systems and other homelessness response services for people experiencing or at-risk of homelessness and transition age youth. �,� Promote affordable housing preservation & development A PHASE ONE Action 1 Explore opportunities within Housing Element Update to monitor and preserve existing affordable housing and to expand affordable housing stock for all income levels, including for households in low- and very low- income thresholds. Action 2 Explore opportunities to utilize Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) funding for affordable housing projects, including identification of feasible sites for projects serving Veterans and/or other populations in need of affordable housing. Action 3 Research Permanent Local Housing Allocation funding through the State of California designated for Rosemead to determine preferred usage(s). 1A Promote affordable housing preservation & development PHASE TWO Action 1 If approved by City Council, apply for Permanent Local Housing Allocation funding. Action 2 Research and, if determined to be in alignment with City and regional strategies, join San Gabriel Valley's Regional Housing Trust as a member city. Plan Discussion and Questions c • ` .v 7.:., .L • I �, 1 b. Ky, . r $i f Next Steps Staff recommends the City Council adopt the Homelessness Prevention and Response Plan and direct staff to begin implementation of plan.