Title:
Title
(Housing Authority/City Council) Update on Emergency Bridge Housing at the Grove [Oral Report]
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FileID
File ID: 2020-00615
Location
Location: District 2
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Recommendation:
Recommendation
Receive and file.
FileName
Contact: Sarah O’Daniel, Director of Housing Choice Voucher and Homeless Innovations, (916) 440-1397; La Shelle Dozier, Executive Director, (916) 440-1319, Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency
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Presenter: Sarah O’Daniel, Director of HCV and Homeless Innovations, (916) 440-1397, Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency
Attachments:
1-Description/Analysis
Description/Analysis
Issue Detail: On February 18, 2020, the Housing Authority Board approved the development of an emergency initiative to shelter unsheltered transitional aged youth (TAY) in double occupancy sleeping cabins on Grove Avenue in Council district two. This initiative was developed on short notice and met Governor Newsom’s 100-day challenge and responded to the Shelter Crisis Declaration of January 14, 2020.
After approval, Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency (SHRA) staff moved quickly to establish the cabins, trailers for office space, and hygiene facilities on private property that is adjacent to St Paul’s Church (church) on 2787 Grove Avenue.
Through the emergency bridge housing initiative, shelter is provided for unsheltered TAY between the ages of 18-24 who enter through a youth centric coordinated entry system and receive robust wrap around services coordinated by First Step Communities (FSC) that focus on a housing first, trauma informed care model.
Focusing on TAY allows the operator to provide the youth with shelter, case management support, and help to become self-sufficient. This strategy addresses community concerns related to homeless youth early, and will increase the chances that they will not become part of the chronically homeless population in the future.
On April 7, 2020, SHRA staff sought guidance from City Council on whether to proceed with this initiative in light of the current pandemic and the need to review all homeless initiatives that are underway. The Mayor and City Council requested that the operations of the project to be put on hold for 30 days, but allowed continuation of the construction of the site.
On April 21, 2020, Council directed SHRA staff to bring the item back for review earlier than the original 30 days. At that time, Council directed staff to proceed with the project and continue construction.
At full build out the sleeping cabin community, utilizing other land owned by the church, will have 50 double occupancy cabins for 80-100 TAY providing shelter and wrap around services with the goal of transitioning them to stable housing within four to six months.
The initial startup phase envisioned sheltering 48 TAY in 24 sleeping cabins (with double occupancy). Given the current pandemic and the need for social distancing, double occupancy cabins will be allowed for homeless TAY couples and single occupancy cabins will be required for individuals. Depending on whether singles or couples occupy the cabins, at full occupancy, there will be anywhere between 24-48 individuals sheltered under the COVID-19 parameters. Once the pandemic subsides and restrictions are lifted, double occupancy in all cabins can resume with the goal of future expansion of the project.
Project Status
All site preparation is completed and 24 cabins and office and community trailers are on site. Underground electrical lines are connected to all cabins and each cabin has heating and air conditioning. Water service and sewer lines are connected to the restroom trailers and the property is fenced on all sides. Finally, security cameras and lighting have been installed throughout the property. Staff will present the latest operational update at the Housing Authority/Council meeting.
Policy Considerations: This initiative is consistent with the Governors Executive Order N-23-20 to reduce street homelessness, break down barriers to homeless individuals accessing health care and other critical services, and to increase sheltering options for those experiencing homelessness. It is also consistent with the City’s declaration of a shelter crisis pursuant to Government Code Section 8698.2.
Economic Impacts: Not applicable.
Environmental Considerations: This low barrier navigation project is not a discretionary action subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Government Code §§ 65660 & 65662, and is exempt as a project necessary to mitigated an emergency pursuant to CEQA Guidelines §15269(c).
Sustainability Considerations: The Emergency Bridge Housing sleeping cabin community is a pilot program. Upon evaluation and review, the pilot may be considered for scaling up or replicating for another emergency sleeping cabin community to be operated in a different City Council District with a goal of self-sufficiency.
Committee/Commission Action: At its June 17, 2020 meeting, the Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Commission received an update on this initiative.
Rationale for Recommendation: Through this initiative, up to 48 TAY will be temporarily sheltered, receive critical services, and be connected to stable housing as part of the re-housing efforts. The goal is to provide the services needed to help the youth become self-sufficient and prevent them from becoming part of the chronic homeless population in Sacramento.
Financial Considerations: There are no new financial considerations in this report. The initial startup to launch 24 sleeping cabins for up to 48 youth is approximately $5.6 million for construction and operation costs. This also includes funds for outreach and re-housing services to provide stable housing for the TAY in the community.
Local Business Enterprise (LBE) - M/WBE and Section 3 requirements: Not applicable.