Homelessness

Board of Supervisors 2022

Leverage partnerships, housing first, and sustainable reforms in order to continue efforts to prevent homelessness, provide emergency shelter, expand supportive services, secure housing, and enhance coordination to address the needs of the homeless population and to mitigate impacts on the community

Progress Update

Q4-22

Highlights from the past quarter (September through December):

Behavioral Health Community Infrastructure Program funds were awarded to purchase a property on Sutton Way to be used as a Day Center and Navigation Center. Escrow closed September 15 on the property and staff are currently working to pull down grant funds and plan renovations.
Empire Mine Courtyard is under renovation and will convert 21 units of affordable permanent housing by February for households experiencing homelessness.
Continued to work closely with state and federal partners to utilize Built for Zero data for the Campaign to End Veterans Homelessness by the end of the year.
Collaborated with the local Continuum of Care (CoC) to complete a Homeless Action Plan (pursuant to new state regulations governing allocations of Homeless Housing, Assistance, and Prevention (HHAP) funding to address homelessness). The plan has been accepted by the state. Updates to the plan, as required for round 4 allocations of HHAP funding, have been presented to the Board of Supervisors for public comment and submitted to the state.
Continued to leverage incoming coronavirus relief funds for mortgage assistance and rental assistance for those impacted by the pandemic. Community Development Block Grant Funding is currently supporting a mortgage, rental, and utility assistance program that has served 10 applicants for a total of $30,500 since the program began in November. The majority of these applicants had past due rent or mortgages and were in danger of eviction and homelessness.
The Landlord Liaison and Recruitment Program (LLP) is currently underway and is being promoted to the public through press releases, collaboration with local businesses, and through Community Solutions and the Built for Zero initiative.
Worked to expanded permanent supportive housing (PSH) by 28 units through Brunswick Commons, Pacific Crest Commons, and the Ranch House. Units are currently in construction, planning, or have been completed.
Developed an Early Psychosis Intervention program in collaboration with UC Davis.
Increased number of children aged 0-5 receiving behavioral health services by 23% between FY 20/21 and 21/22.
Behavioral Health launched the Enhanced Care Management Team to improve connectivity to Nevada County Behavioral Health treatment. The team includes a peer specialist role to focus on outreach to individuals experiencing homelessness.
Renewed shelter contracts for low barrier shelter, emergency shelter, and domestic violence shelter, and continued to support non-congregate shelter through the Sierra Guest Home contract with Hospitality House.
Purchased house and put into operation six units of justice involved diversion housing.