Board of Supervisors Q1-23

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

Q1-23

Highlights from Q1 (January through March 2023) include:

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. The newly formed Enhanced Care Management (ECM) Team is currently working out of the building.
Empire Mine Courtyard has converted all units to permanent housing. Units are either occupied or in the process of selecting an occupant.
Continued to work closely with state and federal partners to utilize Built for Zero data for the Campaign to End Veterans Homelessness.
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.
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 27 applicants for a total of $129,718 since the program began in November. Of the 27 applicants served, 22 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 served through Child Welfare Services aged 0-5 receiving behavioral health services by 70%.
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. Contracts are in place to support the North San Juan warming center and the Truckee shelter.

Next Steps

Q1-23

Plans for Q2 (April through June 2023) include:

Continue exploring options to expand con-congregate and interim shelter to reduce unsheltered homelessness.
Develop a process to quickly identify low vulnerability individuals on the by-name list to prevent homelessness.
Work with Connecting Point and HMIS administrator to quickly identify newly homeless people and connect them to services.
Work with Connecting Point to develop a process to connect those at risk of homelessness on the prevention by-name list to housing resources.