Title
a. Receive a presentation on the accomplishments of the Homelessness Strategies and Initiatives Division of the County Administrative Office for FY 2024-25 and 2025-26; and
b. Provide direction to staff as necessary.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Receive a presentation on the accomplishments of the Homelessness Strategies and Initiatives Division of the County Administrative Office for FY 2024-25 and 2025-26; and
b. Provide direction to staff as necessary.
SUMMARY:
Since its establishment in 2022, the Homelessness Strategies and Initiatives Division (CAO-HSI) within the County Administrative Office has served as the County’s central coordinating body for homelessness policy, planning, funding, and systemwide implementation efforts. The Division is responsible for developing, coordinating, and administering countywide strategies to address homelessness through a comprehensive and collaborative approach that aligns local, state, and federal priorities. This includes leading strategic planning efforts, establishing systemwide priorities, coordinating interdepartmental and interagency responses, managing grants and contracts, evaluating program performance, and advancing policies and initiatives designed to reduce homelessness and improve housing stability throughout Monterey County.
DISCUSSION:
Since its inception, CAO-HSI has played a critical leadership role in securing and implementing millions of dollars in state and federal homelessness funding, strengthening regional partnerships, and developing innovative solutions to address unsheltered homelessness, interim housing needs, permanent supportive housing development, and encampment resolution efforts. Notable accomplishments include leading the development and implementation of multiple Encampment Resolution Funding (ERF) projects, including the Sendero Interim Housing in the City of Soledad, which successfully resolved a large encampment along the Salinas River and connected individuals to housing, behavioral health services, benefits, and treatment programs. The Division led efforts to secure funding and advance the development of HOPE Village, a low-barrier, non-congregate navigation center in Watsonville designed to serve individuals impacted by homelessness and regional displacement pressures associated with the Pajaro levee expansion project.
In South Monterey County, CAO-HSI coordinated a multi-agency effort to recover and reposition a previously stalled Homekey project in King City. Through strategic partnerships with the Housing Authority of the County of Monterey, the Health Department, Department of Social Services, the Continuum of Care, Central California Alliance for Health, and the City of King, the Division helped secure funding and long-term rental subsidies necessary to transform the site into permanent supportive housing for individuals experiencing homelessness.
In addition to project implementation, CAO-HSI has advanced broader system improvement initiatives focused on accountability, performance measurement, and regional coordination. The Division has worked closely with the Coalition of Homeless Services Providers (CHSP), the Continuum of Care (CA-506), local jurisdictions, healthcare partners, nonprofit organizations, and County departments to align homelessness response efforts, strengthen Coordinated Entry and HMIS participation, and establish standardized performance measures and monitoring frameworks for County-funded homeless services programs. These efforts are intended to improve transparency, support data-driven decision-making, strengthen competitiveness for state and federal funding opportunities, and ensure greater consistency across the County’s homelessness response system.
This presentation is intended to provide the Board of Supervisors with an overview of CAO-HSI’s activities, accomplishments, and ongoing initiatives since the Division’s establishment in 2022. The presentation highlights the Division’s evolving role as a regional leader in homelessness response efforts and demonstrates the County’s continued progress toward building a more coordinated, accountable, and housing-focused system of care aimed at reducing homelessness throughout Monterey County.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT/COMMITTEE ACTIONS:
This Board Report was reviewed by the Office of County Counsel. Projects and initiatives being discussed were made possible through many partnerships, including the State of California, Housing Authority of the County of Monterey, The Coalition of Homeless Services Providers, Step-Up on Second, City of Soledad, City of King, City of Salinas, and other County Departments.
FINANCING:
There are no financial implications to General Funds.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS:
Mark a check to the related Board of Supervisors Strategic Plan Goals:
____ Well-Being and Quality of Life
____ Sustainable Infrastructure for the Present and Future
____ Safe and Resilient Communities
____ Diverse and Thriving Economy
Other:
__X_ Administrative
Link to the Strategic Plan:
<https://www.countyofmonterey.gov/home/showdocument?id=139569>
Prepared by: Roxanne V. Wilson, County Homeless Services Director, x5445
Approved by: Nick Chiulos, Chief Assistant County Administrative Officer, x5145
Attachments:
Presentation