Homelessness & Housing Update - September 2021

What has your LOC been working on for the past 4 weeks?

The Homelessness & Housing LOC has continued to monitor the city master siting plan implementation, and have been in communication with other advocacy and service organizations in discussing ways to monitor and influence the city's approach to responsibly implement this plan. We have also been monitoring the County discussions about the American Rescue Plan Funds, and most recently also began reviewing some of the city and county proposals for use of ARPA HUD funding.

Research Meetings

We had a research meeting with Emily Halcon, who recently became Director of Homeless Initiatives with Sacramento County. Our LOC has been in relationship with her for some time, and this research meeting gave us some insight into this new role that she has stepped into and ways that we can deepen our advocacy at the county level. We also had a research meeting with County Supervisor, Patrick Kennedy. from County District 2. This meeting happened shortly after the tragic mobile home park fires in South Sacramento, which was within his district. We discussed affordable housing, code enforcement, and other ways that we can get involved.

Homelessness & Housing Update - August 2021

What has your LOC been working on for the past 4 weeks?

Our big push in the last few weeks was related to the City's Master Siting Plan to end homelessness. We supported the plan, but also proposed a number of changes and urgent points to consider moving forward. To view our LOC's public comment, use this link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NOM4wtlnefELno8dBeyQOfcVZlM6U8Y5/view?usp=sharing

We also continue to advocate for a coordinated, comprehensive plan to end homelessness. Significant movement and activity has moved the needle more toward this goal, which is exciting.

Action Updates

The City Council unanimously voted to pass the Master Siting Plan. We will continue to monitor the progress of this plan as it continues to move forward, particularly with regards to its actual implementation.

Research Meetings

-Lisa Bates to discuss the Homeless Policy Council

-SHRA to discuss the current status of the SERA2 Emergency Rental Assistance Program.