3B Public Hearing 2010 0419 - Laserfiche WebLink

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PART II. PRIORITY HOMELESS NEEDS Priority: Maintain, improve and expand (as needed) the capacity of housing, shelter and services for homeless individuals and families including integrated healthcare, employment services and other services Priority Analysis and Obstacles to Meeting Underserved Needs The Alameda County HOME Consortium prepared, in part, the following analysis of the housing, shelter, and transitional and permanent supportive housing needs and obstacles. As a Consortium member, the City of San Leandro subscribes to this priority and has proposed activities that meet the objective of maintaining, improving, and expanding the current capacity of the emergency and transitional housing and shelter system while integrating them with needed social services. In January 2009 the community-based organization Everyone Home conducted Alameda County's bi-annual, point in time Homeless Count. The Homeless Count 2009 findings estimate that there are currently 4,341 literally homeless people (those staying in shelters, transitional housing, the streets, or other places not meant for human habitation) and 1,026 chronically homeless people (those unaccompanied, disabled adults who have been homeless 12 months or more or four times within the last three years) in the County. While the numbers decreased by 10% and 18% respectively since 2007, the count also reveals a 168% increase (from 1,134 to 3,042) in the hidden homeless (those living temporarily with friends or relatives, or in a motel, or are within 7 days of eviction). According to the Everyone Home Alameda Countywide Homeless Count and Survey, the 4,341 literally homeless people comprised of 3,347 homeless adults and 994 children who utilize homeless services in Alameda County. The Homeless survey estimates that 55% of the homeless are men, and 45% were women. Of the homeless population, seventy-one percent (71 %) were between the ages of 26 and 60, while fifteen percent (15%) were seniors 61 years and older. The number of homeless seniors may be underrepresented as many may not seek assistance due to physical vulnerability or anonymity. Furthermore, sixty-eight percent (68%) of the population reported having a disability, and thirty-eight percent (38%) reported alcohol or drug abuse, and twenty-four percent (24%) reported suffering from severe mental illness. Domestic violence, moreover, is a major cause of homelessness as one (1) in seven (7), or 14%, left their place because of family violence with no income or income from marginal sources. Veterans, lastly, make up approximately fifteen percent (15%) of the homeless populations. Objectives Continue to support, enhance, and expand (as needed) emergency and transitional housing facilities, programs, and supportive services (e.g. healthcare, employment assistance) for homeless individuals and families. Activities will be funded using CDBG, HOME, Redevelopment Housing Set-Aside funds, and any other available public financing resources. Housing and Community Development Strategic Plan - FY 2010-2014 City of San Leandro Page 14