Board approves plan to cut homelessness 50% in 5 years

The Board of Supervisors of SLO County gave the green light to a comprehensive "battle plan" aimed at slashing the homelessness rate in local communities by 50 percent within a five-year period.

After extensive input from the public, nonprofit organizations, homeless service providers, and city representatives throughout the county, the plan was approved this week. Its primary goal is to make significant strides in curbing homelessness and ensuring tangible progress over the next half-decade.

County Administrative Officer Wade Horton emphasized the plan's focus on optimizing resource allocation, fostering stronger partnerships among cities and agencies, and establishing regular accountability measures to track program efficacy.

The plan has garnered praise from representatives of various agencies specializing in homelessness. Susan Funk, Chair of the Homeless Services Oversight Council (HSOC), commended the plan as a strategic blueprint for addressing the issue head-on, likening it to a battle plan.

Under the plan's provisions, multiple entities involved in homelessness services will unite under the guidance of the newly formed Homeless Services Division within the County's Department of Social Services. Immediate actions include expanding interim housing options such as the Oklahoma Avenue Parking Site, as well as implementing tiny homes and pallet shelter projects. Additionally, there will be a focus on bolstering mental health and addiction services, with some initiatives already underway.

A key aspect of the plan is collaboration, with a diverse range of community stakeholders demonstrating strong support for the strategy. County Administrator Wade Horton expressed his satisfaction, highlighting the unprecedented level of engagement and cooperation from all corners of the community.

Janna Nichols, Executive Director of the 5-Cities Homeless Coalition, emphasized the collective effort involved, noting that the plan has brought together an array of bright minds, fostering a willingness to explore unconventional approaches in tackling homelessness.

The plan encompasses six distinct lines of effort and aims to provide housing for approximately 2,000 individuals within the specified five-year timeframe.

For further details about the plan, interested parties can find more information at the SLOCO 5-Year Plan to Address Homelessness website.