County seeks public ideas on spending federal homeless grant

County homeless officials are seeking the public's input on how to spend millions in a federal grant.

The County of San Luis Obispo’s Homeless Services Division is requesting community feedback to guide its use of the federal dollars received from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). 

The County expects to allocate about $3.1 million received from HUD in 2024, which may be used to support investments in affordable housing, community development, and homeless assistance programs.

All SLO County residents are encouraged to complete the survey at slocounty.gov/communitydevelopment. All responses are anonymous and confidential. The survey will be open until Sunday, November 5, 2023 at 11:59PM.

VA awards $3.5 million to reduce veteran homelessness in SLO County

Community Action Partnership of San Luis Obispo and Good Samaritan Shelter receive VA boost for SLO County homeless Veteran services.

The Department of Veterans Affairs recently awarded $799 million in grants to non-profit organizations to provide resources and housing to at-risk and homeless Veterans and their families through the Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) Program. In San Luis Obispo County, the following organizations were awarded:

• $2.14 million to the Community Action Partnership of San Luis Obispo (CAPSLO)
• $1.45 million to Good Samaritan Shelter

Both organizations work to end Veteran homelessness in San Luis Obispo County through the provision of homelessness prevention services and rapid rehousing programs. Through these local nonprofit partnerships, the Supportive Services for Veteran Families Program provides partial and full rental assistance, security deposits, utility payments, and legal representation to Veterans currently homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.

County, city of San Luis Obispo partner on homelessness encampments

The County and City of San Luis Obispo are taking a community-building approach to reducing homeless encampments in San Luis Obispo next year.

On July 11, 2023, the County of San Luis Obispo Board of Supervisors unanimously accepted $13.4 million in Encampment Resolution Funds from the State of California Interagency Council on Homelessness. The County will use the grant funding to reduce encampments in a flood and fire danger zone near and around the segment of the Bob Jones Bike Trail parallel to South Higuera Street in San Luis Obispo.

The Bob Jones Bike Trail Encampment Resolution Project has 3 main phases:Clean-up of the San Luis Creek and associated open spaces near the Bob Jones Bike Trail
Expansion of ongoing field outreach efforts to those living in the area
Development of a non-congregate housing facility with on-site wraparound services, dubbed the “Welcome Home Village.”

Morro Bay wants grant funds to address homeless encampment

With concerns about a homeless encampment along Quintana Road and Highway 1, the Morro Bay City Council expressed its support for San Luis Obispo (SLO) County to apply for a $5 million grant from the California Encampment Resolution Funding Program. 

The grant aims to fund the construction of transitional housing, facilitating the transition of individuals from the encampment to permanent housing.

The encampment's location in a drainage area adjacent to commercial establishments poses environmental, safety, and neighborhood concerns. The accumulation of trash and debris resulting from the encampment has led to a significant increase in service calls to the Morro Bay Police and Public Works departments. 

Supervisors approve new approach to address homelessness

In a 5-0 vote, San Luis Obispo County Supervisors approved a new 5-year-plan to address homelessness in our communities by 50 percent.

The plan approved this week by Supervisors aims to curb homelessness by 50 percent in 5 years. The plan represents months of collaboration and input from the public, various agencies and non-profits who work with the homeless, formerly homeless clients, and cities throughout the county.

“What we have is a plan that focuses on streamlining resources, strengthening partnerships among cities and other agencies, and regular accountability of how the program is working as we progress,” said County Administrative Officer Wade Horton.