BOARD AGENDA MEMORANDUM
SUBJECT:
Title
Discussion of Homelessness Issues.
End
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Receive information for discussion of homelessness issues
Body
SUMMARY:
Santa Clara County currently has over 7,000 homeless individuals, with 74% unsheltered and many living in the riparian areas along urban creeks. In 2016/17, the District removed more than 907 tons of trash and debris from over 400 encampment sites. Beyond trash and debris, impacts of homelessness on the riparian environment include bank excavation, vegetation removal, erosion, fire, hazardous materials and bio-waste, and impacts to fish and wildlife through poaching and habitat destruction. This is a complex countywide problem requiring multi-faceted solutions. The District is committed to working collaboratively with other government agencies, including the Cities of Gilroy and Morgan Hill, and the community to reduce homeless encampments along local creeks.
In addition to other funding sources for creek protection, the 2012 voter-approved special parcel tax (Safe Clean Water and Natural Flood Protection Measure B) provided $8 million in funding specifically for encampment cleanup with a performance indicator of 52 cleanups a year. Development of an agreement with the City of San Jose established a model for partnering with other cities to work jointly on encampment cleanup efforts. The District works closely with cities, mostly San Jose and Gilroy, on joint encampment cleanup events where the District provides crews, supplies, equipment and the regulatory permits required for the work. The cities provide the pre- encampment cleanup notification, site security, as well as the collection and storage of certain personal property. The cities also provide outreach and support services in advance and on the day of the cleanup. The demand continues to increase, from 131 cleanups in FY14 to over 400 in FY17, and has significantly impacted budgeted funding. The demand has excee...
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