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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAddressing Veteran Homelessness in our Community - Submitted (2) 2000 Main Street, /# NGrp� ,_,.oa .. Huntington Beach,CA : ey 92648 - — - City of Huntington Beach APPROVED 6-0-1 (KALMICK-ABSTAIN) CDU REQUEST FOR STAFF TO SCHEDULE A MAYOR`;'S TnJ N HAUAT.L M1 RTTNG File #: 23-1020 MEETING DATE: 11/21/2023 Item Submitted by Council Member Moser-Addressing Veteran Homelessness In Our Community Request the City Manager and staff to present the following information at a study session in the first quarter of 2024: • Schedule and conduct a collaborative study session focused on Veteran homelessness. • Develop a targeted action plan based on the findings of the study session to address gaps and opportunities related to Veteran homelessness. • Engage with local, state, and federal agencies to'maximize resources and support for this initiative. • Regularly review and adjust the strategy to ensure continued progress and effectiveness. City of Huntington Beach Page 1 of 1 Printed on 11/15/2023 powered by LegistarTm City Council/ Public Financing Authority ACTION AGENDA November 21, 2023 COUNCIL MEMBER ITEMS 19. 23-1020 Approved Alternative Motion to Item Submitted by Council Member Moser -Address Veteran Homelessness In Our Community Recommended Action: Request the City Manager and staff to present the following information at a study session in the first quarter of 2021: • Schedule and conduct a collaborative Mayor's Town Hall meeting focused on Veteran homelessness. gaps and opportunities related to Veteran homelesnes. this initiative. • Regular reyT nd ad cst ths—�-ategyte ensure i contini ed o and effectiveness. Approved 6-0-1 (Kalmick-Abstain) request for staff to schedule a collaborative Mayor's Town Hall meeting and share with the public current actions taken by the City to address Veteran homelessness 20. 23-1021 Item Submitted by Council Member Moser Denied - Exploring the Feasibility of Becoming a Certified Autism Destination in Huntington Beach Recommended Action: Request the City Manager and staff to present the following information at a City Council meeting by the second quarter of 2024: • Conduct a thorough review of the feasibility and requirements for Huntington Beach to become a Certified Autism Destination. • Engage with experts and stakeholders, including representatives from the disabled community, to gather insights and recommendations for this initiative. Develop a plan outlining the steps, resources, costs, and timeline required to achieve the certification, considering ensuring alignment with the guidelines provided in the APA's Autism Planning and Design Guidelines 1.0. Denied 3-4 (Van Der Mark, Strickland, McKeon, Burns-Abstain) Page 8 of 8 CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH CITY COUNCIL MEETING — COUNCIL MEMBER ITEMS REPORT TO: CITY COUNCIL FROM: NATALIE MOSER, COUNCIL MEMBER DATE: NOVEMBER 21, 2023 SUBJECT: ADDRESSING VETERAN HOMELESSNESS IN OUR COMMUNITY Issue Statement In alignment with our updated Strategic Plan, where addressing homelessness is a primary goal, I bring forth a pressing issue that demands our immediate attention and action: Veteran Homelessness. Our commitment to a continuum of care that not only reduces homelessness but also maintains the quality of life for our entire community is crucial. We have made significant strides in establishing and improving this continuum over the years, developing a more connected system of care to decrease homelessness in our community. The importance of addressing Veteran Homelessness was highlighted during the recent Veteran's Day ceremony by Lt. Colonel Hendrickson. He poignantly addressed concerns about this issue within our community, emphasizing, "That's not right." His words resonate with the values of our city and the need to ensure we are taking action. To address this, I propose a collaborative study session to thoroughly review the current state of Veteran homelessness in our city.This session would include: • Examination of Data: Reviewing the most recent counts and anecdotal evidence of Veteran homelessness. • Insights from Social Services: Gathering anecdotal stories from our Social Services team members. • Engagement with Support Entities: Discussing the role and contributions of supportive services, including our Veterans Resource Center. • Resource Assessment: Evaluating housing resources for Veterans and available support from Federal, State, and County agencies. • Identifying Opportunities and Gaps: Discussing potential improvements and gaps within our current system. • Frontline Feedback: Soliciting ideas and insights from those directly involved in these efforts. My recommendation is to initially focus on ensuring we have access to and are connecting unhoused veterans with applicable resources, and how we, as a City Council, can advocate for their needs.This approach to addressing Veteran homelessness aligns with our broader goal of reducing homelessness and can serve as a model for addressing homelessness across other populations. c aj CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH CITY COUNCIL MEETING — COUNCIL MEMBER ITEMS REPORT Recommended Actions: Request the City Manager and staff to present the following information at a study session in the first quarter of 2024: • Schedule and conduct a collaborative study session focused on Veteran homelessness. • Develop a targeted action plan based on the findings of the study session to address gaps and opportunities related to Veteran homelessness. • Engage with local, state, and federal agencies to maximize resources and support for this initiative. • Regularly review and adjust the strategy to ensure continued progress and effectiveness. Environmental Status: This action is not subject to the California Environmental Quality Act(CEQA) pursuant to Sections 15060(c)(2) (the activity will not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment) and 15060(c)(3) (the activity is not a project as defined in Section 15378) of the CEQA Guidelines, California Code of Regulations,Title 14, Chapter 3, because it has no potential for resulting in physical change to the environment, directly or indirectly. Strategic Plan Goal: Goal 4- Homelessness, Strategy A- Explore options to collaborate with faith and community-based organizations,the City's HB Cares Volunteer program, CalOptima, and others to provide social services in a cost-effective manner. For details,visit www.huntingtonbeachca.gov/strategicplan. From: Mendoza.Cody To: 5uoolementalcomm(@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Supplemental Communication for 11/21/23 Council Meeting Date: Tuesday,November 21,2023 1:36:15 PM Attachments: HB Vet Letter.odf Good afternoon, Please see attached letter from Congresswoman Porter's office regarding item 23-1020 on tonight's council agenda. With appreciation, Cody Mendoza (he/him) District Director Congresswoman Katie Porter(CA-47) 2151 Michelson Drive, Suite 195 1 Irvine,CA,92612 Office Phone:(949)668-6600 SUPPLEMENTAL COMMUNICATION Meeting Date: it/2//23 Agenda Item No.; /e f)3 -- lazy) KATIE PORTER WASHINGTON OFFICE 4 7 s DISTRICT,CALIFORNIA LONOWORTH HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON,DC 20515 (202)225-5611 COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES DISTRICT OFFICE SUBCOMMITTEE ON FEDERAL LANDS SUBCOMMITTEE ON WATER.WILDLIFE,AND Q�OI><gt of tbQ tttteb 7tatl'z 2151 MICHELSON DRIVE #195 FISHERIES IRVINE,CA92612 1bottOr of Rortikittattliti (949)6n-6600 COMMITTEE ON OVERSIGHT AND REFORM SLBCOMIIIkkON HEALTH CARE AND )aollington. DQ 20315 porter.house.go FINANCIAL SERVICES,Ra.VKJ G tfD!R.ER SUBCOMMITTEE ON NATIONAL SECURITY.THE BORDER.AND FOREIGN AFFAIRS JOINT ECONOMIC COMMITTEE November 21,2023 Huntington Beach City Council Huntington Beach City Hall 2000 Main Street Huntington Beach, CA 92648 Dear Mayor Strickland, Mayor Pro Tern Van Der Mark, and Councilmembers, On behalf of Congresswoman Katie Porter,who proudly represents the City of Huntington Beach in the U.S.House of Representatives, I write in response to item 23-1020 submitted by Councilmember Moser. Focusing on ways that resources can address veteran homelessness in the community,our office greatly appreciates Councilmember Moser's item, and we look forward to working with Huntington Beach officials to collaborate and advocate for our veterans. Congresswoman Porter honors our servicemembers' sacrifices by fighting to make sure that veterans and their families are taken care of both when they serve and when they return home. Congresswoman Porter has been a champion of legislation that takes care of our veterans, especially those who were injured during their time in service. She was proud to co-sponsor the Honoring our PACT Act of 2021,which was signed into law and is actively helping as many as 3.5 million veterans get the treatment that they need for respiratory illnesses related to burn pits. Congresswoman Porter has also led efforts for mental health care for servicemembers and their families,helping to lead the VA Governors Challenge Expansion Act and successfully advocating for increased funding for veteran mental health care programs. The Congresswoman has also fought to protect veterans from financial exploitation,releasing a report on predatory practices within the VA Home Loan program and introducing the VA Home Loan Transparency and Consumer Protection Act of 2022. Congresswoman Porter believes that we must also provide for veterans who are facing housing insecurity or experiencing homelessness. Broadly, she continues to push at the federal level for an effective and affordable permanent housing model that offers voluntary support services, like health care and employment assistance. Specific to our veteran community, Congresswoman Porter has called for increased funding for several important existing programs that aim to help prevent homelessness in America.Those programs include: 1. The Healthcare for the Homeless Veterans Program,which performs outreach to identify veterans experiencing homelessness and assist them in accessing health care benefits, 2. The Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem,which promotes the development of transitional housing and services to help veterans achieve residential stability, 3. . The Domiciliary Care for Homeness Veterans Program,which provides structured and supportive residential rehabilitation and treatment services for economically disadvantaged veterans, 4. The Supportive Services for Veteran Families Program,which provides funding for very low-income veteran families who are in or transitioning to permanent housing, 5. Increased funding for case managers for the HUD-VASH Program,who work with veterans experiencing homelessness to address their multifaceted needs. Our office stands ready to discuss these and other programs that will help address homelessness within our veteran community. In addition to Congresswoman Porter's legislative work, our Constituent Services team can assist individuals who are experiencing difficulty or delay with a federal agency. Though we cannot guarantee a favorable outcome or override the decisions made by a federal agency,we can get questions answered, help find solutions, or help cut through the red tape. Information on constituent services can be found at porter.house.gov/services/casework. I look forward to being in discussion with Huntington Beach officials to assist our veteran community and appreciate the opportunity to discuss this item. Should you have any questions, please contact me directly by phone at 949-668-6600 and by email at Cody.Mendoza@mail.house.gov. With appreciation, T1 )tielt\ Cody Mendoza District Director Congresswoman Katie Porter From: K Carroll To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CM0 STAFF1;5uoolementalcommCalsurfcity-hb.orq Subject: City Council Meeting Agenda November 21,2023:Items 23-995,23-1020&23-1021 Date: Monday,November 20,2023 1:06:13 PM Greetings Mayor Strictland,Pro Tern Gracey Van Der Mark and Councilmen Pat Burns and Casey McKeon: Thank you again for all that you have accomplished through lighting speed during this first year reign. The citizens have reaped huge benefits from your actions and continuous momentum to stay true to the culture of HB and its roots and improve the quality of life for both long term residents, incoming residents and visitors. Promises made,promises kept. I would like to share my opinions on three 11/21/23 Agenda Items: Item 23-995: Sober Living.Please deny appeal. These sober living houses are a scam and help little. They use up insurance and kick the addicted out into the homeless population that has caused for years an uptick in crime and financial burden on HB,not to mention reduced home values in residential areas where they reside and well as cause a nuisance to surrounding neighbors. Item 23-1020: Veterans: Don't waste the staffs time.Frankly, I am somewhat amazed that Moser would bring this up now as we have had in place a homeless plan in effect for years. Moser often applauded the progress.Moser knows that Veterans are part of the homeless population and has done nothing to maintain accountability that was already put in effect during her term. Moser is politicizing NOW using Veterans as pawns the same as she did for the flag issue and Interfaith Council. Divisive. Of course,Veterans should not be homeless! The only homeless she continued to highlight during her term were kids and children. BTW, I have seen none of those. Only addicts, mentally ill and a few who did not appear to have any symptoms; but, appeared to be homeless. In my opinion, someone needs to be assigned to cover all the accountability metrics with a quarterly report or even monthly. Item 23-1021: Autism: Similar to my reasons above. Why is Moser using this one disability as a political pawn. There are so many other disabilities. HB welcomes all people with disabilities and no disabilities. Divisive. Moser is politicizing a disability. How does one disability deserve more recognition than the others?The City Council should not be involved in making this determination which disabilities are recognized or highlighted. That is disrespectful to other disabilities. Wishing you all a Thanksgiving filled with blessings, laughter and yummy goodness. Best regards, Kris Carroll SUPPLEMENTAL COMMUNICATION 11/21/2023 Meeting Date: 19(23-1020) Agenda Item No From: Carol Dauk To: 5uoolementalcommfasurfcity-hb.orq Subject: In favor of#19 and#20 Date: Monday,November 20,2023 8:03:42 PM Dear Council Members, I am in favor of Council Member Moser's proposals#19 and#20. Veterans are at greater risk of homelessness than non-veterans and in California where housing costs are exorbitant, it's especially problematic. I have discussed this with volunteers at Huntington Beach Public Library's Veterans Resource Center, and everyone there agrees that greater local resources are needed for this population. Council Member Moser's proposal is an important step in addressing this serious problem. I am also in favor of her proposal to review the feasibility of making Huntington Beach a Certified Autism Destination. I know parents with children with autism who don't travel at all because they feel their children are unwelcome in hotels, restaurants,and tourist attractions. Most hospitality staff are unfamiliar with the needs of these individuals,and can even make inappropriate remarks when a child appears to be acting up. An educational program addressing the needs of neurodiverse children and their families while on vacation would be helpful for Huntington Beach's hospitality industry. Mesa,Arizona,was the first city in the U.S.to receive this designation and it seems to be working. It would be beneficial to network with these cities to find out how they implemented their programs. Thanks, Carol Daus Huntington Beach resident,28 years From: Celeste Rvbicki To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF);5uoolementalcomm(a)surfcity-hb.org Subject: In support of Item 20 and the item addressing veteran homelessness Date: Monday,November 20,2023 9:57:18 PM Dear HB city council members, I'm writing to show support and implore you to vote yes on the items Councilmember Natalie Moser is bringing forth to explore becoming a Certified Autism Destination and to explore options to address specifically unhoused veterans in Huntington Beach. Both issues put us on a path of really prioritizing the inclusivity and caring nature we want to be known for. I think it would be so good for our city and such a positive action by the council. Thank you, Celeste HB resident From: cherivatkinson(alaol.com To: 5uoolementalcommCalsurfcity-hb.org;CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CMO STAFF';Cheri Atkinson Subject: Yes on Item 19 and 20 on HB City Council Agenda Date: Tuesday,November 21,2023 8:30:21 AM I am writing in favor, and a yes vote on Items 19 and 20 Cheri Atkinson LCSW HB Residenr From: Debbi Parrot To: CITY COUNCIL(INCL.CM0 STAFF);5uoolementalcomm©surfdty-hb.orQ Subject: Agenda item 19 and 20 Date: Tuesday,November 21,2023 8:49:26 AM Please address homelessness in our veteran community and make HB an certified autism destination. Support item 19 and 20. Thanks, Debbi Parrott-- With gratitude, Debbi Parrott Moore, Tania From: Betty <bettyinhb@yahoo.com> Sent: Tuesday, November 21, 2023 11:26 AM To: supplementalcomm@surfcity-hb.org Subject: Items-19 and 20 As a concerned citizen I'm am writing to show my support for Natalie Moser's item numbers 19.and 20.To become a certified autism destination in the city of Huntington Beach, and to support our homeless Veterans. I strongly urge all CITY COUNCIL members to vote yes on these items. Thank you,. Betty Flynn Sent from my iPhone . 1