We work with each homeless individual on a case-by-case basis to see if we can get them the services they may be eligible for, including moving them into housing. But, most don’t accept outreach right away. Oftentimes, folks are resistant to seeing case workers or our police officer assigned to work with the homeless (one officer is assigned to this subject matter full-time).
Multiple visits can be required before we can gain someone’s trust to even have them start talking with us to work on their solutions. That is why in addition to our full-time officer, who is assisted by a caseworker from the County’s Healthcare Agency, the City has contracted with CityNet to provide homeless outreach services.
CityNet also deploys staff to assist with street outreach and case management services. Street outreach seeks to connect unsheltered homeless neighbors with emergency shelter, housing, or critical services, healthcare and providing urgent, non-facility-based care.
To best coordinate all of the City’s efforts, in the spring of 2019, the Newport Beach City Council formed a Homeless Task Force. This taskforce is comprised of three Council Members and seven community members who are working to develop a plan to reduce or eliminate homelessness. The planning process includes: developing strategies to integrate all services needed; creating a list of community partners willing to assist with addressing the issues; reviewing and considering temporary housing solutions; and developing metrics to monitor the reduction of homeless.
To be informed of the Task Force meetings, please sign up here: newportbeachca.gov/government/open-transparent/sign-up-for-enotification.