Homelessness in Santa Monica

Homelessness in Santa Monica

Introduction

Santa Monica, a city of approximately 93,000 residents, faces unique challenges regarding homelessness due to its geographic location and desirable attributes. As the terminus of Route 66, various bus routes, and the Metro E Line, Santa Monica experiences what can be termed "Homeless Tourism," resulting in a disproportionately large homeless population of 800 to 1,000 individuals at any given time.

Current Situation

The majority of Santa Monica's homeless population originates from outside the city, including other states and even other countries. This influx creates a complex problem that Santa Monica cannot solve in isolation. Collaboration with neighboring cities, counties, and state and federal governments is essential to address this issue effectively.

Key Initiatives and Proposals

1. STEP Court Program

In January 2024, Santa Monica launched the Shelter, Treatment, and Empowerment Program (STEP) Court, a significant advance in the city's strategic priority of Addressing Homelessness. Key features of the program include:

Monthly community-based, prosecutor-led collaborative diversion court for qualifying individuals experiencing homelessness with mental health or substance abuse issues who commit misdemeanors.
Focus on resources and social services rather than criminalization.
Operated by a Los Angeles County Superior Court judge in a non-formal setting.
Resource navigators from Exodus Recovery, Inc. assist participants with accessing various resources, including mental health and substance abuse treatment, housing voucher applications, and more.
Aims to reduce barriers for participants and address recidivism.
Funded for three years through grants from the Department of Justice's Bureau of Justice Assistance, the State Bar of California, and federal HUD's HOME Investment Partnerships American Rescue Plan Program.

Mayor Phil Brock emphasized the program's importance: "A diversion program like STEP Court focuses on helping people off the streets and reclaim their lives through resource navigation rather than continued punitive measures. I'm thrilled that the program is already seeing momentum and thank the Superior Court of Los Angeles County for their partnership."

2. Partnerships and Support Services

Facilitated collaboration between St. John's Hospital and local organizations (The Salvation Army Santa Monica Corps and West Coast Care) to strengthen homeless outreach and assistance programs.
Supported improvements in Veterans Administration services for homeless disabled veterans, including the transition from street encampments to "tiny homes" with support services.
Endorsed organizations like Step Up on Second, which aids individuals struggling with homelessness and addiction.
In February 2024, partnered with the L.A. County Homeless Initiative's Pathway Home program to move 40 people experiencing homelessness into interim housing. This effort:
- Provides an array of services to connect individuals to permanent housing.
- Involves multiple County departments, local service provider The People Concern, the Office of District Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath, and other partners.
- Exemplifies Santa Monica's commitment to working with regional partners to address homelessness.

3. Mental Health Services

Santa Monica has significantly enhanced its mental health services to address the needs of individuals experiencing homelessness:

Secured a Mental Health transport van through the LA County Department of Health, operating from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM Monday through Friday.
Launched a pilot program in January 2024 in partnership with the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health (DMH), providing:
- A dedicated behavioral health team to assist Santa Monica Police and Fire personnel.
- Specialized therapeutic transport team available five days a week.
- Support for both 911 and non-emergency calls involving mental health crises.
This DMH partnership exemplifies Santa Monica's commitment to collaborating with regional service providers for a coordinated, holistic approach to addressing homelessness.
The city continues to advocate for expansion of these services to multiple units with 24/7 availability.

These enhanced mental health services aim to provide more appropriate and effective responses to individuals experiencing mental health crises, potentially reducing the cycle of homelessness and improving outcomes for vulnerable populations.

4. Transportation and Infrastructure

Addressing the influx of 40-70 homeless individuals nightly at the 4th Street Metro E Line terminus.
Proposing to revert the last stop to Bundy and install attended or self-cleaning restrooms at the 4th Street station.
Advocating for the implementation of train fare checkpoints.

5. Policy Changes

Proposing amendments to business licenses to restrict single-serve alcohol sales in areas frequented by homeless individuals.
Considering relocation of the "Samoshel" shelter away from the downtown area to mitigate impact on local businesses and tourism.
Proposing closure of beaches from 12 AM to 5 AM and restricting overnight access to Santa Monica Pier to enhance safety and redirect police resources.

6. Federal Engagement

Participated in LA Mayor Karen Bass's Homelessness Task Force, engaging with federal lawmakers to increase awareness and secure assistance for the homelessness crisis.
Contributed to policy changes allowing US disabled veterans to receive both benefits and housing vouchers simultaneously.

7. Current Challenges and Future Plans

Santa Monica's approach to homelessness is both compassionate and effective, with plans for future improvements:

Financial Commitments:
- Channeling at least $28 million into police and fire response.
- Providing $10 million in grants to nonprofit organizations dedicated to aiding the homeless.
Current Limitations:
- Operating with just one mental health response van, with staff stretched thin.
- Sufficient beds to hospitalize patients, but inadequate staff for treatment.
Proposed Expansion of Services:
- Establish four 4-person teams for each quadrant of Santa Monica.
- Teams to work seven days a week, conducting repeat visits to ensure consistent support for homeless and drug-addicted individuals.
- This expanded presence aims to address immediate symptoms of long-term drug and mental health crises while maintaining community safety and well-being.
Legal Framework:
- Application of the Grants Pass Supreme Court decision, allowing for the removal of individuals from the city if they refuse treatment.
- This framework supports efforts to balance rehabilitation focus with maintaining public order.
Primary Goal:
- Provide effective support and intervention to those in need, prioritizing rehabilitation while addressing public safety concerns.

Addressing homelessness in Santa Monica requires a multifaceted approach involving local initiatives, regional cooperation, and federal support. The city has made significant strides with innovative programs like STEP Court, partnerships such as the Pathway Home program, and enhanced mental health services through collaboration with the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health.

Santa Monica's approach is both compassionate and effective, balancing substantial financial commitments to law enforcement and nonprofit organizations with plans for expanded mental health and support services. The city recognizes the need for additional resources, particularly in the form of street teams and mental health professionals, and is working towards establishing a more comprehensive system of care and intervention.

By focusing on resource navigation, treatment, mental health support, and empowerment, while also maintaining public order through the application of legal frameworks like the Grants Pass Supreme Court decision, Santa Monica is taking crucial steps towards creating lasting positive change for individuals experiencing homelessness and for the community as a whole.

The city remains dedicated to working tirelessly with all levels of government and community organizations to implement both immediate relief measures and long-term strategies to reduce homelessness in Santa Monica. This ongoing commitment, coupled with plans for expanded services and a balanced approach to rehabilitation and public safety, demonstrates Santa Monica's resolve to address this complex issue effectively and compassionately.