The City of Vista is proposing a Strategic Plan to Address Homelessness and is seeking public comment on the draft plan through February 21, 2020. The plan is anticipated to be brought before the City Council for consideration at its March 10, 2020 City Council Meeting.
BACKGROUND
During its 2018-2020 goal-setting workshop, the City Council identified a need to develop a strategic plan to address homelessness and in June, 2018, the City contracted with H.G. Consulting Group to assist in the development of the plan.
On June 4, 2019, the City Council conducted a workshop in which the Consultant presented an overview of federal, state and local issues related to homelessness; information regarding Vista-specific issues; the efforts of the Consultant to date; and potential outcomes and strategies for the Strategic Plan’s big picture focus. The City Council discussed proposed desired outcomes and directed staff to include the following outcomes in the Strategic Plan:
•Prevent Homelessness
•Improve Quality of Life (for Vista residents, businesses, and for those experiencing homelessness)
•Enhance Community Outreach and Education
•Legislative Advocacy
•Reduce Homelessness
Draft Strategic Plan
The plan is designed to provide a framework, and establishes three primary goals with identified action items that are feasible for addressing homelessness in Vista. The plan is a living document that requires ongoing development and updates based on funding sources, legislative changes, community demands, and program outcomes.
The plan uses a three-pronged approach, blending together services, resources, and enforcement to address the following primary goals identified by the City Council:
1.Prevent Homelessness
2.Improve Quality of Life
3.Reduce Homelessness
Next Steps
The plan is available online for public comment between January 30, 2020 to February 21, 2020.
•The Draft Strategic Homelessness Plan, online here. Comments, concerns and questions should be emailed to: Ssolisdaniels@cityofvista.com
