Stockton, CA – As part of its commitment to addressing homelessness, the Board of Supervisors directed a reorganization of the Neighborhood Preservation (NP) division that oversees homelessness funding and programs. The division will be moved from its current location as part of the Health Care Services (HCS) to the Human Services Agency (HSA), which oversees other homeless outreach programs. This shift aims to enhance collaboration and cooperation among various homeless outreach programs overseen by HSA, fostering a more integrated approach to tackling homelessness in the County. Board members also discussed bringing back an additional item at a future meeting to discuss the best possible way to measure outcomes and ensure strong leadership within the division to address homelessness.
“We are all dedicated to ending the homeless crisis in San Joaquin County,” commented Chairman Miguel Villapudua. “This Board has continued to seek innovative solutions and strong partners in this effort. As our understanding of this challenge continues to shift and County departments’ outreach efforts expand, the Board has made the necessary organizational changes to allow collaboration and cooperation to grow.”
In the past three years, NP has grown from seven to eleven staff, who coordinate and implement the grant-funded housing and community development programs for both the County and the Continuum of Care (CoC), including a new staff position that was allocated in February of this year. The California Department of Social Services funds HSA’s housing and homelessness prevention programs as part of the social safety net programs that exist to help people prevent or recover from homelessness.
“The San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors remains steadfast in its commitment to addressing homelessness, and these organizational changes reflect a proactive approach to confronting this pressing issue,” commented Vice Chair Paul Canepa, who sits on the Board’s Ad Hoc Homelessness Advisory Committee. "In recent years, the County has dedicated millions of dollars to assist the unsheltered, underscoring our commitment to helping as many individuals as possible. Our outreach efforts will continue as we strive to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those experiencing homelessness. At the same time, it is imperative that agencies receiving funding are held accountable for their outcomes. With funding resources not being limitless, especially considering the budget crisis faced by the State, we are steadfast in ensuring that every dollar allocated results in the necessary outcomes to address the homelessness crisis effectively."
As part of the discussion, Board members asked about program monitoring to improve accountability and transparency by providing comprehensive insights into program performance and outcomes by both departments and local agencies. Citing a need for strong leadership of the newly located division, both the staff report and the Supervisors brought up the need for additional staff to bring together SJCares, NP, behavioral health, and health care services in a comprehensive approach to whole person care in San Joaquin County. Additional measures may be considered at future meetings, based on Board direction.
"We continue our unwavering commitment to the most vulnerable members of our community continues and remain determined in our efforts to provide shelter and support. Under the new leadership at the Continuum of Care and with the dedicated attention from our Board of Supervisors, we anticipate continuing to make necessary adjustments, including potential expansions in staffing and leadership roles within the division for homelessness. Our goal is clear: to demand and deliver accountability and tangible results, ensuring that the needs of those in need are met effectively and compassionately,” continued Chairman Villapudua.
The organizational change will take place immediately, and every possible effort will be made to reduce impacts to staff and services during this time. If you need assistance or know someone who does, please call 211 for a list of service providers and resources.
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