Thoughts on the data and our commitment to addressing homelessness in the communities we serve
As the CEO of Community Resource Center (CRC), I’ve been anticipating the release of the 2023 Point-in-Time Count data from the Regional Task Force on Homelessness. This data was recently released and after reviewing it, I’d like to share my thoughts as well as CRC’s commitment to addressing homelessness in the communities we serve.
On the one hand, the findings are concerning because they demonstrate that homelessness is a regional crisis. On the other hand, the findings are encouraging because they demonstrate the positive impact of efforts in coastal North County to address homelessness. At CRC we see both hands and are committed to action.
Understanding the Data
The 2023 Point-in-Time Count data reveals a 22% increase in homelessness in San Diego County. The numbers remind us of the urgent need to provide comprehensive support for our unsheltered neighbors. The data also reveals a 10% reduction in the unsheltered population in coastal North County, showcasing the impact when cities and nonprofits work together. Addressing homelessness requires this collaborative approach, and the reduction in the unsheltered population in coastal North County is a testament to our community’s ability to work together.
So, what are we going to do moving forward?
Here is an overview of CRC’s commitment to the community
Prevention and Outreach:
Prevention is a vital component of any successful strategy to combat homelessness. CRC already has very strong prevention services, and we will continue to allocate resources to prevention programs such as rental assistance, eviction prevention and job training. We will also increase our outreach efforts, engaging with individuals at risk of homelessness to connect them with the necessary resources and support.
Intervention:
We have recently hired a dual diagnosis mental health clinician, who will help individuals experiencing homelessness and who are struggling to overcome serious mental illness and substance use barriers, so they can obtain and maintain permanent housing.
Rapid Re-housing:
For those who do experience homelessness, our focus on rapid re-housing is crucial. By providing emergency shelter and transitional housing, coupled with intensive case management and support services, we have been able to help individuals regain stability and find permanent housing more quickly. The reduction in the unsheltered population in coastal North County is a direct result of these efforts.
Advocacy and Education:
Homelessness is a complex issue with underlying causes that require systemic change. CRC will actively engage in advocacy efforts to influence policy decisions and allocate more resources toward affordable housing, mental health services, and job training. We will also educate the community about the realities of homelessness, fostering empathy and understanding.
The reduction in the unsheltered population in coastal North County is a testament to the effectiveness of our regional focus on homelessness prevention and rapid re-housing. It’s an honor to work with the Cities of Carlsbad, Del Mar, Encinitas, Solana Beach and Oceanside. I’m immensely proud of our collaborative efforts and progress we have achieved… and there is still work to be done. While we strengthen our case management and mental health programs to provide comprehensive assistance, we will continue to push for change, support those in need, and create a community where everyone has access to safe and stable housing.
Together, we can – and will – make a lasting impact in the lives of our most vulnerable neighbors.
Blog post revised June 23 with the following edits:
Change: Understanding the Data, Paragraph 1:
The data also reveals a 10% reduction in the unsheltered population in Carlsbad, Encinitas, and Oceanside, coastal North County…
Change: Advocacy and Education, Paragraph 2:
It’s an honor to work with the Cities of Carlsbad, Del Mar, Encinitas, Solana Beach and Oceanside.
