Homeless Resources

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The City of Encinitas collaborates with many agencies and non-profit organizations to provide resources to those experiencing homelessness, as well as develop solutions for reducing or preventing homelessness.

If you see a person experiencing homelessness, or an encampment, please submit a request through the MyEncinitas App or through Report an Issue Online. This is an efficient way for the City to get the appropriate resources deployed to assist with the concern. If the request is being submitted during a time when City Hall is closed, please contact the Non-emergency Sheriff's Dispatch Line: 858-565-5200. If it is an emergency, please dial 911.

The City has also developed a Homeless Action Plan that was adopted by City Council on February 24, 2021 to act as a guiding document for the City to address the needs of individuals and families experiencing homelessness. For more information please click the Homeless Action Plan below.

The City's current Homelessness Programs include Homeless Outreach Program for Empowerment (HOPE), JFS Safe Parking Program, and Opening Doors Encinitas. For more information on these programs please click on their names below.

Homeless Programs

Homeless Action Plan

The Homeless Action Plan was adopted by City Council on February 24, 2021.

Background

On October 23, 2019, City Council directed staff to develop the Request for Proposals (RFP) for development of a Homeless Action Plan. On December 18, 2019, City Council approved the contract with LeSar Development Consultants (LeSar) to complete the Homeless Action Plan.

The major components of the scope of work include:

An analysis of homeless community in Encinitas which will include the demographics of the current homeless population and its needs;
Identification and evaluation of current efforts and resources to address homelessness by the City and other non-profit organizations within the City and region;
Review of best practices from the region and nationally;
Community outreach component that will include three public forums and interviews/focus groups meetings with homeless services providers, city staff, city council, and individuals currently experiencing or have experienced homelessness; and
Development of an Action Plan that will include goals, implementable strategies, measurable outcomes, identification of potential partners, and funding opportunities.

Why do we need a Homeless Action Plan?

The City of Encinitas currently funds or participates in a variety of programs to assist individuals experiencing homelessness. The purpose of the City of Encinitas Homeless Action Plan is to:

Understand current homeless population needs;
Identify, develop and improve homeless services and partnerships;
Assess the City’s current efforts to address homelessness and provide recommendations to ensure that the City is maximizing its resources and impact within the community; and
Assist in setting goals and actions to ensure that the City of Encinitas continues to move toward its goal of reducing homelessness.

City Council/Community HAP Update

April 12, 2023 Update

August 23, 2023 Update

September 26, 2023 Buena Vista Creek Navigation Center Agreement
- Staff Report
- Public Comment

Community Working Group

The City’s Homeless Action Plan (HAP) outlines various types of actions to increase our efforts in providing services and housing opportunities for those facing homelessness. Within the HAP, Goal 1, Action 3, it identifies the creation of a community working group. The main objective of the community work group will be to develop action items identifying community engagement opportunities, creation of multi-media outreach materials, and Homeless Action Plan updates. The Community Work Group was established in the Fall of 2021 and includes representation from the local nonprofit sector, healthcare, business, and community residents.

Homeless Outreach Program for Empowerment (HOPE)

The HOPE program teams a Sheriff’s Deputy from the Community Oriented Policing and Problem Solving (COPPS) with a HHSA social worker to make contact with individuals experiencing homelessness in Encinitas and connect them with various resources to assist them in finding permanent housing. The program commenced in June 2020. If you have concerns related to encampments or unsheltered individuals please report through MyEncinitas or contact the San Diego County Sheriff Department North Coastal Station non-emergency line: 858-565-5200. If it is an emergency please dial 911.

JFS Safe Parking Program

jfssd_logo Jewish Family Service of San Diego (JFS) operates Safe Parking Programs in San Diego and one lot in Encinitas.

According to JFS, the Safe Parking Program provides a safe environment for unsheltered homeless living out of their vehicles while offering resources and services to help them stabilize and transition back into permanent housing. The program includes parking spaces for up to 25 vehicles on an existing parking lot at Encinitas Community and Senior Center at 1140 Oakcrest Park Drive that would be available from 6 p.m. to 7 a.m. seven days a week. It is managed by four staff, who offer on-site support for services, and overnight security will be provided on site. Program participants will be pre-screened at an offsite location, and walk-ins/drive-ins will not be permitted.

For more information on their program visit jfssd.org or call (858) 637-3373.

On June 15, 2022, the Encinitas City Council adopted Resolution No. 2022-59 which authorized the extension of the Use Agreement between the City and JFS for an additional three-year period ending June 30, 2025. The program is funded through Homeless Housing Assistance and Prevention ("HHAP") funds obtained by JFS from the San Diego Regional Task Force on Homelessness.

Opening Doors Encinitas

Since 2016, CRC has been operating the Opening Doors Program in Encinitas. This program aimed at assisting those experiencing homelessness secure permanent housing. Employing the Housing First model, Opening Doors pairs homeless households with a housing navigator. The housing navigator conducts a standardized assessment, determines an appropriate housing solution, identifies available resources, and helps find and secure permanent housing.

To learn more, volunteer, or if you know of a household that can benefit from this program, please contact CRC’s Housing Navigators at 760-300-3238 or email at housingnavigation@crcncc.org.

Emergency Shelters

Catholic Charities

Catholic Charities operates a year-round emergency shelter for men only.

La Posada de Guadalupe
2478 Impala Drive
Carlsbad, CA 92010
(760) 929-2322

Community Resource Center

The Community Resource Center operates an emergency shelter for women and children who are victims of domestic violence.

The CRC offers many services including temporary motel vouchers, food assistance, and wrap-around services to assist low-income residents and those experiencing homelessness.
Contact: (760) 300-3238 or visit the social service office at 650 Second Street, Encinitas, CA, 92024

Food & Nutrition Center: 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Integrative Services: 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM

Those in need of assistance outside of these hours, can email CRC intake desk at intake@crcncc.org or call (760) 300-3238. Those in need of Domestic Violence resources can call the CRC 24 hour hotline at (877) 633-1112

Seasonal & Other Shelter Programs

San Diego Mobile Crisis Response Team (MCRT) Exodus Recovery Inc

Exodus_Recovery The San Diego Access and Crisis Line (ACL) at (888) 724-7240 or TDD/TTY Dial (711) is the initial access point for anyone experiencing a behavioral health crisis in San Diego. The licensed clinicians at the ACL are available 24 hours per day, seven days per week, 365 days per year. ACL clinicians are trained in crisis intervention and they will determine if MCRT intervention is the most appropriate response for callers. For more information, visit www.exodusrecovery.com.

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s (1-800-273-8255) network of over 200 locally operated and funded crisis centers across the country is now available via call or text on the new three-digit dialing code: 988. Access is available through every land line, cell phone and voice-over internet device in the United States.

988 is confidential, free, and available 24/7/365, connecting those experiencing a mental health, substance use or suicidal crisis with trained crisis counselors. You can also call if you are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support.

988 call services are available in Spanish, along with interpretation services in over 150 languages.

If you or someone you know needs support now, call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.

Additional Resources & Services

Community Resource Center

The Community Resource Center operates an emergency shelter for women and children who are victims of domestic violence.

Food & Nutrition Center: 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Integrative Services: 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM

The Alliance for Regional Solutions (ARS)

ARS is a coalition of North San Diego County Cities and social service agencies working together to create practical solutions to emerging community needs.

Interfaith Community Services

Interfaith Community Services is an organization consisting of faith-based communities and public and private entities to offer a range of services and programs to low-income residents and those experiencing homelessness. For more information, call the Coastal Service Center: (760) 721-2117 or for Veteran’s Services: (760) 529-9979.

2-1-1 San Diego

2-1-1 San Diego is a resource and information database that connects people with community services through a free, 24/7 phone service and online database. Residents can search a directory of over 6,000 health and human service programs.

San Diego Housing Resources Directory

The County of San Diego prepares the Housing Resources Directory to provide a comprehensive list of the housing services and resources across the San Diego County region. 2016-2018 San Diego Housing Resources Directory.

St. Andrews Church Food Pantry

Every Thursday from 3-4 p.m., St. Andrews Church sets up a supermarket-style food pantry to serve the community. Fresh produce, meat, canned goods, rice, beans, baby food, etc. is available to anyone who needs it. No proof of need is required.

St. John Parish Food Pantry

The St. John Parish Food Pantry is open to anyone each Monday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. No proof of need is required. It is located currently in the church parking lot and accessed from Balour Drive. The pantry is run mainly as a drive-through at this time. Those without vehicles or access to cooking facilities may walk up to get a bag of ready-to-eat items.