City of Encinitas
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Addressing Homelessness
Why is there homelessness in Encinitas?
There are many contributors to the issue of Homelessness in Encinitas. The reality of childhood trauma and poverty, mental illness and chronic drug abuse surely add to the likelihood that someone loses stable opportunities to remain self-sufficient and is faced with the challenging reality of homelessness. However, Homelessness is primarily a function of the broader housing-unaffordability crisis, which in turn is primarily a function of how Housing has gotten way too scarce and expensive. Combined with low-income and the dire lack of affordable housing, research has shown that once a city crosses a threshold where the typical resident must spend more than a third of their income on housing, homelessness begins to spike rapidly. When incomes don't keep pace with the cost of rent, a cascade effect ripples through the housing market: High-income folks start renting places that middle-income folks used to rent, middle-income people start renting places that low-income folks used to rent, and low-income folks are left scrambling.
The core reason for the crisis boils down to high housing costs, inadequate shelter spaces, deinstitutionalization, and changes in the criminal justice system. While most of these root causes are systemic and will take alternative legislation, the City of Encinitas recognizes the need to improve housing affordability, to streamline and accelerate housing production, increased investment in cost-effective housing, and re-examine the regulations that have hindered new housing development. In addition, the City of Encinitas Homeless Services continues to work diligently to introduce new programs that implement solutions to reduce the unsheltered homeless population, increase shelter capacity and advocate for treatment facilities where lower barriers for treatment are needed. The department’s Homeless Solutions Manager and HOPE Team is leading this effort. You can contact them at (760) 633-2828, or through the MyEncinitas App and Report an Issue Online.
What is the City of Encinitas Homeless Outreach program?
The HOPE program teams a Sheriff’s Deputy from the Community Oriented Policing and Problem Solving (COPPS) with a HHSA social worker to contact individuals experiencing homelessness in Encinitas and connect them with various resources to assist them in finding permanent housing. The program commenced in June 2020. Our Homeless Outreach program is a comprehensive initiative aimed at providing support, resources, and services to individuals experiencing homelessness in Encinitas. We work to connect them with housing, healthcare, and social services.
How does the program help homeless individuals?
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. We aim to provide holistic support to help individuals regain stability and independence.
Are there resources available to the homeless?
Housing & Homelessness resources information below.
- Mobile Crisis Response Team- 24/7mental health crisis response service: 888-724-7240
- HomeShare Listings: Housing Services - Elderhelp (elderhelpofsandiego.org)
- Search for Resources: findhelp.org by findhelp - Search and Connect to Social Care or call 2-1-1
- Encinitas Homeless Outreach (HOPE Team): (760) 633-2828 exthomelessness@encinitasca.gov
- Legal Aid Society San Diego: Contact - Legal Aid Society of San Diego (lassd.org) (877) 534-2524
- CSA San Diego County- Fair Housing Services: Contact Us — CSA San Diego County (c4sa.org)
(619) 444-5700 - Section 8 Program: Number: (858) 694-4801 Housing Choice Vouchers can be applied to here: https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/sdc/sdhcd/rental-assistance/application-directions.html
The following are links to affordable housing developers, you can stay up to date with affordable housing developments and apply once they began taking in applications.
Do homeless individuals want assistance?
Yes, many homeless individuals are willing to accept assistance and support. Our outreach teams work to build trust and establish relationships with homeless individuals, offering them choices and respecting their autonomy.
Why are there homeless individuals in public spaces?
Homeless individuals often use public spaces as they have nowhere else to go. Our program works to provide alternative solutions and shelter options while respecting public space regulations. People experiencing homelessness cannot be forced into a shelter, it would violate their constitutional rights, and it is not against the law to be homeless. The city’s HOPE Team works to build relationships based on trust with people experiencing homelessness they encounter in an effort to overcome their reluctance to seek help. This includes making them aware of the range of services that might be available and helping them access the benefits to which they are entitled. At the same time, the Sheriff’s Department will continue its work to prevent homeless people and all segments of the community from violating the laws.
The homeless have taken over the parks and it is difficult for my family to spend time at the parks. What can we do?
The homeless fall under the same rules and guidelines as anyone else in our local parks. Drinking alcohol, urinating in public, and overnight camping are all prohibited. However, there is no law against homeless persons spending large portions of the day in the park, or taking up any number of tables, or other park resources.
Should I give money if someone asks for it?
Individuals in the City who approach people asking for money continues to be a concern in Encinitas. Living in an urban environment, many of us have encountered this situation. And many of us ask the question, "Should I give money?" While there is no right or wrong answer, this is a choice you should make for yourself. However, if you choose to give someone money, what that money gets spent on is no longer in your control. The money is theirs and the spending choice is theirs.
Is panhandling illegal?
No, it is not. Panhandling is legal as long as it is done from a location where the subject has a legal right to be and is not done within 500 feet of a freeway access ramp. However, if a person is panhandling on business property in a manner that interferes with successful business operation, that behavior is illegal.
How can I find out more about the City’s programs?
Community input is always encouraged. If you’d like to discuss the city’s homeless response efforts, please contact our Homeless Solutions Manager Steven Gonzales-sgonzales@encinitasca.gov. Giving direct resources to the unsheltered exacerbates health and safety issues with our community. To help, please consider donating or volunteer with the local services providers the City partners with in addressing homelessness in Encinitas:
Homelessness Resource Guide (Encinitas HOPE - Homelessness Resource Guide_.docx)
How can I report concerns about homelessness and encampments in my neighborhood?
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.
Why does it take so long to clean up encampments?
Cleaning up encampments on public property takes time due to a thorough approach by the City. Before any cleanup, a 72-hour advance notice is provided, along with outreach services, to encourage individuals, allowing them to make informed decisions about their next steps. The City coordinates with various departments and agencies to address the specific needs of those in encampments, including offering support services such as shelter options, mental health assistance, or substance abuse treatment.