Homelessness and Mental Health

One of Supervisor Anderson's top priorities is to bring more mental health and human services resources to help get mentally ill and homeless individuals the care they need to get off the streets. Anderson believes that it is not fair to those who are suffering on the streets, law enforcement, or the communities where they reside, to continue to ignore the physically and mentally ill people who need shelter and treatment. Anderson's priority as a County Supervisor is to work towards a more aggressive change in strategies that is compassionate without enabling unacceptable behavior on our public right of ways. In his first year as County Supervisor, Anderson initiated finding locations for emergency homeless shelters and safe parking lots in East County, secured funding for a rental assistance program for those at risk of becoming homeless especially seniors, expanded the Mobile Crisis Response Team and social service outreach in East County to treat behavioral and mental health emergencies, initiated adding a Crisis Stabilization Unit for East County to provide services to those experiencing behavioral health crises, and more.

Board Letters


Addressing Homelessness Among Older Adults

Author/Co-Author
Supervisor Joel Anderson & Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer
Letter Date
02/08/22
Summary

VOTES: 5-0 (PASS)
As the cost of housing continues to soar, many older Californians living on low and fixed incomes are being forced to choose between paying rent, eating, or buying medications. To combat this, Supervisors Anderson & Lawson-Remer proposed creating a pilot shallow rent subsidy program for older adults who are rent-burdened and at risk of experiencing homelessness.

Building Partnerships to Prevent, Address, and Seek an End to Homelessness

Author/Co-Author
Supervisor Joel Anderson & Vice Chair Nora Vargas
Letter Date
10/11/22
Summary

VOTES: 5-0 (PASS)
This board letter recommends a County purchase of sleeping cabins or sprung shelters to be used by partner organizations to shelter the region's homeless population. It also encourages private companies to bring their own innovative solutions forward and work with the County in a public/private partnership to address homelessness.

Compassionate Emergency Solutions and Pathways for People Experiencing Homelessness in East County

Author/Co-Author
Supervisor Joel Anderson
Letter Date
10/19/21
Summary

Votes: 5-0 (PASS)
Homelessness has been an ongoing crisis for East County communities. This item directs the Office of Homeless Solutions to identifying appropriate locations and concepts for emergency shelters, safe parking, and services to address individuals’ and the communities’ needs. It also stipulates flexible funding to support outreach workers in their efforts and includes direction for staff to implement a plan that improves data management and coordination of homeless referrals and needs.  

Enhance Preparation for the Arrival of Migrants and the Lifting of Title 42 Restrictions

Author/Co-Author
Supervisor Joel Anderson & Chairwoman Nora Vargas
Letter Date
02/07/23
Summary

VOTES: 5-0 (PASS)
The Board recognizes the anticipated influx in the number of asylum seekers entering the U.S. once the federal government lifts the current Title 42 restrictions currently limiting border crossings. This Board letter directs County staff to identify short-term actions we can take to prevent the asylum seekers released on the street by federal authorities from exacerbating the regional homeless crisis. Staff is also directed to develop a Comprehensive Preparedness Plan, work with partner organizations to seek federal resources, and urge Congress to prioritize comprehensive immigration reform during the current legislative session.    

Identifying Additional Shelter Solutions to Address Homelessness in East County

Author/Co-Author
Supervisor Joel Anderson
Letter Date
02/28/23
Summary

VOTES: 5-0 (PASS)
To increase homeless shelter capacity in East County, this Board letter directs County staff to conduct a feasibility analysis to determine the potential to site a facility, or convert an existing hotel into a County-owned facility that accepts Regional Housing Assistance Program (RHAP) vouchers from customers. It also directs County staff to issue a Request for Information to gauge the interest of developers and potential hotel/program operators. 


Related News


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Supervisor requests help in clearing homeless encampments

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News Date
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Short Description

 San Diego County Supervisor Joel Anderson released a memorandum Wednesday asking two county department leaders for more help in clearing homeless encampments along public roadways.

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Short Description

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Supervisor hears wants, worries

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News Date
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Short Description

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San Diego County Supervisors propose pilot program to help low-income seniors avoid homelessness

San Diego County Supervisors propose pilot program to help low-income seniors avoid homelessness

News Date
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Short Description

San Diego County Supervisors Joel Anderson and Terra Lawson-Remer will introduce a joint-board letter at Tuesday's Board of Supervisors meeting asking county staff to design a pilot program that would provide a "shallow rent subsidy" to low-income, rent-burdened older adults who are imminently at-risk of homelessness.

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County Supervisor Joel Anderson Participates in El Cajon Point-in-Time Count

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News Date
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Short Description

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