Encinitas Council urged to support CRC funding for homelessness and food assistance programs

The City of Encinitas held a significant meeting on April 16, 2025, focusing on pressing issues related to homelessness and community support services. The meeting featured discussions on the Community Resource Center (CRC) and its funding through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), as well as the broader implications of homelessness in the city.

The meeting began with public comments highlighting the challenges faced by the unhoused population in Encinitas. One speaker emphasized the need for compassion and resources to address the issue, sharing personal observations from recent travels that illustrated the national scope of homelessness. The speaker advocated for the establishment of civilian outreach teams to proactively engage with individuals experiencing homelessness, suggesting that funding from local dining establishments could support these efforts.

Lisa Nava, president of the North County Justice Allies, spoke passionately about the need for the city to support vulnerable communities, particularly the unhoused. She urged the council to approve funding for the CRC without imposing unreasonable restrictions, arguing that the organization has been a valuable resource for many residents facing food insecurity and other challenges.

Scott Campbell, a resident, expressed gratitude for the detailed reports provided by city officials and called for the implementation of performance metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of the CRC's programs. He stressed the importance of tracking repeat visitors to ensure that individuals are receiving the help they need and not becoming dependent on services.

John Van Cleef, CEO of the CRC, thanked the council for their support and addressed concerns regarding the proposed language in the subrecipient agreement. He highlighted the need for clear performance standards that align with federal requirements, advocating for equitable treatment of all service providers in the city.

Tom Packard, another resident, echoed the call for performance measurement and emphasized the importance of the CRC's food assistance program in preventing homelessness. He urged the council to consider the anti-poverty goals outlined in the CDBG plan, which include increasing affordable housing availability and providing rental assistance.

The meeting concluded with a consensus on the necessity of compassionate and effective responses to homelessness in Encinitas. The council members expressed their commitment to addressing these issues and ensuring that the CRC and similar organizations can continue to serve the community effectively. The discussions underscored the ongoing challenges of homelessness and the need for collaborative solutions that prioritize human dignity and support for those in need.