Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Homelessness topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
La Mesa debate over HOME outreach: officers describe outreach limits; residents urge firmer enforcement and alternatives
Summary
Council received questions about the HOME team’s outreach model, encampment cleanups and timelines for engaging unhoused people; police and HOME representatives described outreach efforts, regional programs and enforcement limits.
Questions about La Mesa’s approach to homelessness dominated public comment and a council‑staff exchange on Aug. 12. Residents criticized the HOME (Homeless Outreach and Mobile Engagement) program’s reliance on progressive engagement and said the public bears the cost when individuals refuse services. City and public‑safety staff described outreach procedures, encampment cleanups and regional partnerships as they responded to concerns.
Why it matters: La Mesa has identified homelessness as a top community concern; council members and residents sought clarity on how the HOME team balances outreach, shelter availability and enforcement when individuals repeatedly decline services.
At the meeting Capt. Runge of the La Mesa Police Department (filling in for the chief) described the HOME team’s outreach work and said the team may require repeated contacts — “it can take up to 15 contacts” to build trust and acceptance, depending on the individual. He and other staff said response times and engagement length vary: some people accept services after a single contact while others may take months. Runge described municipal encampment cleanups performed twice a month that aim to remove hazards and provide resources.
HOME and police speakers said enforcement is a distinct element carried out when illegal or criminal activity is present; outreach and engagement continue in parallel. Staff highlighted regional grants and pilot projects — including tiny‑homes options and a 95‑Corridor encampment resolution grant noted in the meeting — as part of a multifaceted effort. Residents and commenters urged a stronger two‑pronged approach that combines compassionate outreach with timely community protections; they asked whether the city would revise HOME policy to shorten open‑ended engagement windows. No ordinance changes or enforcement directives were announced at the meeting.
The council did not take formal action on program policy; staff and police said they will continue outreach, encampment cleanups, and coordination with regional partners.
