Mayor highlights Office of Homeless Solutions and alternate response program successes

Mayor Kate Gallego described the city's homelessness work as a multi-pronged effort that includes shelter, rapid rehousing and personalized wraparound services.

“We created the Office of Homeless Solutions as a permanent part of our local government just 3 years ago. In that time, we worked with our community partners to help more than 12,000 people end their homelessness,” Gallego said.

She highlighted the fire department’s Community Assistance Response Team (CART) as an alternative‑response model that last year fielded more than 10,000 calls, “more than a fifth of which were transferred from police.” The mayor shared a case example: CART was dispatched to a welfare check for an individual named Deshawn, who reported suicidal thoughts; the team transported him to a behavioral health clinic where he received treatment.

Gallego also described Safe Outdoor Spaces and converted shipping‑container units (referred to as private x wing in the speech) as pathways that helped individuals named Crystal and Ralph secure sobriety, treatment and employment before moving into an apartment. She thanked a named navigator, Jesse Garcia of CBI (Community Bridges, Inc.), for case work.

The mayor framed these programs as a continuum: prevention and shelter, mental‑health‑oriented responses, and investments in affordable housing. She said the city’s investments have moved people into stable housing but did not present new funding or ordinance language during the address.