Carlsbad reports drop in unsheltered count, outlines housing placements and outreach gains

City staff presented a semiannual report on homelessness on June 24 that showed increased housing placements and a modest decline in the unsheltered population, and outlined new outreach efforts and grants being used to connect people into housing.

Mandy Mills, director of housing and homeless services, told the council the city’s goals pair assistance for people experiencing homelessness with reducing impacts on public spaces. Staff reported total expenditures of just over $3 million in the first six months of fiscal year 2024–25 as the city funded police outreach, housing assistance and related services.

Homeless services manager Chris Schilling said city‑funded housing placements rose from 37 in the first half of the prior fiscal year to 82 in the current reporting period — a 122% increase. Including non‑city programs, staff reported 87 total housing placements and 466 unique individuals served during the six‑month period. Schilling said the city prioritizes people on a "by‑name list" who are most vulnerable and have the longest histories of homelessness.

On the point‑in‑time count for Jan. 30, 2025, staff said Carlsbad’s unsheltered total decreased by 10% from 112 in 2024 to 101 in 2025. The North County coastal area saw a 14% decrease. City staff emphasized that the point‑in‑time count captures a single night and that the by‑name list is a larger dataset used for coordinated case work.

Staff updated the council on several operational programs. A state‑funded vehicular outreach program launched in May 2025 and started with a by‑name list of 38 people; four of those 38 had been moved into permanent housing at the time of the report. A joint encampment resolution effort with Oceanside focused on Buena Vista Creek started with 65 people on its by‑name list; to date staff reported 34 moved into housing, one with a move‑in scheduled and 30 continuing to work on housing plans. Staff said the Buena Vista encampment was scheduled to be permanently closed in mid‑July after occupants were offered housing and supports and after physical remediation measures were planned with the land manager.

Lieutenant Sean Ludden summarized police contacts: 2,408 calls for service specifically related to homelessness in the six‑month period, representing about 4.5% of total calls; officer‑initiated contacts and dispatched calls were both significant components. The fire department reported 396 calls related to homelessness, 201 of which resulted in transports; fire staff noted medical evaluation often accompanies police interactions for people with health or mental‑health needs.

Council members asked about coordination with county and state programs, including the CARE Act (Care and Treatment Act), which creates a voluntary, intensive service pathway for some people with severe mental illness; staff said County Care Act implementation has produced results for some individuals but is resource‑intensive and remains voluntary. Council members praised the progress, asked about continued outreach to historically engaged residents, and requested updates on encampment closures, shelter capacity and the planned rapid‑rehousing expansion funded by a federal grant (approved earlier on the consent calendar).

Staff said they will continue encampment resolution work, expand rapid rehousing (minimum 30 additional households funded by a federal grant approved today), develop a data story map on the city website and seek additional shelter bed access in partnership with regional providers.

Public comment included Socorro Anderson of Father Joe’s Hall, who described direct services (showers, mobile medical/dental clinic and case coordination) provided to seniors and people experiencing homelessness.