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County reports pilot engaged 181 people in Lemon Grove and helped connect many to benefits; city awarded $8 million grant
Summary
County staff reported outcomes from a 12-month Lemon Grove outreach pilot: 181 unique people engaged, 91 connected to benefits, 237 additional actions, 99 referrals to supportive services, 151 housing assessments, and a successful $8 million state grant estimated to serve about 170 people. The board received the report unanimously.
County staff presented the 12-month homelessness outreach and services pilot in Lemon Grove, reporting that the outreach team engaged 181 unique individuals between the program's launch and the end of the pilot and completed work to connect many participants to county programs and supportive services.
Diana Beck and other Office of Homeless Solutions staff described a multidisciplinary outreach team that established a by-name list and completed 91 new applications to self-sufficiency programs (Medi-Cal, CalFresh, CalWORKs and General Relief), 237 other actions to maintain benefits, 99 referrals to supportive services (about half to behavioral health), 341 hygiene kits distributed, and 151 housing assessments entered into the regional homeless management information system. Staff said the greatest barrier to permanent housing was limited local emergency and permanent housing options in the City of Lemon Grove.
The presentation highlighted a collaborative effort with the City of Lemon Grove and the Regional Task Force on Homelessness; staff and the city successfully applied for an $8,000,000 Encampment Resolution Fund grant from the California Department of Housing and Community Development, estimated to serve approximately 170 individuals in the Lemon Grove area. Staff said the county will continue in a supportive role while the city and RTFH implement outreach and housing resources.
Public comment included praise for the pilot's measurable engagement and criticism over site selection and cost-per-person questions. John Brady, a lived-experience adviser, said the results demonstrate what can be achieved when resources and experienced staff are applied but noted the pilot's per-person cost is notable. The board voted unanimously to receive the update.
The board directed staff to continue supporting the Lemon Grove transition and emphasized the need for additional emergency and permanent housing within the region.
