Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Vehicle Triage Center topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
City presents results of Balboa Park Vehicle Triage Center pilot; committee signals interest in citywide expansion
Summary
City staff, the Controller's Office and operator Urban Alchemy reported that the Balboa Park Vehicle Triage Center safely sheltered vehicle‑dwelling residents, helped transition dozens to permanent housing, and produced operational lessons about utilities, case management and community engagement. The committee voted to continue the item to the call of the chair while staff explore replication and funding.
City departments and the operator Urban Alchemy told the Land Use and Transportation Committee on Feb. 22 that the Balboa Park Vehicle Triage Center pilot provided a low‑barrier, high‑service option for people living in vehicles and recommended elements for replication.
Dylan Schneider of the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing summarized early findings and cited the Controller's Office evaluation: during the first year (Nov. 2019–Nov. 2020) the pilot served 75 individuals with an average stay of about 103 days; two‑thirds of households arrived in RVs and larger vehicles; the program achieved voluntary exits, housing transfers and positive guest survey responses. Schneider emphasized learning that almost all guests preferred to remain on‑site with their vehicles, so future sites should provide power to all stalls and incorporate on‑site case management as a funded component.
Urban Alchemy, the site operator, and the VTC Community Working Group described daily operations, 24/7 staffing, donated hygiene and food services, and ongoing community oversight. The project team and public safety partners reported limited calls for service (police summarized ~15 calls in one year with mostly low‑level disputes) and noted that on‑site security handled most incidents.
Cost and scalability: the Controller's memo and HSH staff indicated per‑spot operating cost estimates near $105 per spot per night and varying one‑time capital costs depending on site utility availability. HSH reported receiving $1 million in FY2021 funding and estimated a shortfall of about $3.5 million to support both operation and construction of replacement or additional sites. Supervisors and staff discussed prioritizing outreach to local districts and screening referral processes so sites would not be a 'magnet' for out‑of‑county arrivals.
Action: the committee voted to continue the Balboa Park Upper Yard hearing to the call of the chair while staff continue exit planning for existing guests and explore potential new sites.
