Vista approves $2.8 million HCD‑funded contract amendment with San Diego Rescue Mission to run ‘Vista Cares’ outreach and rapid rehousing

The Vista City Council unanimously approved a first amendment to the city’s outreach and housing navigation agreement with San Diego Rescue Mission on a vote following a staff presentation.

Assistant City Manager Imelda Huerta and Homeless and Housing Division Manager Jonathan Lung described the contract as part of the city’s ERF‑3 (encampment resolution funding) award from the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). Lung said the award included “approximately $2,800,000 as approved by HCD, which includes $2,000,000 in personnel costs” and an adjusted rapid‑rehousing pool of $2,580,000 for direct client assistance such as security deposits, first and last month’s rent, and basic household furnishings.

Lung said the agreement term runs from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, with an option to renew for 12 months, and described the multidisciplinary staffing model that San Diego Rescue Mission will deploy: an outreach director, an associate social worker for clinical support, an outreach manager, a program coordinator, a data specialist, four housing stabilizers and five outreach specialists.

Council members asked how the $2.58 million rapid‑rehousing pool would be administered and who would be eligible. Lung said the funds are intended for clients engaged through the city’s strategic plan providers; referrals must come from a strategic plan provider’s case manager and clients must demonstrate a tie to Vista to be eligible. He added that clients could be housed outside Vista if appropriate and that case managers would justify specific assistance amounts.

Council member discussion emphasized the program’s role in the city’s strategic plan to move people out of homelessness. Council member Contreras moved to adopt the amendment; Council member Melendez seconded. The presiding officer declared the motion adopted unanimously.

The adopted amendment authorizes the Rescue Mission to administer the ERF‑3 funded outreach and stabilizing services as the Vista Cares collaborative, with the city retaining oversight through referral and reporting requirements. Staff said the program aims to house at least 125 individuals over 24 months, and the ERF‑3 award period has been extended by HCD from June 30, 2027, to February 2028 to accommodate delays in award announcements.

Next steps: staff and the Rescue Mission will implement program intake and case management processes and return to the council with routine reporting as required by the strategic plan and HCD contract terms.