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Council approves CSO outreach funding after hearing homelessness outreach results
Summary
The Susanville City Council unanimously approved resolution 26-6511 to fund a community service officer (CSO) outreach program after a CSO reported 78 contacts in 2025 and that 15 people (including seven children) were placed into permanent housing through the program.
The Susanville City Council voted unanimously to approve resolution 26-6511 to continue funding a community service officer outreach program, after a staff presentation outlined outreach results and service needs. Rebecca Begum, the city’s CSO, told the council she had "78 contacts" in 2025 with people who were unsheltered or struggling with housing, and that "I was able to get 15 people, 7 of which were children, into permanent housing." She said much of the work involves helping clients with basic documentation, Social Security processes and frequent check-ins to build trust.
Council members asked how many people want housing and whether pets complicate placements; Begum said roughly "50/50" of clients want housing and about a third have pets, often multiple animals. Members also pressed on coordination with county and state services and whether the program duplicated other resources; Begum said she coordinates with county partners and agencies such as IHSS and that program funding primarily covers her position and limited supportive services.
Public commenter Misty Shepherd described personal experience with outreach and credited the city’s CSO work: "Without this funding and without people like you I wouldn't have a successful life," she said. Another resident asked about liability and enforcement for recent animal-attack incidents; a city law enforcement representative characterized the specific recent attack as a civil matter and said enforcement steps had been taken.
The council approved the resolution after a motion and second. Council members and staff said the program’s case-management results — including the 15 people moved into permanent housing and weekly proactive outreach to known camping sites — were important early successes while additional funding and services remain limited. The resolution authorizes the CSO program scope of work and related budget included in the packet.
The action was procedural and does not change other service providers’ authority; council members said they would continue oversight and consider related follow-up items such as animal-control policy and potential designated encampment locations.
