Beach-side Community Changing Its Approach To Homelessness

Some call Santa Monica, the “Republic of Santa Monica” for its unique approach to running its city. Years ago, this world-renowned tourist resort used to welcome people who are homeless with services of all kinds.

Today, the sentiment is much different. City Council Members are feeling the pressure from the business community and residents alike. The Santa Monica Lookout News is writing a two-part series on how this city is shifting its focus on homeless services. “From service-oriented policies to providing housing and working with other cities to lift the burden from a seaside town dubbed ‘the home of the homeless.’” Click here to read article.

Some of their new approaches include:

1. Encouraging a regional approach to ending homelessness.
2. Re-examine the “Continuum of Care” model of services, where homeless people are referred from one service to another until they reach self-sufficiency.
3. Encourage a “Housing First” model, where people who are chronically homeless are immediately placed in permanent housing linked with support services.
4. Hire a $200,000-a-year homeless liaison to work with surrounding cities and the County in order to “share the burden” of homeless services.