Population:22723 Referred to by travel writer Richard Halliburton as "a weary rover's dream“ Incorporated in square miles of land area; 7 miles of coastline Home to "The Greeter"

The Advisory Committee on Homeless was created on January, 2009 by the Mayor and The Advisory Committee on Homeless was created on January, 2009 by the Mayor and City Council of Laguna Beach. This Committee was created to address the problems related to homelessness in Laguna Beach including its impact on visitors and businesses in the downtown area. This Committee was created to address the problems related to homelessness in Laguna Beach including its impact on visitors and businesses in the downtown area.

Visitors complained that their use and enjoyment of public parks and beaches was diminished. Visitors complained that their use and enjoyment of public parks and beaches was diminished. Business owners complained about adverse impacts on their establishments arising from both behavioral and conduct concerns. Business owners complained about adverse impacts on their establishments arising from both behavioral and conduct concerns. Problems exacerbated by the pending lawsuit with the ACLU which was based on Laguna’s enforcement of its no-camping ordinance. Problems exacerbated by the pending lawsuit with the ACLU which was based on Laguna’s enforcement of its no-camping ordinance.

SOLUTIONS The Advisory Board and City Council recommended possible establishment of a location for homeless people to sleep in lieu of in parks and in beaches as well as a enforcement of a variety of ordinances and utilization of a homeless police officer. The Advisory Board and City Council recommended possible establishment of a location for homeless people to sleep in lieu of in parks and in beaches as well as a enforcement of a variety of ordinances and utilization of a homeless police officer. The expectation was that by providing an alternative location for homeless persons to sleep at night, the City can enforce laws against lodging or camping on public properties. The expectation was that by providing an alternative location for homeless persons to sleep at night, the City can enforce laws against lodging or camping on public properties.

Finding a suitable location for an Alternate Sleeping Location (ASL) was very difficult. Finding a suitable location for an Alternate Sleeping Location (ASL) was very difficult. Rotating churches were looked at as well as the Legion Hall Building, the Day Laborer Site and other venues. Rotating churches were looked at as well as the Legion Hall Building, the Day Laborer Site and other venues. None were considered suitable. None were considered suitable.

Temporary Solution The City first set up a pilot program and ASL at the Act V parking lot. The City first set up a pilot program and ASL at the Act V parking lot. The program would last only through mid June The program would last only through mid June A different location would have to be found during the summer months. A different location would have to be found during the summer months. It primarily housed people who met “local criteria” It primarily housed people who met “local criteria”

Permanent Solution A new site was eventually chosen on Laguna Canyon Road between the dog park and marine mammal center A new site was eventually chosen on Laguna Canyon Road between the dog park and marine mammal center It was located right on a bus line and special shuttle route from the Downtown It was located right on a bus line and special shuttle route from the Downtown

Shelter Basic Rules as follows: Open 6:30pm-7:30am Open 6:30pm-7:30am Doors close at 8:00pm. Attendees may leave by Doors close at 8:00pm. Attendees may leave by 8:00 pm but not reenter 8:00 pm but not reenter Storage Storage Smoking permitted in courtyard Smoking permitted in courtyard Meals provided on site Meals provided on site

Persons using the site will have to clean up and remove their belongs Persons using the site will have to clean up and remove their belongs Laguna Beach Resident Laguna Beach Resident - Lived (rent or owned property) in Laguna Beach - Lived (rent or owned property) in Laguna Beach – Attended school in Laguna Beach – Immed. family living in Laguna Beach – Has been homeless in Laguna Beach for 18 consecutive months beginning in Nov 2009 Shelter Basic Rules as follows (cont’d):

Shelter Operation: Collaboration with Laguna Beach Relief and Resource Center, Friendship Shelter and Mercy House. All have a role in its operation Laguna Beach operates daily as access center directly next store to shelter Access Center has laundry facilities, counseling services and distributes food to the homeless

Shelter Approximate Costs: $153,000 set up fees $20,000 per month to operate offset by $2000 rent provided by Laguna Resource Center $30,000 for transportation $45,000 for one time bus

Ordinances Enacted and/or Enforced after Opening of Shelter: Enforcement of Penal Code Section Regarding Illegal Lodging on Public Property Use of Beaches & Parks Ordinance No storage, lingering in public restrooms, storage of personal prop. No destruction of bluffs due to traversing through, lying on or affixing objects within public bluff No fires

Ordinances Enacted and/or Enforced after Opening of Shelter (cont’d): Ordinance to Establish Closing Times for Beaches and Parks between 1:00 am to 5:00am Ordinance Declaring a Shelter Crisis and Authorizing Emergency Alternative Sleeping Facility Smoking at ASL in Courtyard Anti-camping

Use of Homeless Police Officer Laguna Beach Police worked closely with City Council to create the position of Community Outreach Officer. The Community Outreach Officer works closely with various social service agencies in an effort to place homeless individuals in short-term shelters and long term housing He also works with agencies to provide for basic needs to help end cycle of homelessness with chronic homeless

Use of Homeless Police Officer (cont’d): Laguna Beach Police takes 3-pronged approach to homelessness Besides utilizing traditional law enforcement police participate in social service efforts as well and closely coordinate with City Atty’s office Community Outreach Officer is called upon by other officers in situations where a non-arrest solution may be the more appropriate response

Overall goals of the program includes ending cycle of homelessness and improving quality of life for residents and property owners Community Outreach Officer works with Chamber of Commerce, the Exchange Club, rotary and any other group that has concerns regarding law enforcement OCMHA even partnered with City of Laguna Beach to provide onsite services Use of Homeless Police Officer (cont’d):

Small implementation group Regular meetings Trust among participants Police Officer – right person, right structure Clear definition of persons served in advance Address magnet issue Homeless population will be fluid Withstand political opposition Document and acknowledge successes Engage ACLU in advance Exit strategy for city -- $ commitment No reduction in population without a housing strategy Lessons Learned