The city of Goleta’s effort to develop its first comprehensive Homelessness Strategic Plan is building momentum. Stakeholders met Nov. 6 at Goleta Council Chambers to discuss the current state of homelessness in the region, service gaps, best practices, future goals and objectives, and service strategies.
The meeting precedes a community open house, 4-6 p.m. at Goleta Valley Community Center, 5679 Hollister Ave. The open house is an opportunity for community members to interact with city staff and homelessness-service providers, as well as share ideas and suggestions on homelessness in the community
Spanish translation will be available.
For many years, the city of Goleta has been funding organizations and regional efforts to prevent homelessness or assist those experiencing homelessness. This year alone, Goleta will devote more than $100,000 on specific efforts to address homelessness.
Those efforts include funding and longstanding partnerships with: Freedom Warming Centers, Showers of Blessing, City of Santa Barbara Rental Housing Mediation Program, United Way of Northern Santa Barbara County, New Beginnings Counseling Center Safe Parking Program, People Assisting the Homeless, Peoples’ Self-Help Housing, and Transition House.
The City also devotes a portion of its annual Community Development Block Grant Funding (CDBG) toward homelessness services.
“Addressing the issue of homelessness has been an important priority for the city for a long time,” said Mayor Paula Perotte. “The Homelessness Strategic Plan is an opportunity to enhance and focus the work the city is already doing and will be used as a roadmap to help the council prioritize and guide funding efforts in the area of homelessness.”
Goleta’s endeavor coincides with Santa Barbara County’s effort to formulate the second phase of its community plan to address homelessness on a regional basis.
Goleta seeks public comments throughout the strategic planning process and urges community members to mark their calendars for the Dec. 11 open house.
During this time, staff will also release an online survey seeking input from residents, businesses, service providers, and those who are or who have experienced homelessness. A link will be provided once the survey is released.
For more information, contact Dominique Samario, management analyst for the city of Goleta at dsamario@cityofgoleta.org or 805-690-5126.
— Kelly Hoover for city of Goleta.