HomeMy WebLinkAbout04.01.25@630 SP CCTuesday, April 1, 2025
6:30 PM
City of South San Francisco
P.O. Box 711 (City Hall, 400 Grand Avenue)
South San Francisco, CA
City Hall, City Manager's Conference Room
400 Grand Avenue, South San Francisco, CA
Special City Council
EDDIE FLORES, Mayor (District 5)
MARK ADDIEGO, Vice Mayor (District 1)
JAMES COLEMAN, Councilmember (District 4)
MARK NAGALES, Councilmember (District 2)
BUENAFLOR NICOLAS, Councilmember (District 3)
ROSA GOVEA ACOSTA, City Clerk
FRANK RISSO, City Treasurer
SHARON RANALS, City Manager
SKY WOODRUFF, City Attorney
Special Meeting Agenda
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April 1, 2025Special City Council Special Meeting Agenda
How to submit written Public Comment before the City Council Meeting:
Members of the public are encouraged to submit public comments in writing in advance of the meeting via the
eComment tab by 4:30 p.m. on the meeting date. Use the eComment portal by clicking on the following link :
https://ci-ssf-ca.granicusideas.com/meetings or by visiting the City Council meeting's agenda page. eComments
are also directly sent to the iLegislate application used by City Council and staff.
American Disability Act:
The City Clerk will provide materials in appropriate alternative formats to comply with the Americans with
Disabilities Act. Please send a written request to Office of the City Clerk at 400 Grand Avenue, South San
Francisco, CA 94080, or email at [email protected]. Include your name, address, phone number, a brief
description of the requested materials, and preferred alternative format service at least 24-hours before the
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City Clerk by email at [email protected], 24-hours before the meeting.
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April 1, 2025Special City Council Special Meeting Agenda
CALL TO ORDER
ROLL CALL
AGENDA REVIEW
PUBLIC COMMENTS: Comments are limited to items on the Special Meeting Agenda.
ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS
Study Session regarding homelessness, encampments, recreational vehicle campers
and anchor out vessels. (Sharon Ranals, City Manager; Captain Adam Plank, South
San Francisco Police Department)
1.
ADJOURNMENT
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City of South San Francisco
Legislation Text
P.O. Box 711 (City Hall, 400
Grand Avenue)
South San Francisco, CA
File #:25-311 Agenda Date:4/1/2025
Version:1 Item #:1.
Study Session regarding homelessness,encampments,recreational vehicle campers and anchor out vessels.(Sharon
Ranals, City Manager; Captain Adam Plank, South San Francisco Police Department)
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council conduct a study session regarding homelessness,encampments,
recreational vehicle campers, and anchor out vessels.
BACKGROUND
This study session serves to provide the City Council and the South San Francisco community with data,policy,and case
law at the federal,state,regional,and local levels on homelessness.Homeless encampments,recreational vehicle campers
(RVs)parked on public streets and lots,and anchor out vessels moored in open waterways are all elements of the
homelessness challenge.
Federal Case Law
Martin v. Boise
This case has been much discussed in the news and in local government circles,but it is helpful to have the scope of the
ruling in mind while reading about the Grants Pass decision (explained below)and the current state of constitutional
restrictions on local regulation of various homelessness issues.In Martin v.Boise,the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals,
which covers California,considered the constitutionality of applying two city ordinances to individuals experiencing
homelessness.The first ordinance prohibited the use of “streets,sidewalks,parks or public places”as a camping place.
The second ordinance banned “[o]ccupying,lodging,or sleeping in any building,structure,or public place,whether
public or private.”The Ninth Circuit held that criminal enforcement of the ordinances violated the United States
Constitution’s prohibition against cruel and unusual punishment,which is contained in the Eighth Amendment,when
individuals had no access to shelter within that jurisdiction.The Ninth Circuit reasoned that the acts of “sitting,lying,and
sleeping”are “unavoidable consequences of being human,”and “the state may not criminalize conduct that is an
unavoidable consequence of being homeless -namely sitting,lying,or sleeping on the streets.”Since the Ninth Circuit’s
ruling in 2019,federal trial courts have relied on Martin in determining whether local regulation of homelessness are
constitutional.
Importantly,Martin was limited to Eighth Amendment consideration.Other courts have ruled on the constitutionality of
various regulations of homelessness focusing on additional provisions of the US Constitution,including the Fourth
Fourteenth Amendments’prohibition on unreasonable searches and seizure of property and enforcement of civil penalties
for violations of local regulations.
Johnson v. Grants Pass
Weeks after Martin was decided,Johnson v.Grants Pass (Johnson)was filed in the U.S.District Court for Oregon.
Johnson expanded on Martin by holding that issuing civil citations to the homeless was cruel and unusual punishment
that violated the Eighth Amendment.
Johnson also expanded Martin by finding that homeless individuals did not have to wait until they were cited or prove
that no shelter bed was available to sue to the city.Instead,they could come together in a single class action lawsuit and
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that no shelter bed was available to sue to the city.Instead,they could come together in a single class action lawsuit and
sue the city preemptively. The City then had to prove that adequate shelter beds were available for everyone.
Johnson additionally provided that the unhoused had an affirmative right to protection from the elements and that the
homeless were also entitled to protection from the elements as well.
The case eventually reached the Supreme Court,which held that the enforcement of generally applicable laws,including
laws regulating camping on public property,does not constitute “cruel and unusual punishment”prohibited by the Eighth
Amendment.The Court first highlighted that the determination of what constitutes cruel and unusual punishment
focuses on the question of what method or kind of punishment a government may impose after a criminal conviction,
rather than on the question of whether a government may criminalize particular behavior.Although the Court had
previously held in Robinson v.California (Robinson)that it was cruel and unusual punishment under the Eighth
Amendment to criminalize the status of drug addiction,the public camping ordinances at issue in Grants Pass applied
regardless of status and thus did not constitute cruel and unusual punishment.The Court also declined to extend Robinson
to prohibit the enforcement of laws that proscribe certain acts that are in some sense “involuntary”because some
homeless individuals cannot help but do what the law forbids.
Because Grants Pass dealt exclusively with the Eighth Amendment,the other cases mentioned above are unaffected.
Local government agencies considering regulation of homeless and local law enforcement agencies must consider the
Fourth and Fourteenth Amendments’restrictions on unreasonable searches and seizures of property,disability and other
prohibited forms of discrimination, and a variety of other practical issues that have been addressed in court orders.
State Data & Policy
State of California
In March 2025,Governor Gavin Newsom launched accountability.ca.gov,a new statewide platform to track housing and
homelessness funding,reinforcing Governor Newsom’s push for greater accountability and a stronger focus on
encampment abatement.The tool provides county-level data on housing production,compliance with state mandates,
homelessness trends, and fund allocations.
Alongside this,the Governor signaled a major shift in homelessness funding,prioritizing encampment resolution over
broader homelessness initiatives.He announced his intention to add a claw back provision to future rounds of the
Homeless Housing,Assistance,and Prevention (HHAP)program,which would allow the state to reclaim funds from
jurisdictions that fail to fully utilize their allocations or demonstrate measurable progress.
Additionally,the HHAP Round 6 Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)was released in early March,making $760
million available to local jurisdictions.However,Governor Newsom has excluded additional HHAP funding from the
January budget,instead redirecting state resources toward the Encampment Resolution Grant Program,which prioritizes
the removal of encampments and the transition of individuals into stable housing.
These changes mark a clear shift in the administration’s priorities,with a heightened focus on visible reductions in street
homelessness and strict accountability for local governments.
Regional Data & Policy
San Mateo County
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San Mateo County’s Hopeful to Horizons Ordinance,which applies to its unincorporated areas,allows authorities to
charge a person living in an encampment on public property with a misdemeanor after receiving at least two written
warnings and two offers of shelter are declined.Prior to the first warning,medical and mental health screening will be
completed.Anyone cited with a misdemeanor violation automatically qualifies for participation in diversion programs
provided by the San Mateo County Superior Court,avoiding jail time.The County cannot dismantle an encampment
unless there is appropriate shelter for each person living there.Considerations for special needs such as pets,gender,
sexual orientation,families,and age will be considered in placements.If an individual accepts shelter,their belongings
with them will be itemized, photographed and put in storage for 90 days. The County will hold a shelter bed for 72 hours.
In January 2025,San Mateo County (County)began a three-year grant-funded program called Encampment Resolution
Fund (ERF).The ERF program is expected to be live at the end of March,and the County has hired the associated case
managers.The ERF program added a Dignity on Wheels trailer every 3rd Monday of the month at Parking Lot 7 in South
San Francisco,located at 371 Miller Avenue.Dignity on Wheels offers showers,laundry,and other hygiene services.
ERF identified South Maple Avenue,Lowrie Avenue,and the area near the southbound Highway 101 off-ramp at Produce
Avenue as their priorities in South San Francisco.The ERF resources will focus on mental health,physical health,
substance abuse, counseling, and shelter/housing opportunities that offer long-term solutions.
As reflected in the County’s 2024 One Day Homeless Count Executive Summary,included as Attachment 2,a total of
2,130 people are experiencing homelessness,of which 1,145 are unsheltered and 985 are sheltered.Between 2022 and
2024,the total number of people experiencing homelessness increased by 18%,driven by an increase in people
experiencing sheltered homelessness.The Point in Time found that 40%of those experiencing homelessness were in RVs,
31%in cars or vans,19%on the street,7%in a tent or makeshift shelter,and 3%had other shelters.The City of South
San Francisco counted 79 individuals experiencing homelessness in 2024, up from 42 individuals in 2022.
The County asserts it has 15 to 30 unused beds every night with potentially hundreds more as hotels are converted into
permanent and interim housing along with the County’s Navigation Center.While only enforced in unincorporated areas
of San Mateo County, the County hopes this will serve as a model for the 20 incorporated cities.
The County of San Mateo continues to enforce overnight parking ban on oversized vehicles and have provided designated
RV camping areas to discourage illegal street parking.
In 2022,there were two Safe Parking Programs,which served people living in RVs.At the time of the 2024 count,there
was one Safe Parking program which operates as a scattered site program.The location of the remaining Safe Parking
Program was not disclosed.
Local Data & Policy
South San Francisco
The City of South San Francisco’s (City)policy largely follows San Mateo County’s Hopeful to Horizons Ordinance with
one exception. The South San Francisco Police Department (SSFPD) does not arrest individuals for being homeless.
Homeless Outreach Team
In 2015,the City formed the Homeless Outreach Team (HOT),which is also comprised of representatives from
LifeMoves,San Mateo County,Samaritan House,Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA),and St.Vincent de Paul
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(SVDP).
LifeMoves
LifeMoves is a non-profit organization whose mission is to end homelessness by providing interim housing,supportive
services,and building collaborative partnerships,to engage with homeless individuals to offer temporary housing and
connect them to social services.LifeMoves is a valuable partner for addressing unhoused circumstances in South San
Francisco.In north county,LifeMoves has three case managers and two outreach workers.South San Francisco’s
assigned case worker,Francisco Valencia,also supports the City of San Bruno and the Town of Colma.SSFPD currently
provides a workstation for Francisco,and regularly refers unhoused clients to him,expediting follow-up contacts.
Francisco also responds to encampments and RVs with SSFPD officers,ensuring individuals are offered housing services
when towing vehicles or removing encampments.Francisco tracks the number of encampments,locations,individuals
involved,the frequency of outreach contacts,and whether services were accepted.Francisco facilitated permanent
housing for 12 individuals in 2024 and 17 individuals in 2023 who were previously unsheltered in South San Francisco.
LifeMoves has two shifts -one during the day from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM and one in the evening from 2:30 PM to 10:30
PM.
LifeMoves is funded by Measure K through San Mateo County.The contract term between LifeMoves and San Mateo
County began in January 2025 and will conclude in July 2027.
As indicated in the map below,which shows homeless encampments (green tent icon),recreational vehicle camper
frequent locations (blue RV icon),and confirmed arsons/unlawful fires (yellow fire icon),the high frequency
encampment locations are along Highway 101 and in the underpass/overpass areas of Caltrans and Union Pacific
Railroad (UPRR):
When dealing with an encampment on private property,the owner or business representative typically requests a No
Trespassing Order that mandates the individual to vacate the property within a defined period.This order is issued by
SSFPD,resulting in a citation or arrest if the person continues to interfere with business operations and does not vacate
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SSFPD,resulting in a citation or arrest if the person continues to interfere with business operations and does not vacate
the property.
If the encampment is located on City property,Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR),or Caltrans property,officers will initiate
contact and attempt to identify all individuals living there.SSFPD will ensure our LifeMoves case manager is aware of
the encampment and will offer housing services to individuals.SSFPD officers and LifeMoves will maintain
communication with individuals living in these areas so they have accurate contact information and can provide them
with updates on service opportunities.Once it is determined that the encampment needs to be removed based on public
safety,public health,or environmental concerns,officers will issue a written form that gives the individual a reasonable
amount of time (minimally 48 hours)to remove their property.SSFPD coordinates with the Public Works Department to
schedule an encampment clean-up.Public Works staff helps to remove the items,and retains any valuables associated
with the encampment for 20 days.
As reflected in the letter included as Attachment 1,UPRR has authorized SSFPD to enter its property and right of way to
enforce trespass statutes/ordinances,tow abandoned/illegally parked vehicles,and remove homeless encampments.2025
marks the second year of such authorization.If the encampment clean-ups require approval and coordination with
agencies like UPRR or the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans),it often extends the encampment removal
process due to the need for proper notification, planning, and resource allocation.
Table 1 below provides towed vehicle data for calendar year 2024 from SSFPD that were associated with unhoused
individuals declining services:
Table 1
Type Number Reason
RVs 5 SSFMC prohibiting 72-hour parking
2 Expired registration more than six months
Vehicles 17
Boats 1
SSFPD issued 80 citations in calendar year 2024 for SSFMC 8.44.050(b),which prohibits RV parking on any city
roadway between the hours of 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM.
SSFPD’s Traffic Unit monitors the problematic areas within the city and now dedicates time during their shifts to
addressing parking and municipal code violations related to RVs.This approach has been successful in preventing long-
term parking in specific areas,the accumulation of debris on sidewalks/roadways,and helps deter other individuals from
parking at the same location.
The City and its three towing companies have experienced challenges that are not unique to South San Francisco,but
rather ubiquitous to other cities:1)a dearth of tow trucks large enough to tow large RVs;2)space to store RVs before
properly disposing of them in compliance with environmental requirements.Potential solutions to address these
challenges will be discussed in greater detail in the discussion section of the staff report.
Anchor Out Vessels
As of February 27,2025,the City had 21 abandoned/derelict vessels that were not in compliance with the City’s Mooring
Regulations Ordinance in the area adjacent to Oyster Point Cove as shown in the map below:
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Of the 21 non-compliant vessels,11 are occupied by unhoused individuals,and the remaining 10 are abandoned/derelict
and unoccupied.The City entered into on-call agreements with three salvage companies for removal/demolition of non-
compliant vessels and provided 10-day notices as required by the City’s Mooring Regulation Ordinance and the State of
California Harbors and Navigation Code.
Over the last 18 months,the City has engaged with subject matters experts from the San Francisco Bay Conservation &
Development Commission (BCDC),Coast Guard,San Mateo County Harbor District,and Richardson Bay Regional
Authority (RBRA).
Other Cities in San Mateo County
Redwood City
In October 2020,the City of Redwood City operated a temporary RV Safe Parking Program at a vacant lot near the Maple
Street Correctional Center,which served 120 participants.The remaining RV dwellers were allowed on city streets with a
permit program and placed on a wait list for the lot.The goal was to transition most of the RVs off City streets and into
parking lots where those residents could safely park and work toward permanent housing.Each program participant was
assigned a social worker who helped participants find more permanent housing along with other services like career
readiness assistance and behavioral health assistance.The program was operated by nonprofit partner,LifeMoves.Prior
to the launch of the program,there was an average of 110 RVs nightly,and by the end of the program in February 2023,
60% of the 91 households that joined the program had moved into permanent housing.
East Palo Alto
The City of East Palo Alto (EPA)continues to work with the County of San Mateo and nonprofit partners,LifeMoves and
Project WeHOPE to offer case management,shelter,and interim and permanent housing to unhoused residents in EPA.
Amid growing community complaints about oversized vehicles and RVs crowding city streets,at the time,EPA cited any
vehicle that created an imminent, environmental health and safety concern.
In April 2022,the EPA City Council adopted a Master Temporary Use Permit (TUP)as one of multiple strategies to
address the increased number of unhoused residents in EPA.The goal of TUP is to expand its capacity to provide safe
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address the increased number of unhoused residents in EPA.The goal of TUP is to expand its capacity to provide safe
parking locations for unhoused residents in RVs and a temporary shelter option within city limits.The TUP program
supports overnight parking programs beyond the RV Safe Parking Program to provide additional space for RVs so that
EPA may effectively enforce its Ordinance of Oversized Vehicles,citing and towing vehicles parked during the hours of
2:00am and 5:00 am.The TUP is a single application containing all applicable site standards and conditions for different
types of temporary housing including vehicles parked overnight on private property,temporary shelter provided in
existing buildings on private property, and temporary housing placed on-site on private property.
City of San Mateo
The City of San Mateo’s approach to address homelessness largely mirrors South San Francisco’s,collaborating with
county agencies and local nonprofits to provide a range of services and support systems for individuals and families
experiencing homelessness. Key components of San Mateo's strategy include:
Homeless Outreach Team (HOT):Operated by the San Mateo Police Department,this team comprises specially trained
officers who engage with unsheltered individuals to connect them with housing and critical resources.The officers
possess advanced certifications in crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques,aiming to reduce recidivism and
improve the quality of life within the community.
The interim shelter programs available for unhoused individuals include:
·First Step for Families, which is managed by LifeMoves, and provides interim shelter and services to 39 families.
·Safe Harbor Shelter,located in South San Francisco and operated by Samaritan House,offers 90 beds for
emergency shelter and short-term housing options.
·Pacific Emergency Shelter, located in Redwood City and also managed by Samaritan House, offers 74 rooms.
·El Camino House, Samaritan House opened this 44-room site in 2022 located in San Mateo.
·Homeless Help Centers:The Society of St.Vincent de Paul operates drop-in centers in South San Francisco,San
Mateo,and Redwood City,offering basic necessities such as meals,clothing,and hygiene facilities.The San
Mateo center, located at 50 N. B Street, provides assistance Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 11:00 am.
Cities in Neighboring Counties
City of San Francisco
San Francisco (SF)continues to experience a high rate of inflow into homelessness.While 8,323 homeless individuals
were observed on the night of the Point-in-Time (PIT)Count,more than 20,000 people seek homeless services in SF over
the course of a full year.These figures suggest that for every person the City is able to exit from homelessness through its
Homelessness Response System,approximately three people become homeless.In 2024,1,444 unhoused were counted as
living in vehicles and 2,910 living unsheltered on the street or in a tent.The number of people living in vehicles increased
37% from 2022, but decreased 20% since 2019. SF found the majority of homeless families (90%) reside in vehicles.
SF provides one safe parking site for RVs at Candlestick Point,which holds 33 spaces.It is intended to hold 155 vehicles,
but the City has been unable to fully utilize this site due to a lack of electricity,accessibility issues,and polluting diesel
generators.In October 2024,the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Authority (SFMTA)approved legislation that
would prohibit the parking of large vehicles such as mobile homes,trailer parks,and campers overnight between the
hours of midnight at 6 am on city streets.These vehicles may be towed if the inhabitants refuse an offer of shelter,
housing,or other services.However,in December 2024,the San Francisco Board of Supervisors rescinded the RV
parking restrictions followed by an appeal by a coalition of RV dwellers and homeless advocates.Law enforcement may
only issue citations and new signage to ban overnight RV parking requires SFMTA board approval.
City of San José
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One of the City of San José (SJ)City Council’s focus areas is to reduce unsheltered homelessness and to clean up
neighborhoods.The most recent Point-in-Time Count shows 6,266 homeless individuals in SJ,of which 1,880 were
considered sheltered.As such,the SJ City Council directed SJ City staff to find ways to mitigate safety,environmental,
and mobility challenges caused by oversized and lived-in vehicles parked on city streets.SJ’s Department of
Transportation efforts include vehicle inventory,site analysis,prioritization,enforcement,and clean up.These efforts are
known as the Oversized and Lived-In Vehicle Enforcement (OLIVE)pilot program intended to address the environmental
and safety issues caused by oversized vehicles and lived-in vehicles on city streets.The program is funded by a $1.5
million budget addendum and directs the Department of Transportation to:
•Identify areas impacted by the parking of oversized and lived-in vehicles on city streets
•Establish temporary tow-away zones to allow cleanup of impacted areas and encourage vehicles to relocate
•Analyze the feasibility of installing permanent parking restrictions at select locations
Funding for this program allows for a full citywide inventory of oversized and presumed lived-in vehicles parked on city
streets.Up to 30 sites will be identified for temporary tow-away parking restrictions (approximately one month in
duration)to help facilitate the cleanup and street sweeping of the area and encourage people to move their vehicles out of
the restricted zone.Vehicles that are not voluntarily moved from tow away zones will be subject to towing and impound.
Based on the success of the temporary restrictions,up to 10 sites will be considered for permanent parking restrictions.
The program will scale up in Fiscal Year 2025-26 to include 50 temporary sites.
SJ’s vehicle inventory identified 2,071 oversized and/or presumed lived-in vehicles between the months of September and
October 2024.Staff analyzed several additional data sets to determine vehicles proximity to sensitive sites including
waterways,storm drains,schools,parks,emergency interim housing,and safe parking sites,as well as transportation
networks and Vision Zero Priority Safety Corridors.Multi-vehicle clusters were also prioritized based on proximity to
sensitive areas,total number of vehicles congregated,site conditions,observed levels or trash and bio-waste,potential
obstructions,and City Council office priorities.Thirty sites were then prioritized based on this analysis.In December
2024,the City began outreach to neighborhoods with proposed parking restricted sites and to people living in vehicles
parked in the sites.Now through June 2025,the City will establish parking sites,communicate with residents and council
offices, and update the inventory map.
In addition to the City’s OLIVE efforts,the LifeMoves Safe and Supportive Parking Program provides a secure location
for families to stay overnight while receiving access to LifeMoves’services.The program provides temporary shelter,
case management,and food and blankets.The program operates every day out of two parking lots in SJ and provides a
safe, well-lit environment.
City of Berkeley
The City of Berkeley’s Point-in-Time Count shows a total of 844 homeless individuals,consisting of 399 sheltered and
445 unsheltered individuals.Of those identified,42%are chronically homeless,4%are veterans,8%are survivors of
domestic violence,3%are affected by HIV/AIDS related illness,43%are affected by Serious Mental Illness,and 26%
affected by Substance Use Disorder.The primary causes of homelessness include a housing related loss (33%),a job or
income loss (39%),health related issues (21%),or a household loss/breakup related (14%).The top three ethnic groups
affected by homelessness are Black/African American (43.8%), White (34.2%), and Hispanic/Latino (13.7%).
In September 2024,in response to legal action by businesses and residents,the City Council adopted Resolution No.71,
513-N.S.known as the “Encampment Policy Resolution to Promote Healthy and Safe Neighborhoods,”affirming the City
of Berkeley’s commitment to “housing first”by offering interim housing when closing encampments except for six
specific exceptions including:
1.The Fire Department has determined that the encampment poses a fire hazard or emergency condition;
2.The Environmental Health Division of the Health,Housing,and Community Services Department has determined
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2.The Environmental Health Division of the Health,Housing,and Community Services Department has determined
that the encampment poses an imminent health hazard;
3.The City has determined that a situation constitutes a public nuisance as defined in the municipal code;
4.The encampment is located on a City street median,in the roadway,or otherwise in dangerous proximity to the
traffic;
5.The encampment is in an area where the City has authorized work;
6.The encampment interferes with or impedes city or utility companies’construction or maintenance activities in
the public right of way.
According to action taken at the City Council meeting on September 10,2024,this change in policy reflects the need to
balance compassion for the unhoused with the need to maintain public health and safety.In implementing this policy,the
City Council affirmed its stance as a City that provides “care first,jail last”,and that this new policy should not be
construed as a broad deviation from the City’s ‘housing first’ policy.
Vehicles and RVs pose a unique challenge for City staff.There are no state or local laws making it illegal to dwell in a
vehicle in Berkeley.Vehicles are also governed by the California Vehicle Code (CVC)which supersedes local laws.The
CVC requires all vehicles first be towed to impound prior to destruction.The tow companies have limited space for large
vehicles,especially RVs,and many times will refuse to accept them.This has limited Berkeley’s ability to remove RVs
from the street, even if the occupant has received shelter.
Berkeley’s interpretation of a 2018 state law,AB 2876,makes it illegal to tow a vehicle simply for compiling unpaid
parking tickets or ignoring the 72-hour rule.Without another justification such as the safe flow of traffic or inoperability,
towing a vehicle is considered an unconstitutional seizure per the Fourth Amendment.However,the City continues to
enforce all parking regulations equally on a complaint driven basis,regardless of whether someone is using the vehicle as
shelter.Staff have found that some vehicles will ignore enforcement efforts,and not all are towable by State law.Staff
have found that some will move a few feet so as not to trigger the 72-hour rule.City staff have found success in moving
RV residents into the shelter in the past and will continue this practice.
City of Mountain View
The City of Mountain View has implemented a comprehensive Safe Parking Program as part of its broader strategy to
address homelessness,with a particular focus on individuals and families living in vehicles.Administered in partnership
with MOVE Mountain View,a local nonprofit,the program provides a designated,secure location for eligible participants
to park their vehicles and access supportive services aimed at stabilizing their housing situation.
Mountain View’s Safe Parking Program includes the following key components:
Eligibility Criteria
The program is targeted to residents with a connection to Mountain View, including:
·Individuals or families with children enrolled in local schools;
·Those who work or previously resided in Mountain View;
·Seniors aged 55 and older;
·People with disabilities.
Service Model
In addition to secure parking, participants receive access to essential services such as:
·Restroom and hygiene facilities;
·Case management and housing navigation services;
·Access to wraparound support through MOVE MV and partner organizations.
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Mountain View has over 100 Safe Parking spaces available at two city-owned lots and faith-based sites.
Public-Private Partnerships
Mountain View allows private property owners,including faith-based organizations,to host safe parking sites through a
permitting process managed by the Police Department.Hosts must partner with a qualified Safe Parking Operator and
comply with public health, safety, and security standards.
Community Integration
The program includes neighborhood outreach and engagement strategies to ensure that parking locations are well-
managed and integrated into the community with minimal impact.
DISCUSSION
In addition to the intervention and support the City’s Homeless Outreach Team offers unhoused community members,the
City also invests in programs to help prevent homelessness.The City’s most significant program is the locally funded
Emergency Rental Assistance Program administered by the City’s core service agency,the YMCA Community Resource
Center.The City has provided roughly $1 million in funding since February 2020 and assisted more than 275 households
comprising nearly 800 individuals.This program prevents homelessness by paying past due rent owed by lower income
households, thus avoiding evictions due to nonpayment.
The City also has local legislation providing for relocation benefits in the cases of housing units being deemed
uninhabitable and unsafe.This prevents homelessness by giving tenants displaced due to code enforcement actions
sufficient financial resources to find replacement housing.
The City recently adopted legislation providing relocation benefits for tenants displaced by changes of use in two types of
naturally occurring affordable housing - single room occupancy hotels and mobile home parks.
Finally,the City provides financial support for several nonprofits providing interventions to prevent homelessness -Legal
Aid of San Mateo County’s Home Savers program,which provides legal representation in eviction proceedings,and
Rebuilding Together Peninsula’s Minor Home Repair program,which allows lower income homeowners to maintain their
housing as they age or face costly repair costs.
City staff has studied utilizing existing properties as potential RV storage lots or safe camping sites.One option in
particular has been analyzed.
The 250 ft x 60 ft city-owned property at approximately 1461 San Mateo Avenue can accommodate around 36-40 RVs for
long-term storage using a tightly packed parallel layout,maximizing space efficiency but eliminating maneuverability.If
converted into a safe camping space,the site could accommodate approximately 18-24 RVs,allowing for necessary
maneuvering,spacing between units,and access to improvements.There are currently 14 RVs on city streets in South San
Francisco.One of staff’s concerns is that a safe camping space could draw more RVs to the safe camping space and the
City at large beyond the City’s capabilities,which would compound the issue.The estimated cost to upgrade the site for
either use ranges from $150,000 to $250,000,depending on what improvements are added,such as:paving the gravel
portion of the lot,repaving the remainder,lighting,security cameras,improved access,and fencing.Staffing and
management of the site would create additional recurring costs on top of the potential site improvements.
Staff is currently evaluating the possibility of leasing the lot to one of the City’s contracted tow companies for use as an
RV storage facility.Limited storage capacity for towed RVs remains a key challenge for tow companies when responding
to City requests for RV removals from public streets.
San Francisco's Bayview Vehicle Triage Center Closure:Established to provide a secure location for individuals
living in vehicles,this site faced numerous issues,including infrastructure problems,environmental concerns,and legal
City of South San Francisco Printed on 3/31/2025Page 10 of 11
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Version:1 Item #:1.
living in vehicles,this site faced numerous issues,including infrastructure problems,environmental concerns,and legal
challenges.Despite an investment exceeding $18 million over three years,the facility never hosted more than 35 vehicles
simultaneously and was ultimately closed,leading many residents back to street parking and prompting complaints from
local homeowners.
San Jose's Safe Parking Program :San Jose established a safe parking facility to provide a secure location for homeless
individuals living in RVs.However,strict requirements-such as the need for vehicles to be operational,insured,and have
current registration-prevented many RV dwellers from utilizing the site.This resulted in underutilization of the facility
and continued street parking issues.
Redwood City’s Temporary RV Safe Parking Program (2020-2023):Redwood City launched a Temporary RV Safe
Parking Program in October 2020 at 1402 Maple Street to address the growing number of RV dwellers on city streets.The
site,managed by the nonprofit LifeMoves,could accommodate up to 40 RV households and aimed to transition residents
into stable housing while reducing street parking concerns.By the program’s conclusion in February 2023,60%of the 91
participating households had successfully moved into permanent housing.
Pacifica Safe Parking Program (2022-2025)
Since June 29,2022,the Pacifica Resource Center (PRC)manages the Pacifica Safe Parking Program that offers 29-day
permits for unhoused individuals living in eligible oversized vehicles.With 13 dedicated parking spots,permits are
renewable upon expiration.The goal is to help participants plan for permanent housing.The city’s funding obligations
include the striping of the parking spaces,regular police patrol of the parking spaces,co-hosting a mobile dumping
station at a cost of up to $30,000 per year and payments to PRC in installments of $120,000 each June through 2024,as
well as the provisions of dumpsters or drop off service for garbage disposal.
FISCAL IMPACT
While this study session is information only,if the City Council wishes to pursue potential solutions further,such as an
RV tow yard, the cost will require a budget appropriation from the General Fund.
RELATIONSHIP TO STRATEGIC PLAN
The study session on homelessness is connected to the Quality of Life strategic priority;both for individuals experiencing
homelessness and for members of the community that are impacted by the many forms of homelessness -encampments,
RVs, and anchor out vessels.
CONCLUSION
The challenge of homelessness is not unique to South San Francisco and comes in many forms -from homeless
encampments to RV campers to anchor out vessels.The City’s partnerships with San Mateo County,LifeMoves,and
Samaritan House have been fruitful,but in order to address the more challenging homeless individuals that decline
services and are rapidly transitory, the City will need additional resources and creative solutions.
Attachments
1.Authorization from Union Pacific Railroad
2.San Mateo County 2024 One Day Homeless Count Executive Summary
3.Presentation
City of South San Francisco Printed on 3/31/2025Page 11 of 11
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15
COUNTY OF SAN MATEO
2024 One Day Homeless Count and Survey
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
MAY 2024 16
22024 County of San Mateo One Day Homeless Count and Survey | Executive Summary
INTRODUCTION
This executive summary provides an overview of key results from the County of San Mateo’s 2024 One
Day Homeless Count and Survey (the “Count”). The County’s Human Services Agency (HSA) coordinates
the Count in collaboration with community and County partners. The 2024 Count was conducted in the
early morning hours of Thursday, January 25, 2024, and in-depth surveys were collected over the course
of the following week. Approximately 300 volunteers consisting of community-based providers, members
of the public, City and County staff, and community expert guides conducted observational counts and
surveys of people experiencing unsheltered homelessness in each census tract in the county. The County
conducts the Count every two years, although the 2021 count was postponed to 2022 due to COVID-19.
The results of the Count provide one source of data, among many others, to help the County and its
partners assess how best to serve households experiencing homelessness and assist them with returning
to housing as quickly as possible. The results are also submitted to the United States Department of
Housing and Urban Development (HUD), which compiles data from homeless counts nationwide. The
Count provides data that helps inform policymakers and providers about the homeless population and
trends over time.
NUMBER OF PEOPLE EXPERIENCING
HOMELESSNESS
The 2024 Count found 2,130 people experiencing homelessness in San Mateo County on the night of
January 24, 2024. This number includes:
• 1,145 people experiencing unsheltered homelessness staying on the streets, in cars,
in recreational vehicles (RVs), or in tents
• 985 people experiencing sheltered homelessness staying in emergency shelters and
transitional housing programs
The number of people experiencing unsheltered homelessness in 2024 increased by 53 people (5%)
compared to 2022. The number of people staying in shelter in 2024 increased by 269 people (38%) from
2022, driven by additional emergency shelter capacity that had been created by the County. So, looking
at the total point-in-time count (including both unsheltered and sheltered), the finding of 2,130 people
experiencing homelessness on the night of the Count is an increase of 322 people (18%) from the 2022
Count.
17
32024 County of San Mateo One Day Homeless Count and Survey | Executive Summary
Charts 1-3 below show the number of people experiencing unsheltered and sheltered homelessness
according to One Day Homeless Count data from 2013 to 2024.
CHART 1. ONE DAY HOMELESS COUNT – UNSHELTERED COUNT OVER TIME
Sheltered
Unsheltered
1,299
775
637
901
1,092 1,145
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
1400
2013 2015 2017 2019 2022 2024
2022
Between 2022 and 2024, unsheltered homelessness in the County increased by 5%, which is smaller
than the 21% increase between 2019 and 2022.
CHART 2. ONE DAY HOMELESS COUNT – SHELTERED COUNT OVER TIME
Sheltered
Unsheltered
2022
703 708 616 611
716
985
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
2013 2015 2017 2019 2022 2024
Between 2022 and 2024, sheltered homelessness increased by 38%, driven by increased shelter
capacity within the County.
18
42024 County of San Mateo One Day Homeless Count and Survey | Executive Summary
CHART 3. ONE DAY HOMELESS COUNT – TOTAL OVER TIME
703 708 616 611 716
1,299
775 637 901
1,092
2,002
1,483 1,253
1,512
1,808
0
500
1000
1500
2000
2500
2013 2015 2017 2019 2022
Sheltered
Unsheltered
985
1,145
2,130
2024
Between 2022 and 2024, the total count of people experiencing homelessness increased by 18%, driven
primarily by an increase in people experiencing sheltered homelessness.
UNSHELTERED SLEEPING LOCATIONS
The charts below show the categories of sleeping locations for individuals who were unsheltered on the
night of the 2024 Count and a breakdown of sleeping locations for the Counts from 2013 to 2024.
CHART 4. LOCATIONS OF UNSHELTERED PERSONS IN 2024 COUNT
Sheltered
Unsheltered
2022
Street
222
(19%)
Car/Van
356
(31%)
RV
460
(40%)
Tent/Makeshift Shelter
77
(7%)
Other30(3%)
9%
Safe Parking
2%
Other
9%
Safe Parking
2%
Other
Car/Van
30%
RV
26%
Tent/
Encampment
16%
Street
16%
Safe Parking
10%
Other
2%
P
19
52024 County of San Mateo One Day Homeless Count and Survey | Executive Summary
CHART 5. UNSHELTERED HOMELESS COUNT OVER TIME
353 331
127 157 175 222
231 157
197 184
329 356
392
151
218
494 287
460
323
136
95
66 177
77
22
30
102
1,299
775
637
901
1,092 1,145
2013 2015 2017 2019 2022 2024
Safe Parking
Other
Tent/Makeshift Shelter
RV
Car/Van
Street
*“Safe Parking” is a type of program that serves people who are residing in their vehicles. The program provides a safe designated
place for people to stay in their vehicle as well as supportive services to assist the residents with working on returning to housing.
At the time of the 2019 and earlier Counts, there were no Safe Parking programs in San Mateo County, and at the time of the
2022 Count, there were two Safe Parking programs which served people living in RVs. At the time of the 2024 Count, there was
one Safe Parking program that operates as a scattered site program, so households enrolled in the Safe Parking program were
included in the unsheltered count.
*“Other” includes abandoned buildings, boats, and other types of vehicles/structures that are not captured under Safe Parking,
RV, and Car/Van. Enhanced data collection tools in the 2024 Count allowed for improved tracking of these type of other
unsheltered situations, compared to previous years.
20
62024 County of San Mateo One Day Homeless Count and Survey | Executive Summary
GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION
The following table summarizes the geographic locations of people experiencing unsheltered
homelessness reflected in the Counts from 2013 to 2024.
CHART 6. UNSHELTERED HOMELESS COUNT BY JURISDICTION
Geographic Place 2013
Count
2015
Count
2017
Count
2019
Count
2022
Count
2024
Count
Atherton 0 1 0 1 3 2
Belmont 43 11 3 7 13 22
Brisbane 34 21 19 4 6 11
Burlingame 13 7 21 25 10 40
Colma 7 3 1 8 1 11
Daly City 27 32 17 66 49 72
East Palo Alto 119 95 98 107 169 81
Foster City 7 0 6 4 4 4
Half Moon Bay 114 84 43 54 68 20
Hillsborough 0 0 0 0 0 0
Menlo Park 16 27 47 27 56 74
Millbrae 21 8 7 9 9 22
Pacifica 150 63 112 116 161 180
Portola Valley 2 0 1 0 0 0
Redwood City 306 223 94 221 245 189
San Bruno 98 8 26 12 63 75
San Carlos 10 20 28 30 14 29
San Francisco Int. Airport 5 1 3 21 14 23
San Mateo 103 82 48 74 60 95
South San Francisco 172 55 33 42 42 79
Unincorporated 46 32 30 73 105 114
Coastside 22 22 60 62 105
North 0 3 6 7 0
Central 0 0 0 0 0
South 10 5 7 36 9
Woodside 6 2 0 0 0 2
Total 1,299 775 637 901 1,092 1,145
21
72024 County of San Mateo One Day Homeless Count and Survey | Executive Summary
CONCLUSION
The overall finding from the Count is that 2,130 individuals were experiencing homelessness on the night of
the Count, which represents an increase of 18% from 2022 to 2024. The overall increase is primarily driven by
an increase of 38% in sheltered individuals, while unsheltered homelessness increased by 5%.
The County and its partners have expanded homeless services in recent years, including expansions in
shelters, as well as expansions in homeless outreach services, permanent housing resources, and enhanced
connections between health services and homeless services. Since 2022, the County has opened two
additional non-congregate shelters—the Navigation Center and El Camino House—which has created
additional capacity to provide safe shelter and intensive support services to help residents move into
permanent housing.
The County continues to implement strategies to increase affordable housing through new construction with
set-aside units for the formerly homeless population, the Affordable Housing Fund, Homekey projects, County
Housing Voucher Program, and rental vouchers. The County also continues to implement strategies such as
investing in homeless prevention services, expanding homeless outreach and case management services to
serve unsheltered individuals, and tailoring services to meet the needs of people experiencing homelessness
who have complex health conditions.
*Published by the County of San Mateo’s Human Services Agency. Data analysis by Focus Strategies. For
more information, please visit https://www.smcgov.org/hsa/center-homelessness.
22
Please visit
https://www.smcgov.org/hsa/center-homelessness
for more information.
23
Homelessness Study SessionApril 1, 202524
Overview2Legal FrameworkState of CaliforniaSan Mateo CountySouth San FranciscoOther CitiesDiscuss Potential Solutions25
Legal Framework26
Legal Framework | Federal Case Law4Martin v. Boise•Cannot criminalize sleeping in public if no shelter is available (Eighth Amendment)Johnson v. Grants Pass•Initially expanded protections; overturned by Supreme Court in 2024•Enforcement of camping bans allowed if not based on housing status27
Legal Considerations5• Cruel and unusual punishment8thAmendment• Search/seizure and due process protections4thand 14thAmendmentsEnforcement must consider all constitutional limitations28
State of California29
State of California7Governor NewsomPrioritizing encampment resolutionNew Funding Accountability Platform accountability.ca.govHomeless Housing, Assistance, and Prevention (HHAP)Performance-based with claw back provisions30
San Mateo County31
San Mateo County | Hopeful to Horizons Ordinance9Misdemeanor for encampment after two written warnings/offers of shelter•Diversion programsCannot dismantle encampment unless there is appropriate shelter for each person there•Pets•Gender•Sexual orientation•Families•Age32
San Mateo County | Encampment Resolution Fund (ERF)10Dignity on Wheels•Every 3rdMonday at Parking Lot 7 (371 Miller)•Showers•Laundry•Other hygiene servicesPriority areas in SSF•South Maple Avenue•Lowrie Avenue•Area near southbound Hwy 101 offramp at Produce AvenueERF focus•Mental health•Physical health•Substance abuse•Counseling•Shelter/housing opportunities that offer long-term solutions33
San Mateo County | Point in Time Count Trends1134
San Mateo County | Point in Time Count Trends1235
San Mateo County | Point in Time Data Trends13Geographic Location 2013 2015 2017 2019 2022 2024Atherton 010132Belmont 4311 3 7 1322Brisbane 34 21 19 4 6 11Burlingame 13 7 21251040Colma 7318111Daly City 27 32 17 66 49 72East Palo Alto 119 95 98 107 169 81Foster City 706444Half Moon Bay 114 84 43 54 68 20Hillsborough 000000Menlo Park 16 27 47 27 56 74Millbrae 21879922Pacifica 150 63 112 116 161 180Portola Valley 201000Redwood City 306 223 94 221 245 189San Bruno 98 8 26 12 63 75San Carlos 10 20 28 30 14 29San Francisco Int. Airport 5 1 3 21 14 23San Mateo103 82 48 74 60 95South San Francisco 172 55 33 42 42 79Unincorporated 46 32 30 73 105 114Woodside 620002Total1,299 775 637 901 1,092 1,145
36
San Mateo County | Shelter | Parking14Unused BedsBan on overnight parking for oversized vehiclesSafe Parking Program37
South San Francisco38
South San Francisco| Homeless Outreach Team (HOT)16City of South San FranciscoLifeMovesSan Mateo CountySamaritan HouseYMCASt. Vincent de Paul39
Outreach Services Teams40
18LIFEMOVES | BREAKING THE CYCLE OF HOMELESSNESSHomeless Outreach Team (HOT)What Do We Do?•The Outreach team connects with the hardest-to-reach and most vulnerable members of our community. We enter encampments, work under bridges, and engage clients near freeways—wherever we’re needed.•Our team is out in the community rain or shine, hot or cold, serving as the boots on the ground and working in the trenches!•We take a holistic approach to serving our clients, tailoring case plans to support shelter requests, housing placement, substance use treatment, physical and mental health care, and income stability. We think outside the box to help clients overcome barriers to housing and reintegrate into society.41
New Homeless Outreach Team (HOT) 2.0 Program19191919191911911919119191991991919119New Homeless Outreach Team (HOT) 2.0 program:HOT 2.0 is divided into 4 regions and recently has expanded regional coverage throughout San Mateo County (SMC):- Region 1 coverage: Daly City, San Bruno, Colma, Millbrae, Burlingame, Brisbane, South San Francisco - Staffing consists of 2 Outreach Specialists (day/evening), 3 Outreach Case Managers, 1 Program DirectorEncampment Resolution Funds (ERF) ProgramERF LifeMoves program serves 19 of 26 ERF identified encampments throughout San Mateo County (SMC).•Region coverage: Region 1(North County), 3 (Bayside), 4 (South County) & individuals housed•Staffing consists of 4 Outreach Case Managers (1 Bilingual Spanish speaking Case Manager) and 1 Program Director.•South San Francisco ERF encampments include #6, #7 and #8 42
20LIFEMOVES | BREAKING THE CYCLE OF HOMELESSNESSSuccess with HOT teamsoHomeless Outreach Team (South San Francisco) •Calendar Yr 2024•Engaged with 268individuals •134 Linked to coordinated entry system •Placed 115in Interim Housing( Shelter) •Housed 15 individuals.o Success Story• 56 year old Latino Male • First enrollment into HIMS, February 2016, LifeMoves HOT, Housed in October 202443
Point of contacts21Sarah Fields -Director, Community Engagement & Public [email protected] Lomeli- Encampment resolution Funds Program [email protected](650)533-5527Marlon Mendieta- Region 1 (North County) HOT Program [email protected](650) 451-8299Barbara Flores- Associate Director of the Homeless Outreach [email protected]
South San Francisco| Encampment/RV/Fire Heat Map222245
South San Francisco| Encampment Process23Private PropertyOwner/Rep requests No Trespassing OrderIssued by SSFPDCitation or arrest for non-compliance46
South San Francisco| Encampment Process24Public safety, public health, or environmental concernsSSFPD issues written form, providing 48 hours to remove propertyCoordination with Public Works for encampment clean upCity Property | UPRR | CaltransSSFPD initiates contactIdentify individualsLifemoves maintains communication47
South San Francisco| SSFPD Unhoused Declining Services25Type Number ReasonRVs5SSFMC prohibiting 72-hour parking2Expired registration more than six monthsVehicles17Boats148
South San Francisco| Towing Challenges26Lack of tow trucks large enough to town large RVsSpace to store towed RVs49
South San Francisco| Anchor Out Vessels | Milestones27November 2023er 2023Three vessels burnedSeptember 2024ber 2024Mooring Ordinance AdoptedJanuary 2025ary 2025Mooring Ordinance AmendmentsJanuary 2025nuary 2025On call agreements with salvage firmsFebruary 2025February 2025Code Enforcement tags unoccupied non-compliant vesselsFebruary 2025bruary 2025Issued call for bids from on call salvage firms50
South San Francisco| Anchor Out Vessels2851
Comparison to Other San Mateo County Cities52
Redwood City30RV Safe Parking120 participantsWait list | Permit to park on city streetsEach participant assigned a social workerPrimary goal to move toward permanent housingOperated by LifeMovesPrior to program: 110 RVsProgram ended February 202360% of 91 moved into permanent housing53
East Palo Alto31City of East Palo Alto LifeMovesProject WeHOPETUP for overnight parking (beyond Safe Parking Program)Enforces Oversized Vehicles Ordinance•Cites/tows vehicles parked between 2:00 –5:00 AM54
Comparison to Cities in Neighboring Counties55
San Francisco | Safe Parking33155 vehicle capacity•Only 33 spacesLack of electricityAccessibility issuesDiesel generator pollution•56
San Francisco34October 2024•SFMTA: No parking large vehicles 12-6 AMDecember 2024•BOS: Rescinded SFMTA legislationSFPD•Can only issue citationsNew signage banning RV parking•SFMTA Board approval required57
Berkeley | Encampment Policy Resolution to Promote Healthy and Safe Neighborhoods35Exceptions to offering interim housing when closing encampmentsFire hazard or emergency conditionImminent health hazardPublic nuisanceLocated on City street median, in roadway, or other dangerous proximity to trafficWhere City has authorized workInterferes/impedes City or utility company construction/maintenance in public right of way58
Mountain View | Safe Parking Program36EligibilityIndividuals or families with children enrolled in local schoolWork or previously lived in citySeniors (55 or older)People with disabilitiesServicesRestroom and hygiene facilitiesCase management and housing navigationWraparound supportPPPPrivate property ownersFaith-based organizationsCommunity IntegrationNeighborhood outreach and engagement to ensure parking locations are well managed with minimal impact59
Potential Solutions60
Beyond HOT38Emergency Rental Assistance•Administered by YMCA•$1M since 2020•Assisted 275+ households•Pays past due rent•Avoids evictions due to nonpaymentNew Ordinance•Relocation benefits for displaced tenants•Change in SRO hotels and mobile home parksFinancial support to nonprofits to prevent homelessness•Legal Aid of San Mateo County’s Home Savers •Rebuilding Together Peninsula Minor Home Repair61
Lot near 1461 San Mateo Ave39City owned250’ x 60’RV storage capacity: 36-40Safe Camping space capacity: 18-24 RVs62
Lot near 1461 San Mateo Ave | Concerns & Costs40May attract more RVs than current footprint and beyond available resourcesSite upgrade costs: $150k - $250kSite Staffing & management recurring costs would be in additionPotential lease to contracted tow company63
Other Agencies’ Experience41SF Bayview Vehicle Triage Center Challenges (Closed)•Infrastructure•Environmental•Legal•UnderutilizationSan Jose Safe Parking (Active)•Strict requirements (operational, insured, current registration)•UnderutilizationRedwood City Temporary RV Safe Parking•Managed by LifeMoves•Capacity for up to 40 RV households•60% of 91 participating households had moved into permanent housing by program conclusionPacifica Safe Parking•Managed by Pacific Resource Center (PRC)•29-day permits; renewable upon expiration•13 dedicated parking spots•City pays for parking space striping, police patrol, co-hosting mobile dumping station64
Homelessness Study SessionCity of South San FranciscoTHANK YOU65
Homelessness Study Session
April 1, 2025
Government Code Section
54957.5
SB 343 Item
Agenda: 04/01/2025 SPECIAL CC
Item1
66
Overview
2
Legal
Framework
State of
California
San Mateo
County
South San
Francisco
Other
Cities
Discuss
Potential
Solutions
67
Legal Framework
68
Legal Framework | Federal Case Law
4
Martin v. Boise
•Cannot criminalize
sleeping in public if no
shelter is available
(Eighth Amendment)
Johnson v. Grants Pass
•Initially expanded
protections;
overturned by
Supreme Court in 2024
•Enforcement of
camping bans
allowed if not based
on housing status
69
Legal Considerations
5
•Cruel and unusual punishment
8th Amendment
•Search/seizure and due process protections
4th and 14 th Amendments
Enforcement must consider all constitutional limitations
70
State of California
71
State of California
7
Governor Newsom
Prioritizing encampment resolution
New Funding Accountability Platform accountability.ca.gov
Homeless Housing, Assistance, and Prevention (HHAP)
Performance-based with claw back provisions
72
San Mateo County
73
San Mateo County | Hopeful to Horizons Ordinance
9
Misdemeanor for encampment after two written
warnings/offers of shelter
•Diversion programs
Cannot dismantle encampment unless there is
appropriate shelter for each person there
•Pets
•Gender
•Sexual orientation
•Families
•Age
74
San Mateo County | Encampment Resolution Fund (ERF)
10
Dignity on Wheels
•Every 3 rd Monday at Parking Lot 7 (371 Miller)
•Showers
•Laundry
•Other hygiene services
Priority areas in SSF
•South Maple Avenue
•Lowrie Avenue
•Area near southbound Hwy 101 offramp at Produce Avenue
ERF focus
•Mental health
•Physical health
•Substance abuse
•Counseling
•Shelter/housing opportunities that offer long-term solutions
75
San Mateo County | Point in Time Count Trends
11
76
San Mateo County | Point in Time Count Trends
12
77
San Mateo County | Point in Time Data Trends
13
Geographic Location 2013 2015 2017 2019 2022 2024
Atherton 0 1 0 1 3 2
Belmont 43 11 3 7 13 22
Brisbane 34 21 19 4 6 11
Burlingame 13 7 21 25 10 40
Colma 7 3 1 8 1 11
Daly City 27 32 17 66 49 72
East Palo Alto 119 95 98 107 169 81
Foster City 7 0 6 4 4 4
Half Moon Bay 114 84 43 54 68 20
Hillsborough 0 0 0 0 0 0
Menlo Park 16 27 47 27 56 74
Millbrae 21 8 7 9 9 22
Pacifica 150 63 112 116 161 180
Portola Valley 2 0 1 0 0 0
Redwood City 306 223 94 221 245 189
San Bruno 98 8 26 12 63 75
San Carlos 10 20 28 30 14 29
San Francisco Int. Airport 5 1 3 21 14 23
San Mateo 103 82 48 74 60 95
South San Francisco 172 55 33 42 42 79
Unincorporated 46 32 30 73 105 114
Woodside 6 2 0 0 0 2
Total 1,299 775 637 901 1,092 1,145 78
San Mateo County | Shelter | Parking
14
Unused Beds Ban on
overnight
parking for
oversized
vehicles
Safe Parking
Program
79
South San Francisco
80
South San Francisco| Homeless Outreach Team (HOT)
16
City of
South San
Francisco
LifeMoves San
Mateo
County
Samaritan
House
YMCA St.
Vincent
de Paul
81
Outreach Services Teams
82
18 LIFEMOVES | BREAKING THE CYCLE OF HOMELESSNESS
Homeless Outreach Team (HOT)
What Do We Do?
•The Outreach team connects with the hardest-to-reach and
most vulnerable members of our community. We enter
encampments, work under bridges, and engage clients near
freeways—wherever we’re needed.
•Our team is out in the community rain or shine, hot or cold,
serving as the boots on the ground and working in the trenches!
•We take a holistic approach to serving our clients, tailoring case
plans to support shelter requests, housing placement, substance
use treatment, physical and mental health care, and income
stability. We think outside the box to help clients overcome
barriers to housing and reintegrate into society.
83
New Homeless Outreach Team (HOT) 2.0 Program
19
New Homeless Outreach Team (HOT) 2.0 program:
HOT 2.0 is divided into 4 regions and recently has expanded regional coverage throughout San Mateo County
(SMC):
- Region 1 coverage: Daly City, San Bruno, Colma, Millbrae, Burlingame, Brisbane, South San Francisco
- Staffing consists of 2 Outreach Specialists (day/evening), 3 Outreach Case Managers, 1 Program Director
Encampment Resolution Funds (ERF) Program
ERF LifeMoves program serves 19 of 26 ERF identified encampments throughout San Mateo County (SMC).
•Region coverage: Region 1(North County), 3 (Bayside), 4 (South County) & individuals housed
•Staffing consists of 4 Outreach Case Managers (1 Bilingual Spanish speaking Case Manager) and 1 Program
Director.
•South San Francisco ERF encampments include #6, #7 and #8
84
20 LIFEMOVES | BREAKING THE CYCLE OF HOMELESSNESS
Success with HOT teams
o Homeless Outreach Team (South San
Francisco)
•Calendar Yr 2024
•Engaged with 268 individuals
•134 Linked to coordinated entry system
•Placed 115 in Interim Housing( Shelter)
•Housed 15 individuals.
o Success Story
•56 year old Latino Male
•First enrollment into HIMS, February 2016,
LifeMoves HOT, Housed in October 2024
85
Point of contacts
21
Sarah Fields - Director, Community Engagement & Public Affairs
[email protected]
858-254-1281
Valerie Lomeli- Encampment resolution Funds Program Director
[email protected]
(650)533-5527
Marlon Mendieta- Region 1 (North County) HOT Program Director
[email protected]
(650) 451-8299
Barbara Flores- Associate Director of the Homeless Outreach Team
[email protected]
650.315.6507
86
South San Francisco| Encampment/RV/Fire Heat Map
22
87
South San Francisco| Encampment Process
23
Private Property
Owner/Rep
requests No
Trespassing
Order
Issued by
SSFPD
Citation or
arrest for
non-
compliance
88
South San Francisco| Encampment Process
24
Public safety, public health, or environmental concerns
SSFPD issues written form, providing
48 hours to remove property
Coordination with Public Works for
encampment clean up
City Property | UPRR | Caltrans
SSFPD initiates contact Identify individuals Lifemoves maintains
communication
89
South San Francisco| SSFPD Unhoused Declining Services
25
Type Number Reason
RVs
5 SSFMC prohibiting 72-hour parking
2
Expired registration more than six monthsVehicles17
Boats 1
90
South San Francisco| Towing Challenges
26
Lack of tow
trucks large
enough to tow
large RVs
Space to store
towed RVs
91
South San Francisco| Anchor Out Vessels | Milestones
27November 2023Three vessels
burned
September 2024Mooring
Ordinance
Adopted
January 2025Mooring
Ordinance
Amendments
January 2025On call
agreements
with salvage
firms
February 2025Code
Enforcement
tags
unoccupied
non-
compliant
vessels February 2025Issued call for
bids from on
call salvage
firms
92
South San Francisco| Anchor Out Vessels
28
93
Comparison to Other San
Mateo County Cities
94
Redwood City
30
RV Safe Parking
120
participants
Wait list |
Permit to
park on city
streets
Each
participant
assigned a
social
worker
Primary
goal to
move
toward
permanent
housing
Operated
by
LifeMoves
Prior to
program:
110 RVs
Program
ended
February
2023
60% of 91
moved into
permanent
housing
95
East Palo Alto
31
City of
East Palo
Alto
LifeMoves Project
WeHOPE
TUP for overnight
parking (beyond
Safe Parking
Program)
Enforces Oversized
Vehicles Ordinance
•Cites/tows vehicles
parked between 2:00 –
5:00 AM
96
Comparison to Cities in
Neighboring Counties
97
San Francisco | Safe Parking
33
155 vehicle
capacity
•Only 33 spaces
Lack of
electricity
Accessibility
issues
Diesel
generator
pollution
98
San Francisco
34
October 2024
•SFMTA: No
parking large
vehicles 12-6 AM
December 2024
•BOS: Rescinded
SFMTA legislation
SFPD
•Can only issue
citations
New signage
banning RV
parking
•SFMTA Board
approval
required
99
Berkeley | Encampment Policy Resolution to Promote
Healthy and Safe Neighborhoods
35
Exceptions to offering interim housing
when closing encampments
Fire hazard or emergency condition Imminent health hazard Public nuisance
Located on City street median, in roadway, or
other dangerous proximity
to traffic
Where City has authorized work
Interferes/impedes City or utility company
construction/maintenance
in public right of way
100
Mountain View | Safe Parking Program
36
Eligibility
Individuals or families
with children enrolled
in local school
Work or previously
lived in city
Seniors (55 or older)
People with disabilities
Services
Restroom and
hygiene facilities
Case management
and housing
navigation
Wraparound support
PPP
Private property
owners
Faith-based
organizations
Community
Integration
Neighborhood
outreach and
engagement to
ensure parking
locations are well
managed with
minimal impact
101
Potential Solutions
102
Beyond HOT
38
Emergency Rental
Assistance
•Administered by
YMCA
•$1M since 2020
•Assisted 275+
households
•Pays past due rent
•Avoids evictions
due to nonpayment
New Ordinance
•Relocation benefits
for displaced
tenants
•Change in SRO
hotels and mobile
home parks
Financial support to
nonprofits to prevent
homelessness
•Legal Aid of San
Mateo County’s
Home Savers
•Rebuilding Together
Peninsula Minor
Home Repair
103
Lot near 1461 San Mateo Ave
39
City owned 250 ’ x 60’
RV storage
capacity: 36-40
Safe Camping
space
capacity: 18-24
RVs
104
Lot near 1461 San Mateo Ave | Concerns & Costs
40
May attract more
RVs than current
footprint and
beyond available
resources
Site upgrade costs:
$150k - $250k
Site Staffing &
management
recurring costs
would be in
addition
Potential lease to
contracted tow
company
105
Other Agencies’ Experience
41
SF Bayview Vehicle Triage Center Challenges (Closed)
•Infrastructure
•Environmental
•Legal
•Underutilization
San Jose Safe Parking (Active)
•Strict requirements (operational, insured, current registration)
•Underutilization
Redwood City Temporary RV Safe Parking
•Managed by LifeMoves
•Capacity for up to 40 RV households
•60% of 91 participating households had moved into permanent housing by program conclusion
Pacifica Safe Parking
•Managed by Pacific Resource Center (PRC)
•29-day permits; renewable upon expiration
•13 dedicated parking spots
•City pays for parking space striping, police patrol, co -hosting mobile dumping station
106
Homelessness Study Session
City of South San Francisco
THANK YOU
107