Encinitas council enhances city's homeless action plan with new initiatives
ENCINITAS, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) — As each community grapples with how to best handle homelessness and provide resources, the Encinitas City Council held a special meeting Wednesday night. The goal was to take a look at the city's Homeless Action Plan or 'HAP' and update it as needed.
'I respectfully request that you support the continued implementation of the homeless action plan,' said Encinitas resident Bob Kent.
Community members filled council chambers to address the city's HAP, which was first established four years ago.
It has three main goals including a community-driven approach to end homelessness, striving to provide supportive housing and increasing the availability of temporary and permanent housing.
'I encourage the city council to take bold leadership to site, build and fund an emergency shelter in Encinitas,' said John Van Cleef, with Community Resource Center.
'Let's do what we can to help the challenge people who are homeless, but also we need to protect our community and our downtown community,' Dave Dean said.
Dozens gave their opinions and input before the council deliberated for hours on a list of initiatives to add to the plan. A big part of the new efforts will focus on legal enforcement, including addressing those who resist available services.
The council unanimously agreed to increase staffing for homeless services, conduct a homeless point in time count specific to Encinitas, continue with programs already in the current action plan and focus on critically affordable housing.
The council vowed to work with their county supervisor to further their goals and initiatives.
In addition to the amendments to the HAP, city council also unanimously decided on creating a sign-up sheet for local residents to volunteer to take in unsheltered people and give them a place to stay. The city plans to revisit that initiative after Labor Day.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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