Addressing Homelessness City launches comprehensive Homelessness Strategic Plan

In response to the escalating homelessness crisis, the Santa Monica City Council has launched a comprehensive Homelessness Strategic Plan (HSP) for 2025-2030, presented by the Housing and Human Services Department. This plan, developed with insights from consultant BerryDunn, aims to create a cohesive strategy across city departments by focusing on four pillars: prevention, intervention, coordination, and communication. To prevent homelessness, the city plans to build affordable housing and expand programs that assist seniors in rent-controlled apartments. The intervention pillar emphasizes providing effective supportive services and establishing a robust network of responders available around the clock. Coordination with regional entities and advocacy for better resource allocation is vital to ensure equitable service distribution.

The HSP also prioritizes clear communication strategies to engage the community and inform them about the city’s efforts. By detailing measurable outcomes, the plan aims to track progress and adapt strategies as needed. This initiative reflects Santa Monica's commitment to addressing homelessness amidst rising housing costs and increasing community needs.