The City of Oceanside is working every day to address this very complex issue. Homelessness is multi-faceted with many contributing factors, including economic hardship, high housing costs, lack of job skills training, mental illness, substance use disorders, physical disabilities, limited support networks, life traumas, and more. The uniqueness of each homeless individual's situation requires an individual approach. The more successful outcomes are built on a pattern of consistent engagement and building trust so the person will be in a position to accept the help that will lead to a lasting solution.
WHAT IS THE CITY DOING?
Two Police Homeless
Outreach Teams

Oceanside has two Homeless Outreach Teams (HOT) who travel with social workers to provide assistance to people experiencing homelessness. 
Often, it takes many approaches before an individual will accept help.  Measure X helps fund the efforts.
Bridge Housing

Oceanside employs Bridge Housing to shelter people with a plan to move towards permanent housing. In 2020, the City moved 62 homeless residents into Bridge Housing, with 43 moving into permanent housing. Measure X funding helps fund this critical effort.
New Sobering
Services Center

Oceanside recently opened a Sobering Services Center, a place that Oceanside Police can take people who need to detox/sober up and provides a warm, safe place to sleep. The next day they are counseled and offered resources to take steps to improve their lives. Measure X funds this new facility.
Family Reunification

Oceanside provides a Reunification Program to help people reconnect with friends and family. Measure X helps fund this program.
Shelter Coming

Oceanside is opening a transitional homeless shelter with wrap-around day services to obtain stability and transition people into permanent housing. 
Staff is collecting proposals now and anticipates the selection of a shelter operator in May 2021. 
Housing Vouchers

Oceanside sets aside housing vouchers for seniors, veterans, families, and people with disabilities who are experiencing homelessness.

Additionally, landlords can earn incentives by offering rental units for voucher participants.
FURTHER ASSISTANCE
There are many resources in our community for those in need--from free health care, counseling, food distributions, and more. People needing assistance can call the Oceanside Housing Division at (760) 435-3360, or contact the Homeless Outreach Team.
WHAT ABOUT ENCAMPMENTS?
The 9th Circuit’s landmark 2019 “Boise Decision” has limited the Police Department’s ability to enforce Oceanside's Code prohibition against camping on public property without available shelter beds. The City continues to offer available regional shelter beds to those who are willing to go. A transitional shelter with wrap-around services is also in the works.

People setting up encampments on private property can still be cited and removed. In 2020, the City conducted 308 encampment details and removed 327 tons of associated debris.
HOMELESSNESS AND CRIME
Due to COVID19, many felony offenders, including people suspected of possessing and selling illegal narcotics and suspected of committing felony property crimes, cannot be booked into County jail.  Instead, they receive a notice to appear in court.  Further complicating matters has been the impacts of COVID19 on ability of the San Diego County Courts to hold hearings and trials.  Consequently, there is a significant backlog of cases awaiting the judicial process.

Regardless, any illegal behavior should be reported to the Oceanside Police Department.  Officers continue to respond to criminal activity.  For emergency situations, please call 911.  For non-emergency situations, please contact OPD's non-emergency line at (760) 435-4900.
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