January 2025

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Encampment Resolution Grant to Address Areas Along 78 Corridor

The cities of Oceanside and Carlsbad have joined forces to implement a comprehensive Encampment Resolution Fund Program along the State Route 78 corridor / Buena Vista Creek. This initiative aims to address homelessness and improve the quality of life for all residents and businesses impacted. The team is prioritizing immediate access to housing, while providing individualized services.

Key Facts

• There are many homeless individuals living along the State Route 78 corridor / Buena Vista Creek.
• The area of focus is along a 3.67 mile border shared by Carlsbad and Oceanside and the areas of encampments encompass mainly private property.
• Oceanside and Carlsbad were awarded a State grant of $11.3M through the state’s Encampment Resolution Fund in August 2024 to assist people with housing and other resources and to clean and restore the encampment areas.
• The contract with the state was finalized in late September 2024, and our two cities are lining up service providers and strategies to address this miles-long focus area.
• The Encampment Resolution Fund (ERF) program duration is aimed at beginning on January 30, 2025, to run through June 2027. The regional Point-in-Time Count will also be held Jan. 30. To volunteer, please visit the webpage.
• The estimated number of individuals to be served is over 200.
• This effort is separate from the ongoing work by the Oceanside Police Department's Homeless Outreach teams and the Code Enforcement Division.
• The City of Oceanside has devoted staff and services to assist those in need to obtain housing, sobriety, and mental health treatment.

APPROACH

The ERF project strategy includes working in collaboration with City of Carlsbad and multiple service providers using a Housing First approach and targeting areas in segmented zones. Outreach Social Worker teams will work to create individual case plans for each camp resident and move them into available shelter beds or motel placements to continue working on their individual housing plans while sheltered. From there, permanent housing options will be located through housing vouchers dedicated to this purpose, with case managers working with landlords to secure units and accompanying individuals to viewings, assist in applications, and leasing appointments.

STAFFING

The Encampment Resolution Fund includes positions for Outreach Social Workers, Substance Abuse Care Coordinators, Case Managers, and Peer Support Specialists.

Contracted service providers are now hiring before the program is launched in late January in zoned areas.

Both cities will be leveraging current staff postions such as Case Managers and Outreach Managers already on staff.

When each zone area is clear, the Cities will bring in contracted encampment cleaning workers to restore damaged areas.

COMMUNITY IMPACTS

The ERF program aims to significantly reduce homelessness in our community, improve public health, safety, and close, restore, and maintain sensitive ecological areas.

Local businesses have also been negatively impacted, and through this program, significant improvements will be achieved.

By providing comprehensive support and housing solutions, Oceanside, Carlsbad, and the State of California are working to create lasting positive change for all residents and businesses.