SANTA CRUZ — In the more than two years since taking on a formalized approach to addressing homelessness, backed by shelter and parking programs, the city of Santa Cruz has had about a 23% self-determined housing success rate, according to statistics shared Tuesday night. During a semiannual “Report to the Community: Homelessness Response Update” webinar, Homelessness Response Manager Larry Imwalle provided an overview of city efforts before turning to 12 community questions distilled into broad categories. The webinar recording and additional resources are posted to the city’s website at cityofsantacruz.
com/homelessness under “News and Updates.” Imwalle noted that in June, the city approved its “ Homelessness Response Strategic Plan 2024-2027 ,” a roadmap guiding city strategy in addressing the issue updated with input from eight community stakeholder meetings and a public survey garnering nearly 700 responses on their priorities. Top public concerns included: accessible parks and open space, citizen safety, business and economics, humanitarian, environmental, equitable enforcement of the law, community well-being and quality of life, clean streets and neighborhoods, affordable housing and housing solutions, and service provisions and support for the unhoused.
Anonymized community questions addressed during the meeting largely revolved around community queries on access and enrollment in everything from shelter spaces and safe parking options to program works.