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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06/04/2024 HOUSING AND HOMELESSNESS SPECIALd oft HOUSING AND HOMELESSNESS COMMITTEE AGENDA BAKERSFIELD TIE SOUND OF SPECIAL MEETING io-v£"1kuu� t:krf June 4, 2024, 12:00 p.m. City Hall North Conference Room A 1600 Truxtun Avenue Members Committee Member Andrae Gonzales - Chair Committee Member Eric Arias Committee Member Ken Weir 1. ROLL CALL 2. PUBLIC STATEMENTS a. Agenda Item Public Statements b. Non -Agenda Item Public Statements 3. ADOPTION OF THE MINUTES a. Adoption of April 23, 2024 regular meeting minutes Staff recommends adoption of minutes. 4. STAFF REPORTS a. April 2024 - Staff update on the City's efforts to addressing housing and homelessness Staff recommends Committee receive and file report. 5. NEW BUSINESS a. Presentation of 2024 Kern County Point in Time Count Report by BKRHC Staff recommends Committee receive and file presentation. 6. COMMITTEE COMMENTS 7. ADJOURNMENT I HOUSING AND HOMELESSNESS COMMITTEE � vl MINUTES REGULAR MEETING April 23, 2024, 12:00 p.m. City Hall North Conference Room A 1600 Truxtun Avenue Members Present: Committee MemberAndrae Gonzales - Chair Members Absent: Committee Member Eric Arias Committee Member Ken Weir City Staff: Christian Clegg, City Manager Jennifer Byers, Acting Economic Development Director Juan Heredia, Administrative Analyst III Julie Drimakis, City Clerk Josh Rudnick, Deputy City Attorney Joe Conroy, Public Information Officer Jason Cater, Economic and Community Development Manager Michele Cruz, Management Assistant Gary Halen, Assistant City Manager Nicole Ruiz, Economic and Community Development Planner II Jessica Golden, Economic and Community Development Planner II Others Present: Jessica Armstrong, Kern Behavioral Recovery Services John Donagan, The Bakersfield Californian Wendell Wesley Jr., Community Member Diahna James, Mercy House Jim Wheeler, Flood Ministries 1. ROLL CALL Meeting was called to order at 12:14 p.m. 2. PUBLIC STATEMENTS a. Agenda Item Public Statements b. Non -Agenda Item Public Statements Sandra Plascencia spoke regarding an eviction protection program. Page 2 of 36 Wendell Wesley spoke regarding the need for additional affordable housing. Nataly Santamaria made comments regarding the housing and mental health crisis and the need for legal counsel in conjunction of the eviction protection program. 3. ADOPTION OF THE MINUTES a. Adoption of March 26, 2024 regular meeting minutes No action taken, due to lack of quorum. Staff recommends adoption of minutes. 4. STAFF REPORTS a. March 2024 - Staff update on the City's efforts to address housing and homelessness Economic Development Director Byers made staff comments. Administrative Analyst Heredia made additional staff comments. City Manager Clegg made additional staff comments. No action taken, due to lack of quorum. Staff recommends Committee receive and file report. 5. NEW BUSINESS a. Proposition 1 Behavior Health Services Program and Bond Measure City Manager Clegg introduced Jessica Armstrong, Kern Behavioral Health and Recovery Services who made comments and provided a PowerPoint presentation. Report only, no action taken. Councilmember Gonzales referred to staff to start a conversation with KBHRS to take advantage of the future funding stream and collaborate to move projects forward. No action taken, due to lack of quorum. Staff recommends Committee receive and file presentation. PowerPoint presentation from Kern County Behavioral Health and Recovery Services Department 6. COMMITTEE COMMENTS 7. ADJOURNMENT Meeting was adjourned at 1:05 p.m. V, Page 3 of 36 ANDRAE GONZALES, CHAIR JULIE DRIMAKIS, CITY CLERK Page 4 of 36 0 BAKERSFIELD ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT MEETING DATE: June 4, 2024 AGENDA CATEGORY: TO: Housing and Homelessness Committee FROM: Christian Clegg, City Manager DATE: May 17, 2024 SUBJECT: April 2024 — Staff update on the City's efforts to addressing housing and homelessness [Document Description] RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends Committee receive and file report. BACKGROUND: The City Manager's Office, Economic & Community Development Department, and the Bakersfield Police Department provide a monthly report to the Housing & Homelessness Committee. The monthly report provides data on housing, homelessness, and the Community Vitality Initiative. FISCAL IMPACT: There is no impact to the General Fund. COUNCIL GOAL: Safety and Resilience ATTACHMENTS: • Housing & Homelessness Monthly Report —April 2024 Page 5 of 36 r � r SOUNDTHE Or r Housing & Homelessness Committee Monthly Report April 2024 HOUSING The City of Bakersfield's Development Services Department collects data on the number of residential housing unit permits that were issued which signify the beginning of development of new housing. Housing .- Single Family Residence (SFR) April 2024 103 2024 Housing Summary 457 Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) 8 20 Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit (JADU) 0 1 SFR + ADU 7 26 SFR + JADU 1 8 SFR + ADU + JADU 1 0 Duplexes 0 68 (136 units) Duplex + ADU 0 0 Condominium 0 0 Multi -Family Residential (MFR) 0 0 3-4 Unit Building 0 0 (0 units) 5 or more Building 0 0 (0 units) Total SFR 120 512 Total MFR 0 136 Total Dwelling Units 120 648 The City contracts with Habitat for Humanity and Staples Energy for the Home Habitat Repair and Weatherization Program. This program helps qualified for Namanity' homeowners receive home repair and weatherization improvements. Page 6 of 36 1 1 P a g e HOMELESSNESS Flood The City of Bakersfield contracts with Flood Ministries for street outreach services Ministries to unsheltered individuals. April Report Contacts with Homeless Individuals Contacts with homeless individuals in the field Weekly Average 223 Unique Contacts with homeless individuals in the field Service.. - and Resistance Shelter Referrals 181 Monthly Total 592 Referred individuals who accepted shelter 265 Referred individuals who refused shelter 327 Percentage of individuals refusing service City's Brundage Lane Navigation Center (BLNC) turn-aways due to lack of dorm or pet capacity (includes field contacts, walk-in, and call -ins) 55% Weekly- ..- 76 BLNC turn-aways;,due to lack of dorm capacity 67 Male 36 Female 22 Couple (# of individuals) 8 BLNC turn-aways due to lack of pet l capacity 9 Male 3 Female 3 Couple (# of individuals) Transportation- Total Transported 3 Total 93 Transported to Brundage Lane Navigation Center 63 Transported to Open Door Network 6 I Transported to The Mission 24 The City of Bakersfield contracts with the Open Door Network for a jobs program serving multiple City functions. The City also funded an Open Door Network Jobs 0re mogne t0 be Center building near Downtown Bakersfield. April Report Newly Hired Employees April Total 0 Calendar YTD 10 Max. Capacity -- % filled -- Current Employees 94 -- 60 157% Male 31 -- -- -- Female 63 -- -- -- Program Participants Placed in Permanent Jobs 2 5 Page 7 of 36 2 1 P a> e ,&MERCY The City of Bakersfield contracts with Mercy House to operate all aspects of HOUSE the City's Brundage Lane Navigation Center (BLNC). * BLNC's current maximum capacity is 249 beds. Each night four (4) beds are held open for the Bakersfield Police Department to utilize which brings the functional capacity to 245. 300 250 a u m 100 m H 68 50 0 ,�- 1-7 Days Mercy House Average Length of Stay Fiscal Year -to -Date 247 192 8-30 Days 31-90 Days 91-180 Days Average Length of Stay 141 29 181-365 Days >365 Days Page 8 of 36 3 1 P a g e COMMUNITY VITALITY Call Sources Source March 2024 Number of Calls Percent CAD 746 95% Internal 33 4% Council 7 1 % Multiple Sources 2 0% Total 788 100% Month SourcesCall Over Time CAD Internal Council Multiple December 2023 654 16 13 - January 2024 569 11 2 7 February 2024 765 22 11 2 March 2024 714 12 11 15 Vf a U 0 `m E z 800 700 600 500 400 300 200 100 0 654 Dec-23 Call Sources Over Time 765 2 Month Feb-24 • CAD vInternal Council Multiple 714 Mar-24 Page 9of 36 4 1 Call Types and Team Response April 2024 Encampment Lewd Conduct miring Transient Trash Trespassing Ida 3 Code 20 - 2 l] 8 41 4% Flood 41 / - 18 104 - 2 165 15% Impact 180 ] 326 155 - 57 719 6 \ Re 9 - - - 2 - ]] 1% Multiple 46 - ]Z 76 - ]O 149 14% Total 296 . ] 363 . 346 2 77 936 100/ / 27% . . 0% \ ' 3207c 0% 7% 100« April2024 350 326 30 U 250 0 G .\ � = 20 E ]80 � D 2 > � ]55 150 ]04 ]OO \ ~ \ § 76 � 57 50 y 46 2 9 « ]8 ]Z \ © ; ]] „ a ]0 O . . ] 2 � . 2 2 Encampment Lewd Loitering Transient Trash Trespassing Conduct ■ Code Food aImpod »RR « Multiple Page10 of36 51 P age 0 BAKERSFIELD T1 s-.1J.Hll"'01" ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT MEETING DATE: June 4, 2024 AGENDA CATEGORY: TO: Housing and Homelessness Committee FROM: Christian Clegg, City Manager DATE: May 16, 2024 SUBJECT: Presentation of 2024 Kern County Point in Time Count Report by Bakersfield Kern Regional Homeless Collaborative (BKRHC) [Document Description] RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends Committee receive and file presentation. BACKGROUND: The US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requires Continuums -of -Care conduct biennial Point in Time (PIT) counts of sheltered and unsheltered individuals experiencing homelessness within their geographic area. The Bakersfield Kern Regional Homeless Collaborative (BKRHC) oversees the Point in Time Count for over 8,100 square miles in Kern County. Through a community -wide effort, BKRHC conducts annual PIT counts to identify changes within the homeless delivery system and understand the needs within the community. BKRHC conducted the 2024 PIT Count from January 24, 2024 through January 27, 2024. BKHRC recruited and trained dozens of volunteers to conduct in -person interviews of individuals experiencing homelessness and used an ArcGIS Survey 123 application to log the information. BKHRC staff collected, cleaned, deduplicated, and verified the data to ensure consistency, compliance, and reliability. The 2024 PIT Count found a total of 2,669 homeless individuals with 1006 sheltered individuals and 1663 unsheltered individuals. This is a 37 percent increase in the total number of homeless individuals when compared to the 1948 total from the 2023 PIT Count. FISCAL IMPACT: There is no fiscal impact on the General Fund. COUNCIL GOAL: Safety and Resilience ATTACHMENTS: • Kern County Point in Time Count Report - 2024 Page 11 of 36 i KERN COUNTY POINT IN TIME COUNT 2024 REPORT REGIONAL HOMELESS COLLABORATIVE Page 12 of 36 TABLE OF CONTENTS Acknowledgements................................................................................................... Introduction.............................................................................................................. Methodology............................................................................................................. Current and Comparative Data ................................................................................. KeyFindings .............................................................................................................. PopulationDemographics ..................................................................................... Living Accommodations and Duration for Unsheltered Homeless Population ..... Perceived Causes nfUnsheltered Homelessness ................................................... Health and Unsheltered Homelessness ................................................................. Special Populations ofInterest .............................................................................. Additional Homeless Populations ......................................................................... Unsheltered Population Distribution for Kern County .......................................... Conclusion................................................................................................................. AppendixA:Definitions ........................................................................................... Appendix B:Unsheltered Count Density Maps byCity ............................................ Appendix[: Historical PIT Count Data byHousehold Composition ........................ Page 13Vf38 Acknowledgements The Bakersfield -Kern Regional Homeless Collaborative (BKRHC) Point in Time (PIT) Count Committee would like to thank all the individuals and partner agencies who contributed to this endeavor and whose efforts were instrumental in the success of the count. Over 421 volunteers registered to participate in the 2024 PIT Count. Employees from the County of Kern, City of Bakersfield, homeless service providers, and community organizations gave their time with several aspects of planning, implementing, and conducting the count. Thank you to the Mission at Kern for providing logistics space for the PIT Count, to the PIT Committee members and committee chair Manuel Vieyra with Flood Ministries of Bakersfield for providing leadership and guidance in planning for such a huge community event, to partners with lived experience of homelessness for gifting us with insight where it was needed, and to the BKRHC staff for their commitment and support to the work. Thank you to Suzanne Baehr and the amazing Kern County GIS team for supporting the app survey work and data needs of the PIT Count volunteers. Thank you to City and County partners in government, code enforcement, fire/emergency services, law enforcement, parks and recreation, human services, public works, and aging and adult services for helping navigate through the work. Thank you to Dr. Ashleigh Herrera with California State University of Bakersfield (CSUB) for providing Narcan training for all volunteers and other CSUB members for participating during the count. A special thank you to the Kern County community who took part in the count and showed that, through collaboration, we can continue to do amazing work. A huge thank you to all the participating organizations who provided their time, energy, and support to the Kern County 2024 PIT Count, including volunteers from: Adventist Health • Akido Labs • Anthem Blue Cross • Bakersfield American Indian Health Project • Bakersfield College • Bakersfield Recovery Services • Be Finally Free • CA Mentors • California State University Bakersfield • California Veterans Assistance Foundation • City of Arvin • City of Bakersfield • City of Ridgecrest • City of Wasco • City Serve • Clinica Sierra Vista • Community Action Partnership of Kern • Community College Services • Community Vitality • County of Kern • Cushman & Wakefield • Darlene Denison Insurance Agency • Department of Corrections Department of Human Services • Department of Veterans Affairs • Employers' Training Resource Page 14 of 36 Page 1 1 • Fairfax School District • Flood Ministries • Garden Pathways • Greater Bakersfield Legal Association • Gogo Marketing • Good Samaritan Hospital • Habitat For Humanity • Health Net Housing Authority of the County of Kern • Kern Behavioral Health and Recovery Services • Kern County Assessor • Kern County Grand Jury • Kern County Superintendent of Schools • Kern Health Systems • Kern High School District • Kern Medical • Lamont Elementary School District LifeHouse Church • Maturango Museum • Mercedes of Bakersfield • Mercy House • No Sister Left Behind • Office of Assemblywoman Dr. Jasmeet Bains • Omni Family Health • Pathways • Redeem Home • Rosedale School District • Stewards Inc. • Tech -Time Communications Inc. • Telecare Corporation • Temple Beth • The Dream Center • The Garden Living at Mill Creek • The Open - Door Network - Tulare Basin Watershed Partnership Network • United Way of Central Eastern California • Victory Outreach • Wasco Free Will Baptist Church • Wescom Credit Union • Women's Center High Desert Adult Adults with Children Children Total ADULTS WITH NO CHILDREN 33% 67% Sheltered Unsheltered s 2450 Individuals . ADULTS WITH CHILDREN 80% 20% Sheltered Unsheltered 85 Individuals _... _. _........... _.. _............ -._............................................... CHILDREN ONLY 99% 1% .. Sheltered Unsheltered 134 Individuals Under 18 years 6%— 146 individuals 18 — 24 6% — 147 individuals 25 — 34 22% — 595 individuals 35 — 44 28% — 744 individuals 45 — 54 18% — 488 individuals 55 — 64 15% — 406 individuals 65 years and older 5%— 143 individuals CULTURALLY WOMAN MAN TRANSGENDER SPECIFIC 33.09°% 66.54% 0.04% 0.11% NON -BIN DIFFERENT IDENTITY MULTIPLE 0.07% 0.04% 0.11% 41% 59% CHRONICALLY HOMELESS Sheltered Unsheltered 324Individuals 457Individuals 47°% 53% VETERANS Sheltered Unsheltered 44Individuals 49Individuals 41% 59% YOUTH Sheltered Unsheltered 61Individuals 86Individuals AMERICAN INDIAN, ALASKA NATIVE, OR 2'4% INDIGENOUS ASIAN OR ASIAN AMERICAN 0.9% BLACK, AFRICAN AMERICAN, OR AFRICAN 15.8% HISPANIC/LATINA/E/O 25.6% MIDDLE EASTERN OR NORTH AFRICAN 0.1% NATIVE HAWAIIAN OR PACIFIC ISLANDER 0.9% WHITE 51.5% MULTIPLE RACES 2 8°/ List includes race and ethnicityonly or race and ethnicity with Hispanic/Latina/e/a combinations. Page 16 of 36 Page 13 Introduction The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) defines homelessness as individuals who lack resources and support networks to obtain permanent housing and can be categorized as those who are literally homeless, imminently homeless, unaccompanied youth or families with children/youth, and individuals or families fleeing or attempting to flee various forms of violence such as domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, sexual assault, or other life -threatening conditions. The nationally conducted PIT Count is an annual snapshot of sheltered and unsheltered individuals experiencing homelessness within a geographic area. Specifically, Kern County covers over 8,100 square miles with a variety of ecosystems ranging from high deserts, chaparral -laden mountains, and fertile agricultural land within the valley. Although HUD requires Continuums of Care (CoC) to conduct counts biennially, the Bakersfield - Kern Regional Homeless Collaborative completes an annual count to identify changes within the homeless delivery system and understand the needs within the community. Methodology The 2024 PIT Count utilized a HUD approved methodology for conducting interviews for individuals experiencing homelessness in Kern County that ensures consistency allowing a meaningful analysis and standard. The methodology involves a combination of interviews, surveys, and observations by trained volunteers. The shelter count was completed using a survey hosted within the ArcGIS Survey 123 application, a geographic information system that works by collecting data via survey administration, and occurred on the night of Tuesday, January 23, 2024. The unsheltered count was completed the following morning on Wednesday, January 24, 2024, utilizing the unsheltered version of the survey application, which was also hosted within ArcGIS Survey 123. BKRHC PIT Committee and Governing Board approved two (2) additional days to continue the count for encampment areas along the Kern River and the Rural areas. Flood Ministries Outreach Team searched and conducted interviews. These efforts aimed to identify unsheltered individuals and families who may not have been identified on Wednesday, January 23, 2024. There was no change in the methodology due to the need to have an accurate data comparison for three consecutive years. We pursued the updated guidance provided by HUD, including several required contingencies to ensure surveys were not duplicated on individuals already surveyed on prior days. These measures included comparison of personally identifiable information including name, date of birth, demographic information, current living situation and survey screening questions (e.g., have you already been surveyed). Page 17 of 36 Page 1 4 The PIT count utilizes an in -person interview of individuals experiencing homelessness throughout Kern County. For those individuals who were not able to complete a survey, various account methods are used in situations where it was impossible or unsafe for a volunteer to survey an individual. An observational survey was completed and trained outreach staff conducted interviews on two additional days for accuracy. For instances where demographic (gender, race, ethnicity) data could not be collected, a data resource known as the HUD data extrapolation tool was used to obtain missing data extrapolated from the data that was present. The data collected is compiled and undergoes a thorough process that included scrubbing/cleaning, deduplication, error -checking within the extrapolation tool, analysis, post analysis review, and entry into HUD's reporting system (HUD Data Exchange — HDX 2.0), which conducts automated, real-time error tracking. Any errors in HUD's reporting system were caught and corrected before the data submission could be completed. Even prior to official submission to HUD, the data and reports are reviewed with the CoC's Governing and Executive Boards. Current and Comparative Data During the 2024 PIT Count a total of 2669 individuals were counted, 1006 comprised sheltered individuals and 1663 comprised unsheltered individuals. This is a 37% increase in the total number of individuals when compared to the 2023 PIT Count (1948 individuals) (see Appendix C Table 6). The year over year difference resulted in the sheltered count increasing by 8% while the unsheltered count trended upward with an increase of 64%. A few potential factors that contributed to these changes include: 1) The two additional days that interviews were conducted on the riverbeds and rural communities contributed to a more accurate unsheltered count. 2) The drastic change in the weather conditions from the low 30s in 2023 to the high 50s in 2024 meant fewer people sought shelter during this time. 3) The increase in the number of volunteers who participated in the 2024 PIT Count and extensive pre -planning efforts and training. Page 18 of 36 Page 1 5 2020 Total Homeless Population by PIT Year 2150 1580 1330 885 2018 2019 2020 2021 2669 1948 1603 2022 2023 2.024 Figure 1. Total homeless population by PIT year. Sheltered and unsheltered status by PIT year. 2022 2023 2024 36% 38% 45% 48% 55% 52% 64%40 62% &% Figure 2. Comparison of sheltered (blue) and unsheltered (green) populations by PIT year. Key Findings Population Demographics Age Children (under 18 years) and youth (aged 18 — 24) comprised 5% and 6% of the total sheltered and unsheltered homeless populations respectively, while adults (aged 25 and older) comprised the remaining 89% of the population. Specifically, exactly half of the entire homeless population counted consisted of adults between the ages of 25 — 44 and approximately 5% of individuals experiencing sheltered or unsheltered homelessness were considered elderly (143 individuals aged 65 or older). Page 19 of 36 Page 1 6 5% 6% No Under 18 18 - 2.1 Age 28% 22% 25 - 3<i 35 - 44 45 - 54 55 - 64 65 years and over Figure 3. Age Brackets for Homeless Population Gender Historically, individuals who identify as male make up the majority of the homeless population. This year the total for males was 66.54% of the total population. Females accounted for 33.08%, while individuals identifying as culturally specific, different identity, multiple genders, non -binary, and transgender comprised a collective total of 0.37% of the population. Specific population percentages are indicated in the figure below (Figure 4). Different Identity 0.04% Culturally Specific Identity 0.04% Male 66.54% Transgender 0.11% �( Non -Binary _..........�.... -_ ......_.::... 0.07% Multiple Gender 0.11% Female 33.08% Figure 4. Gender Distribution of Homeless Population Page 20 of 36 page 1 7 Ethnicity and Race During their last review of PIT count collection criteria, HUD made the decision to consolidate the ethnicity and race categories to be more inclusive and indicative of individuals' specific ethnic and racial representation. The result is a combination of ethnicity and race where specific combinations could include the ethnicity and race alone, the ethnicity and race with included Hispanic/Latina/e/o representation, or multiple selections. The majority of our counted homeless population identified as White (only)(39.6%) and Hispanic/Latina/e/o (only)(25.6%). Individuals who identified as Black, African American, or African (only) represented 15.3% of the population, while those who identified as White & Hispanic/Latina/e/o were counted at 12.0%. All other ethnicity and race populations account for 2.1% or less of the total population (see Table 1). Table 1. Age Breakdown Among Sheltered and Unsheltered Homeless Population. .. American Indian, Alaska Native, or Indigenous o 0 0 (only) American Indian, Alaska Native, or Indigenous & . ........................... _.._._.._ ........................... i + _. Hispanic/Latina/e/o o 1.1/ o 0.1/0 1 o 0.5/0 Asian or Asian American (only) 0 0.9/0 0 0.8/ 8% _ _...... _ --....................... _�_..--- .0 Asian or Asian American & Hispanic/Latina/e/o _ ........ ....._ ___.___._ . _ . _ __ 0.1% _. ......__. 0.1% 0.1% _ _ .............. _ _.._.__ _.._..__ Black, African American, or African (only) 16.8% 14.4% 15.3% Black, African American, or African & Hispanic/Latina/e/o .. - 1.1% 0.1% 0.5% Hispanic/Latina/e/o (only) 8.3% 36.1% ! 25.6% Middle Eastern or North African (only) 0.0% 0.2% 0.1% r----_ _ ._...._.. ....... .. . . ....._. _ Middle Eastern or North African & _._._.. _ .......__..._._..______ Hispanic/Latina/e/o _ . 0.0% .................. __ 0.0% _._ .. .......... -- 0.0% Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander (only) ...-.. _.._ ...-.. 0.7% 0.5% 0 6% _... Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander & Hispanic/Latina/e/o 0 5% 0.1% 0.3% White (only) 36.3% 41.6% 39.6% White & Hispanic/Latina/e/o -._....._._._.......__..__.__.................................................................................................................._._....._........................-._..._. 30.0% .._....... 1.0% 12.0% Multi -Racial & Hispanic/Latina/e/o 1.3% _..-....................._ 0.2% .... _...._................ _...... _ 0.6% _ Multi -Racial (all other) L............... ...... ......_. _ 1 9% ..- .._.__.....- .. 2.2% ---=-- _ __._ ......-. 2.1% ..___ Living Accommodations and Duration for Unsheltered Homeless Population The majority of unsheltered individuals that provided a response to their current living situation resulted in an overwhelming majority living outdoors, typically in places not meant for human habitation including parks, encampments, the riverbed area, behind buildings, and along canals Page 21 of 36 Page 8 or alleyways. Unsheltered individuals encountered during the PIT count were also currently living in abandoned buildings, cars, or garages. Current Living Situation 915 69 104 18 I= M - 0 Abandoned building Car Garage Outdoors Figure 5. Current living situation for unsheltered individuals. There were 380 individuals who experienced first time homelessness and were also interviewed during the unsheltered homeless count. As for length of current episode for unsheltered homelessness, those who have been homeless for a year or more (see Figure 6) had the highest count. Length of Current Episode of Unsheltered Homelessness 1 night or less 1 4 2 to 6 nights , 15 1 week to 1month ® 21 1 to 3 months ' 38 3 months to 1year - 127 1 year or more 590 Figure 6. Count of length of current episode of unsheltered homelessness. Page 22 of 36 Page 1 9 Perceived Causes of Unsheltered Homelessness Data on perceived causes of homelessness was collected from 724 unsheltered respondents who provided a response to this survey question. The top causes were health, mental health, and substance use disorder related reasons (178), household or family issues (176), employment related causes such as lack of wages, job loss, or lack of jobs (155), and mortgage or rent related issues (136). Other potential causes of homelessness include incarceration or personal choice. Health and Unsheltered Homelessness There was a total of 224 individuals who self -reported health conditions within the unsheltered population that ranged from a single disease or morbidity to as high as seven (7) co -morbidities. These diseases include asthma, diabetes, heart disease, hepatitis C, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and valley fever. Table 2. Morbidity and Co -Morbidity within the Unsheltered Homeless Population. Health insurance data was again included as part of the survey questions for this year's PIT count. Access to healthcare is a major social determinant of health and access to healthcare insurance is an important factor in resolving one's homelessness. During this year's count, the number of individuals who provided a response regarding health insurance increased (349 in 2023 versus 499 in 2024). The data revealed an increase in the number of those experiencing unsheltered homelessness who have Medi-Cal or Medicare compared to last year. Table 3. Insurance Among the Unsheltered Homeless Population. Medi-Cal 448 Veterans administration 4 _..._. _ ...... ... ... .. .... ... ........___ .... Medicare 30 Other 16 .... _ _ _ ..___ .. .... .... ...... State health insurance 1 Special Populations of Interest Three particular populations of interest within the overall homeless population include individuals who are chronically homeless, those with current or prior military service, and individuals aged between 18 — 24 years (youth). The count for these populations is listed below. Page 23 of 36 Page 1 10 Table 4. Count of Homeless Populations of Interest. Additional Homeless Populations Other populations of focus for individuals experiencing homelessness include those with self - reported mental illness, substance abuse, HIV/AIDS, and those who identify as survivors of domestic violence (see Table 5). Mental Illness There was a total of 325 adults who self -reported a serious mental illness. More unsheltered individuals reported a serious mental illness than their sheltered counterparts. Substance Use Disorder 458 individuals in the homeless population self -reported a substance use disorder with the majority also being unsheltered. Substance use disorder ranges from alcohol, drug, or alcohol and drug use. HIV/AIDS There was an equal number of individuals who self -reported living with HIV/AIDS that were also experiencing sheltered and unsheltered homelessness with 20 respondents. Domestic Violence Survivors There were more unsheltered individuals who identified and self -reported as survivors of domestic violence than those that were sheltered, 110 to 45 individuals, respectively. Table 5. Count of Additional Homeless Populations. Unsheltered Population Distribution for Kern County The included density maps provide an overall view of the homeless population spread throughout Kern County and within metropolitan areas. Additionally, count totals are divided up by City. Please see Appendix B for additional information. Page 24 of 36 Page 1 11 Conclusion Homelessness is solvable in Kern County and efforts are being made to reduce the number of people experiencing homelessness at any given time. The PIT Count is a critical component to address homelessness and BKRHC will use the data to gain understanding of the county's state of homelessness to strive for solutions that prevent homelessness and provide housing stability for all. This information will be used to inform the collaborative efforts with city, county, government, and service providing organizations to strategically plan and effectively allocate funds for developing permanent housing and resources throughout the county. The PIT Count is a crucial endeavor that shows us that, through collaboration, our community is capable of doing amazing things to improve the quality of life for all Kern County residents. Page 25 of 36 Page 1 12 Appendix A: Definitions Adult An individual who is aged 25 and older. Bakersfield -Kern Regional Homeless Collaborative (BKRHC) The primary entity charged with responsibility for overseeing CoC functions as mandated by HUD, including submission of the annual CoC Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), HMIS oversight, Point In Time Count, Housing Inventory Chart, as well as other annual reports. Chronically Homeless Individual An individual or family head of household with one or more disabling conditions who has been continuously homeless for 1 or more years and/or experienced 4 or more episodes of homelessness in the last 3 years. Families A household that consists of at least one adult who is 18 years of age or older and at least one child who is under 18 years of age. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) The U.S. Department that funds low-income and affordable housing initiatives, including the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, through the HUD Continuum of Care Program and Emergency Solutions Grant Program. Point In Time (PIT) Count The Point -in -Time (PIT) count is a count of sheltered and unsheltered people experiencing homelessness on a single night in January. Sheltered Homelessness A state of homelessness where an individual is currently residing in an emergency shelter, navigation center, or transitional housing. Unsheltered Homelessness A state of homelessness where an individual is currently residing in a place not meant for human habitation including abandoned buildings, vehicles, park benches, sidewalks, or encampments. Unaccompanied Youth Youth under the age of 18 and individuals between 18 through 24 years of age experiencing homelessness and without a parent or legal guardian. Veteran An individual who has served on active duty in the Armed Forces of the United States. Page 26 of 36 Page 1 13 Appendix B: Unsheltered Count Density Maps by City Richgroue EO o ` 1 5 5 NaV3•l Air V)arfare Cents McFarland China Lako t �a Eidg rest Shafter }tn ; 5 37,E Teh tftapi California City x i Marirropa moj ve i Rosa and Figure 7. Density map of Kern County for the 2024 Point -in -Time Count. Page 27 of 36 Page 1 14 �s Kcrn Mwr N * , Oil Meld 7th Standard Rd Merle Haggard Or � � M" _. SnowFtd �"�`m Clcirrnil�'tcJe1-fl°r� _ "` Olive Or RI 52 ry Dr . av GoL s (t�s ,am Rd Meawham Rd Bakersfield �a R le Gre _ s Fru i xy. Brifiakl Rd sa �� � Catifo a , At' ��a sus s � greckeni Stpr _ KUM City [ice e C�Eifnrnia St.itsa qIx m - Mayfair �'.. 73 £L R4 ' X 4 i m LL k � �a b it hard Harris Rd EY FU l ler Acres Panama Ln 15 Panamain n Page 28 of 36 Page 11S Counly Line Rd County Line Rd 'ZI "N 4# *OA'e zi ano 001 M 0, Aw ti ?'VY Figure 9. Density map of Delano for the 2024 Point -in -Time Count. Packard Di D"t 5th Avc Stuart St z 41h Ave I!k St 111 - 41� Ave U, Arvin Ave Arvin TI 9cw klouwaw Wvd Or a r, e Av e, > LO ret Aver Law eA A,P V) x 77 Hown, Dr Haven Df Howen St Hood 5t 9 F<Ibjan St On S "Q ra V i Sta schoc, Frorilklin St 11tV K '-I Figure 10. Density map of Arvin for the 2024 Point -in -Time Count. Page 29 of 36 Page 16 xi CaPi sort SF M-W( St Lau St E Paiiania Rd E Paiiaraa Rd Ad MO. Rd to S, h— St Gait M,nl? D, He[ Rd Lamont Na Rd K,,,),,Iq Ao Wharton A,, DI Giorga Rd G., 9,a Rd *R, Figure 11. Density map of Lamont for the 2024 Point -in -Time Count. 4400,v 01, wrl" piokf "'JO S4AFiMal E- H qh ","I W twf.re It* d1,1k, Ale K51 IF 3, Y"w Ave Shafter G i d 4 HY Hwy RM e, E Ach Ave f, kh Av,. Rodrl,,;,zA,,, se W 1,Mgate,A. row E�:,Sb,th Avg' Thomas Lane Figure 12. Density map of Shafter for the 2024 Point -in -Time Count. Page 30 of 36 Page 1 17 z m vale St Cedar St *Fotsi(Ity o g Bab H—ptaa Rd to "F Birch St N 5 .WAsh St WAsh St t�. WAsh St EAcb Rd k�s honest e� kY z i„ e Taft Junior College Wade as 3 AlbcrY. o°a. ti "Emidi°$tCE �n Lassen St �h: Taft N° s Taft Airport Pltgrim Ave Qi::. Best Vuesten� Center �' Pius Taft lnn Man s� ra>(-r,�Yd'<al sf o' rOntst ASt Cak St Gardner Feld Rd Pico St t t 9 Taft Heights > South Taft o St < ^ Figure 13. Density map of Taft for the 2024 Point -in -Time Count. � t ` HC�nTFFn 7i kt� t at. E �,b. Golden Hills 9a1,—geld 10nh hl3Ri=14w, 51 Tehachap�� m mR Qrp.r Highk,,, Rd }dig Mine Rd CheycaYnekw. s Figure 14. Density map of Tehachapi for the 2024 Point -in -Time Count. Page 31 of 36 Page 1 18 Page 32 of 36 Page 1 19 Lie Y. park Dr pc a - -'- - Greatertmintain Kern Coonty Encino Trail 'O''vairaif n, entecostal Library Church KiwanisTrail \. n .. k FiffiarY Trail ��. Figure 17. Density map of Frazier Park for the 2024 Point -in -Time Count. �ba V~ Arrpyc Aver ( � `Chaffee rlojaaw Air An Space Port Mojave arst iD t.i'...::.i ,a Figure 18. Density map of Mojave for the 2024 Point -in -Time Count. Page 33 of 36 Page 1 20 Lone butte, � China Lake i� 978 17a Inyokern Kern Rd ,fl f China, Lake Acres R1dgeC eSt tZ 30 �l :rein;r, ftf DU v? j f Figure 19. Density map of Inyokern and Ridgecrest for the 2024 Point -in -Time Count. Page 34 of 36 Page 1 21 ..m _ Knox Ave t o _ c tr ,� n a• P Rosamond n High School Albertsdo Rosamond Rosamond Btvd "` GroceryOatlet ❑ t Mlmi's urgers m Ln o LO O 14 N Orange St Orange St - !: — II •A -1 is �_..... .. ,. HMId.,v Ave Figure 20. Density map of Rosamond for the 2024 Point -in -Time Count. Gr omer Ave Gromer Ave v s. 4 Margato St - ;. iris St air"t %�xrsimman S! S 'nrcr K 4 'aso Robles Hwy to � # 2nd 5t ri 4th St 5th St s 6th St b $t 6th St tvascoHigtt 7lh St R Sshooi Wasco c Sycamore tlr B;h PI Bth $1 4th Si ka a iz c 11thSt c� g - PcsoOr Po5oOr' Pose, Ave i gild acanui wl a, a � w I6th St a is Filburn St Fitburn St FRburn Figure 21. Density map of Wasco for the 2024 Point -in -Time Count. Page 35 of 36 Page 1 22 Appendix C: Historical PIT Count Data by Household Composition Table 6. Metropolitan and Rural Data by Shelter Status Metro Bakersfield — Sheltered 794 59 116 969 .._...... _ Rural Sheltered 11 9 17 37 Total County Sheltere Metro Bakersfield —Unsheltered 1318 3 5 1 1324 Rural Unsheltered — 259 2 0 261 Location Not Indicated 68 I 10 0 i 78 Total Metro Bakersfield 2112 64 117 j 2293 — _. ........ Total Rural 270 11 17 298 Location Not Indicated 68 i 10 0 i 78 2024 Combined Total 2023 Total 1747 I 76 125 1948 2022 Total 1361 75 167 I 1603 _ . . ... _.._ ..... _ .... ........... **2022 PIT Count utilized a single day unsheltered count. Table 7. 2024 Unsheltered PIT Count Totals by City City Arvin Count 26 Bakersfield 1202 Bodfish 2 Delano 86 Ford City 1 Frazier Park 3 Inyokern 1 Lake Isabella 16 Lamont 13 Mojave 7 Oildale 122 Ridgecrest 9 Rosamond 8 Shafter 2 Taft 39 Tehachapi 11 Wasco 35 Wofford Heights 2 Page 36 of 36 Page 1 23