SLO County wants to cut homelessness in half — here’s how to comment on the plan

Stephanie Zappelli
·1 min read
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San Luis Obispo County wants to reduce homelessness by 50% over the next five years — and it’s asking the community for help in creating the plan.

The draft of the plan was approved by the Board of Supervisors in April, and the county has been accepting comments from the community since then.

The public comment period closes Thursday at 11:59 p.m., so now’s your chance to make some last-minute suggestions to the county on its homelessness response. Comments can be submitted anonymously and will be used to edit the plan.

The full draft of the plan is posted on the Department of Social Services website, and you can submit feedback at www.surveymonkey.com/r/HMDHJG5.

Here are a few key components of the plan:

  • Create a Homelessness Division under the Department of Social Services to coordinate funding, planning and services.

  • Build non-congregate shelters like tiny homes and palette shelters during the first three years of the plan.

  • Develop more permanent affordable housing projects, such as supportive housing for folks with disabilities and deed-restricted units.

  • Use the Homeless Management Information System to coordinate services so individuals receive support based on their specific needs, such as addiction, mental health or physical disabilities.

  • Apply for more funding and coordinate its use across the county.

A revised plan will be presented to the Board of Supervisors on Aug. 9.