City Council
MEETING DATE: 6/14/2017
TITLE:
Title
Resolution of Support for the Community Outreach Resource Program
End
FROM:
Charlie McClendon, City Manager
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Staff recommends the City Council adopt a resolution proclaiming support for the Community Outreach Resource Program for Expansion in the Coachella Valley.
Body
BACKGROUND:
At the April 24, 2017 CVAG Executive Committee meeting, the Committee authorized the CVAG Chairman to sign Resolution 17-001, supporting the expansion of the Community Outreach Resource Program (CORP) to the Coachella Valley. The CVAG resolution is attached.
DISCUSSION:
CORP, which was developed by then-Indio Police Chief Richard Twiss in November 2013, is a two-pronged approach to helping reintegrate the chronic homeless and address disorder problems in the City of Indio. The first component is client-based with social service providers or the Indio Police Department identifying clients. Eligible clients must complete at least 90 days of an individualized treatment program, which can include education, job training, drug treatment, and mental health services. Graduating clients have legal fines and fees dismissed by the courts. Additionally, the Indio Police Department has two full-time Quality of Life Officers that target disorder hot spots, which minimizes the use of arrest as a tool. This program has multiple stakeholders involved from the criminal justice system, social services, and non-profits. The program has found success with 89 graduates and $234,830.08 in fines and fees dismissed.
CORP has received widespread recognition, including praise by the International Association of Chiefs of Police. The CORP stakeholders have held three successful graduations and are ready to expand the program throughout the Coachella Valley. Organizations that offer case management services to those who are homeless and have barriers that inhibit them from receiving services, housing, and/or employment are encouraged to apply to be a part of the program. Cities that are willing and have the need can partner with the CORP program to identify individuals that may qualify for the program. This program is only one strategy, amongst a myriad amount of strategies, to assist individuals and families by removing barriers to obtaining housing and/or employment. The Cathedral City Police Department's Homeless Liaison Officer already works to identify persons who might benefit from the program.
The CVAG Executive Committee approved a model resolution for cities to implement CORP in their jurisdictions. CVAG staff outlined the ways cities can participate at the meeting, including considering the model resolution to support CORP, encouraging participation by City staff and law enforcement agencies, and engaging local non-profit organizations.
FISCAL IMPACT:
City resources are currently budgeted to support the Police Homeless Liaison Officer program.
ATTACHMENTS:
CVAG Resolution
Cathedral City Proposed Resolution