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HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem No. 18 - Attachment 1 Homeless Solutions Action Plan Mission ................................................................................................................................................... 1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................................ 2 Existing Conditions and Strategic Response ................................................................................... 2 Current and upcoming programs offered in San Bernardino: .................................................................. 2 City's Vision ................................................................................................................................. 3 Goals ....................................................................................................................................................... 4 Needs Assessment ................................................................................................................................ 6 Background and Demographics ..................................................................................................... 6 Settlement History ................................................................................................................................... 6 Race and Ethnicity ................................................................................................................................... 7 Economic Headwinds .............................................................................................................................. 7 Homelessness ......................................................................................................................................... 7 Housing Market ........................................................................................................................................ 8 Employment & Income ............................................................................................................................. 8 2026 Point in Time Count Data .................................................................................................... 10 Methodology .......................................................................................................................................... 10 Unhoused Population ............................................................................................................................ 11 Facilities, Services, and Service Providers ................................................................................... 14 Transitional & Permanent Supportive Housing ...................................................................................... 14 Emergency Shelters and Homelessness Prevention ............................................................................. 14 Shelters .................................................................................................................................................. 17 Referral Services ................................................................................................................................... 18 City of San Bernardino Police Department and Homeless Outreach Support Team ............................ 19 Land Use Opportunities ......................................................................................................................... 20 Analysis of Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Challenges ............................................ 21 Gap Analysis of Emergency Shelters .................................................................................................... 21 Collaboration and Coordination Opportunities ....................................................................................... 22 Strengths and Challenges of Supportive Services ................................................................................ 26 Top Priority –Emergency/Interim Housing: ............................................................................................ 27 Lower priority needs: ............................................................................................................................. 27 Housing for the Unhoused ..................................................................................................................... 27 Guiding Principles ...................................................................................................................... 28 Supportive Pathways to Housing................................................................................................... 28 Prioritizing Long-Term Solutions ................................................................................................... 28 Alignment with National Best Practices ......................................................................................... 28 Supportive Pathways to Housing ............................................................................................... 28 Reducing Entry Barriers ................................................................................................................ 29 Rapid Connection to Permanent Supportive Housing ................................................................... 29 Voluntary Supportive Services ...................................................................................................... 29 Increasing Housing Availability ...................................................................................................... 30 Prioritizing Long-Term Solutions ............................................................................................... 30 National Best Practices ............................................................................................................. 31 Action Plan ................................................................................................................................... 32 Action 1: Strengthen Collaboration and Coordination ................................................................ 32 Recommendations: ........................................................................................................................ 32 Action 2: Increase and Enhance Supportive Services and Income Support ............................... 33 Recommendations: ........................................................................................................................ 33 Action 3: Improve Housing Capacity .......................................................................................... 33 Recommendations: ........................................................................................................................ 34 Action Plan Timeline ................................................................................................................... 35 Impact Analysis ........................................................................................................................... 38 Community Cost Saving Analysis .............................................................................................. 38 Community Benefits .................................................................................................................. 39 Funding and Resource Strategy ................................................................................................ 40 Performance Metrics ................................................................................................................. 42 Conclusion ................................................................................................................................... 44 Acknowledgements ..................................................................................................................... 45 References ................................................................................................................................... 46 1 Mission The Mission of the City’s Housing and Homeless Division is to enhance the quality of life of our residents by utilizing federal, state, and local funds to create affordable housing, improve the City’s housing stock, and support homelessness prevention programs. 2 Introduction The City of San Bernardino has developed a Homelessness Solutions Action Plan (HSAP) to guide coordinated strategies and strengthen community partnerships. This plan responds directly to the unique needs of San Bernardino’s unhoused community and embraces the guiding principles of focused leadership, collaboration, and quality of life improvement. The HSAP integrates local analysis, Point-in-Time count (PITC) results, and ongoing initiatives to shape a comprehensive strategy. It aligns with the City’s broader vision of sustainable community prosperity and the Housing and Homeless Division’s mission to utilize federal, state, and local resources, such as the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME), Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG), Encampment Relief Fund (ERF) and Permanent Local Housing Allocation (PLHA), to expand affordable housing, improve the resources such as CDBG, HOME, ESG, and PLHA to expand affordable housing, improve housing stock, and support prevention programs. The implementation of this HSAP is supported by City departments and regional agencies, service providers, and community partners. Recent City Council actions, including the 2023 Homelessness State of Emergency Declaration and subsequent 2024 reaffirmation, as well as the January 15, 2026, special workshop meeting to outline the plan to address homelessness, underscore the urgency and commitment to this work. Through the Continuum of Care (CoC), local outreach teams, and coordinated entry systems, the City will deliver additional housing options, supportive services, and collaborative solutions to make homelessness rare, brief, and non-recurring. Existing Conditions and Strategic Response The City of San Bernardino continues to implement strategies to meet the needs of its unhoused community members. The most recent, 2026 PIT Count reflects these efforts with a 23.6% decrease in homelessness compared to the year before. This shows that the City’s strategies are effective, however community needs remain high. The 2026 PITC revealed 737 unsheltered individuals, 327 sheltered, and 108 in transitional housing. To meet this growing need, the City of San Bernardino continues to expand and strengthen its homelessness services. A full accounting of the City’s background, demographics, and data used within this HSAP is included in the 2026 Point in Time Count Data. Error! Reference source not found., and Error! Reference source not found.. Current and upcoming programs offered in San Bernardino: • Street outreach efforts through the San Bernardino Police Department’s (SBPD) Proactive Enforcement and Community Engagement Team (PEACE), as well as collaborations with the Salvation Army, the Innovative Remote Onsite Assistance Delivery program (InnROADs), a behavioral health response crisis-intervention program operated by the San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health (DBH), and the Community Outreach and Support Team (COAST), another crisis-response team operated by the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department. • Rapid Rehousing (RRH) Homeless Prevention program funded through the Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) and Encampment Resolution Fund (ERF), which aims to provide supportive services and temporary assistance for individuals and families to exit homelessness and secure permanent housing. 3 • Interim housing through the ERF-funded Interim Housing Program which aims to assist 64 individuals each year. • The Motel Voucher Program provides 200 interim shelter beds for the unhoused. • The San Bernardino Community Wellness Campus (SBCWC) is a HomeKey-funded navigation and non-congregate, low-barrier and pet-friendly interim housing center being developed in collaboration with Lutheran Social Services of Southern California (LSSSC). The project will add 140 non- congregate interim beds, bringing the campus total to 210 beds when combined with the existing 70 shelter beds, and will serve unhoused men in the City of San Bernardino. The SBCWC project is anticipated to open in March 2026 and will provide individualized case plans for at least 95% of residents within 72 hours of entry. • The upcoming SB HOPE campus, a City-run, pet-friendly navigation center that will provide low- barrier, congregate and non-congregate, interim housing to help address the root causes of homelessness and offer 200 beds for unsheltered residents. City's Vision We envision a thriving, safe, and inclusive city where all residents have stable housing, equitable opportunities, and pathways to prosperity. We Envision a world-class city that capitalizes on its location, the diversity of its people, and its economy to create a broad range of choices for its residents in how they live, work, and play. We Envision a thriving city possessing a sustainable system of high-quality education, community health, public safety, housing, retail, recreation, arts and culture, and infrastructure. We Envision a vibrant economy with a skilled workforce that attracts employers who seek the unique opportunities the city has to offer and provide jobs that create citywide prosperity. We Envision a model community which is governed openly and ethically, where all sectors work collaboratively to reach shared goals. We Envision a city that is recognized as the county's business and government center and a home for those seeking a sense of community and the best life has to offer. 4 Goals As outlined in the 2025 – 2030 Consolidated Plan, the City of San Bernardino is committed to expanding housing and homelessness prevention services to its community members. In that effort, and as introduced in the previous fiscal year's goals and objectives, the priority shall continue to be the creation of an improved quality of life, which includes reducing the burden of homelessness. Goal Guiding Principles Recommendations Goal 1: Expand interim and emergency housing capacity to reduce unsheltered homelessness and improve stabilization outcomes. Aligning Action 3: Improve Housing Capacity Supportive Pathways to Housing Prioritizing Long-Term Solutions National Best Practices • Expand shelters, transitional housing, and Permanent Supportive Housing • Add 400+ interim/emergency beds • Increase length of stay in interim housing Integrate wrap-around services • Develop pathways from shelter to PSH Goal 2: Advance major capital and housing development projects to expand long-term affordable housing supply. Aligning Action 3: Improve Housing Capacity Supportive Pathways to Housing Prioritizing Long-Term Solutions • Expand affordable housing projects Promote ADU conversions Reuse land/abandoned properties Streamline zoning and permitting • Offer incentives for affordable housing development • Leverage state and federal funding • Invite affordable housing developers to participate in workshops Goal 3: Strengthen outreach and encampment resolution efforts using service-led, coordinated strategies. Aligning Action 1: Strengthen Collaboration & Coordination Supportive Pathways to Housing Prioritizing Long-Term Solutions National Best Practices • Increase coordination and collaboration with service providers and stakeholders • Increase low-barrier shelter access through coordinated referral processes • Utilize data to inform proactive, strategic outreach and resolution efforts 5 • Participate in shared training programs Goal 4: Increase permanent housing placements and strengthen housing stability outcomes. Aligning Action 2: Increase and Enhance Supportive Services and Income Support Supportive Pathways to Housing Prioritizing Long-Term Solutions • Increase RRH capacity and resources Strengthen pathways to PSH • Integrate health and housing services • Create peer mentorship networks Goal 5: Improve system coordination, data quality, and accountability across funded programs. Aligning Action 3: Improve Housing Capacity National Best Practices • Develop joint dashboards with City-specific data • Conduct internal audits of state and federally funded programs to ensure compliance Goal 6: Expand homelessness prevention and diversion services to reduce inflow into the homeless system. Supportive Pathways to Housing Prioritizing Long-Term Solutions • Expand workforce training and employment pathways • Enhance mental health/substance use support • Implement housing navigation services Table 1 - Goals, Guiding Principles, and Recommendations 6 Needs Assessment Analyzing the availability and accessibility of homeless services in San Bernardino reveals unmet needs. Homelessness disproportionately impacts the City of San Bernardino, which has about 40% of the homeless population in the County despite having only 11 percent of its population. This section assesses the unhoused population, services currently provided, and any unmet needs. Background and Demographics Settlement History Stretching more than 62 square miles with a population of approximately 221,774, the City of San Bernardino serves as the county seat for San Bernardino County, ranking as the second-largest city in the Inland Empire and the 18th largest city in the State of California (2019 - 2023 ACS 5 - Year Estimate, n.d.). The City of San Bernardino stands on the unceded ancestral homelands of the Maara’yam (Serrano) people, especially the Yuhaaviatam Clan and historically, the Tongva people in areas like Wa’aachnga. Today, these communities are represented by the Yuhaaviatam of the San Manuel Nation and the Morongo Band of Mission Indians. Founded as a town by Mormon pioneers in 1851, the City was incorporated in 1854 and quickly grew into a vital commercial crossroads between Southern California and the American Southwest, connected by the Pacific Electric Railway. By 1910, the City’s population had nearly doubled in size. The establishment of an Army Air Corps base and nearby Kaiser Steel mill during World War II created jobs and economic growth. By 1977, the City was named an “All-America City” by the National Civic League (2021 - 2029 Housing Element). Today, it remains a central economic and cultural cornerstone in the Inland Empire. San Bernardino boasts a wide range of cultural and recreational amenities, including the historic California Theatre, the San Manuel Stadium, the San Bernardino History and Railroad Museum, and access to the San Bernardino National Forest. Residents enjoy dozens of parks, sports fields, and community events that celebrate the City’s rich heritage and vibrant diversity. Figure 1 - City Boundary 7 Race and Ethnicity Approximately 70% of San Bernardino residents identify as Hispanic, and the largest age group is 25 – 44-year-olds, making up 30% of the population (2019 – 2023 ACS 5-Year Estimate). The City is home to California State University, San Bernardino, and San Bernardino Valley College. Alongside several private educational institutions, the City’s primary public school district, San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD), operates over 70 schools and is one of the largest in California. Despite the vast opportunities for educational growth across all levels of learning, San Bernardino’s population has a relatively low level of educational attainment compared to other urban areas. The 2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimate data reveal only a little under 13% of the City’s population has a bachelor’s degree or higher. Most adult residents do not pursue higher education past a High School degree. Economic Headwinds Like many growing communities, San Bernardino has faced challenges over the decades. The local economy experienced a significant downturn with the closure of Kaiser Steel and Norton Air Base in the late 20th century, exacerbated by the real estate boom and bust cycle and rising unemployment. The 2007 Housing Crisis had a significant impact, with rapid drops in property values and a surge in foreclosures. The decline in disposable income and property values significantly impacted the ability to generate property and sales tax revenue, eventually culminating in the City filing for bankruptcy in August of 2012. A deadly terrorist attack in 2015 and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 mounted the economic and social burdens. Homelessness Homelessness is a critical issue in the City of San Bernardino. In fact, the city has the highest number of unhoused people among all jurisdictions in the county. San Bernardino receives Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) funding through HUD, which it uses to support services that include emergency shelter, rapid rehousing, homelessness prevention, and street outreach. The city also participates in regional strategic efforts to combat homelessness and provide services to homeless individuals, including assisting in the preparation of the 2022 Homeless to Home Roadmap to Self-Sufficiency and the County’s 2022 Homeless Strategic Action Plan. Despite the efforts of City Agencies and local and regional service providers, the City’s homeless population has been steadily increasing. San Bernardino aims to increase coordination and strengthen Figure 2 -Race Ethnicity Demographics 8 partnerships to expand the impact of housing and homeless programs in the area, hopefully decreasing the number of homeless families and individuals in the coming years. Figure 3 - The Three Phases of Homelessness Housing Market In the aftermath of the recession and housing crisis in the mid-2010s, San Bernardino’s housing market remains relatively affordable compared to the rest of Southern California, with the median home price in 2023 hovering at around $404,900, compared to the state median value of $695,400. However, this is a nearly 41 percent increase from the median home value of $287,700 just three years prior. Likewise, the median contract rent increased by approximately 28% from $970 in 2020 to $1,241 in 2023 (2019 – 2023 ACS 5-Year Estimates, 2016 – 2020 ACS 5-Year Estimates). The vast jump in real estate prices reflects the increasing difficulty in attaining homeownership. As home values have more than doubled in the last decade, it is no surprise that the majority of housing units in San Bernardino are renter occupied. The lack of affordable housing, coupled with low educational attainment and wages, only fuels the issue of homelessness. Employment & Income Alongside the rapid rise in housing costs, the unemployment rate as of the 2023 U.S. Census was 6.5%. With a median household income of $63,133, 19.5% of the population lives below the poverty level. 9 Furthermore, according to 2017 – 2021 Comprehensive Housing Allocation Strategy (CHAS) data, approximately 55% of households in San Bernardino are classified as low-to-moderate income (LMI) or being below 80% of the HUD Area Median Family Income (HAMFI) threshold, thereby making them more susceptible to housing problems such as cost burden, overcrowding, and increasing the risk of homelessness. 10 2026 Point in Time Count Data Methodology The PIT Count is an annual survey conducted to estimate the number of individuals and families experiencing homelessness, mandated by HUD for all CoC communities that receive federal CoC funding. The PIT Count is completed on a single night in the last week of January and relies on a collaborative effort between volunteers and key persons, including representatives of local government, social service providers, law enforcement, nonprofit agencies and current and formerly homeless individuals. For San Bernardino, The PITC is coordinated by the San Bernardino Office of Homeless Services, County Homeless Partnership, and in consultation with the Institute for Urban Initiatives. To complete the unsheltered count, trained volunteer counters go into neighborhoods, parks, encampments, and other known locations where unhoused individuals stay and collect demographic and situational information through the Subpopulation Survey. Local shelters, transitional housing programs, and other facilities report how many people were housed on that night. HUD requires CoCs to conduct a sheltered count every year and an unsheltered count every other year. The San Bernardino City and County CoC conducts an annual unsheltered count. The most recent, 2026 PITC unsheltered count was conducted onthe night of Monday, January 22, 2026.. Per HUD’s instructions, a person was considered unhoused, and thus counted, only when they fell within the HUD-based definition of unhoused by residing in one of the places described below: • In places not meant for human habitation, such as cars, parks, sidewalks, and abandoned buildings; • In an emergency shelter; and • In transitional housing for unhoused persons. A person was not considered unhoused if the person resided in one of the following places: • Medical facilities, such as hospitals, psychiatric facilities, and nursing homes, where people are admitted for care; • Jails, prisons, or juvenile detention facilities; • Chemical dependency facilities, such as substance use treatment facilities and detox facilities or; • Foster care homes or foster care group homes. Per HUD’s instructions, children identified as unhoused by McKinney-Vento Homeless Coordinators at schools are not counted. Children may be included in the count if they live in an emergency shelter or transitional housing program, or if they are unsheltered. Lastly, HUD does not consider persons who are Figure 4 - 2026 Unhoused Population by Status 11 doubled up,” or persons who are “near homelessness,” to be unhoused but considers them to be at risk of becoming unhoused. Therefore, such people are not included in the unhoused count. Unhoused Population Sheltered Status Analyzing the historic PITC data reveals a steady increase for a number of years in the City’s unhoused population, doubling within the last decade. 2026 was the first year within this decade (not accounting for 2021 when PIT Count did not take place) that the number of unhoused individuals actually dropped. The recent decrease in the City’s unhoused population for the first time in a decade shows that the strategies laid out in this plan, many of which the City has already adopted, are proving to be effective. Most unhoused persons in San Bernardino City are unsheltered. The 2026 PIT Count documented 1,172 total unhoused individuals in San Bernardino, 737, or approximately 63%, of which are unsheltered. 327 sheltered individuals were counted, and 108 were identified in transitional housing. Not included in the PIT Count data are children identified as unhoused under the Mckinney-Vento Act. San Bernardino City Unified school district reported approximately 5,610 homeless students enrolled in the 2024- 2025 school year. Approximately 86% were temporarily doubled-up with other households, 7% were staying in hotels or motels, 4% were in temporary shelters, and 3% were temporarily unsheltered. Table 2 – 2026 Sheltered and Unsheltered Population1 Table 3 - Change in Sheltered and Unsheltered Populations 2025-20262 Total Number of Unsheltered Persons Total Number of Sheltered Persons Total Number 2025 2026 Difference 2025 2026 Difference 2025 2026 Difference # # # % # # # % # # # % 981 737 -244 - 24.85 5 554 327 -227 -40.9 1,535 1,172 -363 -23.6 Table 4 - Total Unhoused Persons in the City of San Bernardino Over Time3 Total Unhoused Persons in the City of San Bernardino 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 564 491 646 890 1056 - 1350 1502 1417 1535 1172 1 Source: 2026 Point in Time Count 2 Source: 2026 Point in Time Count 3 Source: 2026 Point in Time Count Sheltered Transitional Housing Unsheltered Total 327 108 737 1,172 12 Table 6 - Unhoused Population by City, from the 2026 PITC report. Table 6 - Unhoused Population by City4 Jurisdiction Sheltered Unsheltered Shelter Transitional Housing Total County 930 340 2448 3718 Barstow 29 27 80 136 Colton 85 0 118 203 Fontana 74 53 343 470 Ontario 37 16 245 298 Rancho Cucamonga 4 0 97 101 Redlands 19 8 107 134 San Bernardino 327 108 737 1172 Victorville 304 33 104 441 Total 879 245 1911 2955 94.5% 72.1% 78.1% 83.0% 4 2026 Point in Time Count 13 Gender Demographics The report illustrates that there is a disproportion in the percentage of men who suffer from homelessness. The overwhelming majority (70.9%) of the unhoused population is male, while 29.1% self-identified as female. Mental illness, health, and physical disability The PITC further reflects that 22.7% of unhoused individuals within the City reported mental health disability, 25.8% reported physical disability, 7.7% reported developmental disabilities, 22.7% reported chronic health issues, and 1.5% reported living with HIV AIDs. A closer look at PITC data reveals that the City of San Bernardino has the highest concentration of unhoused people. Those impacted the most by homelessness are between the ages of 35 to 44. Of the identified unhoused population in San Bernardino: Figure 5 - Gender Demographics 14 Facilities, Services, and Service Providers This portion of the Needs Assessment documents the facilities, services, and service providers currently operating to address homelessness in San Bernardino. Transitional & Permanent Supportive Housing Family Stabilization Program (DBH Referral only) – provides transitional housing and supportive services for families referred through the Department of Behavioral Health, focusing on stabilization and long‑term housing solutions. Keys Nonprofit – offers permanent supportive housing and case management services for individuals and families experiencing homelessness, with an emphasis on self‑sufficiency and community integration. Lighthouse Social Service Centers – provides transitional and permanent supportive housing programs, including wraparound services such as employment support, counseling, and life‑skills training. Mary’s Mercy Center – operates transitional living programs for men, women, and children (12–24 months), combining housing with supportive services to help residents achieve independence. Step Up on Second – delivers permanent supportive housing and mental health services, specializing in serving individuals experiencing chronic homelessness and serious mental illness. Time for Change Foundation – provides transitional and permanent supportive housing for women and children, with a focus on empowerment, leadership development, and long‑term stability. The Salvation Army - partners with the City to provide vital assistance to the unhoused population within the city through the Outreach and Engagement Team. Through this collaboration, the Outreach and Engagement team offers transportation services to individuals seeking shelter, crisis support, rehabilitation, or family reunification. The Outreach and Engagement team remains committed to delivering essential services to those experiencing homelessness, including access to longer-term shelters, rehabilitation programs, and reunification assistance. Outcomes for the period between July 2024 through May 2025 are as follows: Emergency Shelters and Homelessness Prevention The City regularly contracts with the Salvation Army, and in the past the Lutheran Social Services of Southern California (LSS) and Community Action Partnership (CAP), to provide ESG funds for the use of emergency shelter and homelessness prevention. For the Fiscal Year of 2024 – 2025, the Salvation Army reported providing emergency shelter to 60 individuals from 29 households. Participants entered from locations not meant for human habitation, emergency shelters, or safe havens. The Homelessness Prevention project served 31 individuals in 11 households, providing targeted financial assistance and housing stabilization services to help participants avoid entering the homeless services system (FY24-25 CAPER ESG SAGE Report). There are currently 889 active shelter beds in the City. Although the City has experienced a 120% increase in shelter beds between 2022 and 2025, a significant shelter bed gap remains. The 2026 Point-in-Time Count (PITC) identified 1,172 unhoused individuals in San Bernardino on a single night in January 2026, of whom 737 were unsheltered. In addition, the City does not have direct access to most of the shelter beds currently identified, further limiting its ability to meet immediate shelter demand. Furthermore, many local service providers mandate program involvement as a prerequisite to receiving services. For example, the Salvation Army is required to conduct initial evaluations to determine 15 eligibility and adhere to various HUD and CoC-established program quality benchmarks, such as ensuring that at least 20% of program participants receive employment income. While the intention is to promote long-term self-sufficiency, these stipulations to access services create critical gaps, cutting off many community members who are in dire need of support. Table 2 - Facility Capacity reflects the estimated capacity of available shelter and interim beds currently available in the City. San Bernardino plans to add at least 400 new interim housing beds within the next five years. The opening of the SB HOPE campus and the San Bernardino Community Wellness campus within the next year alone will greatly help achieve this goal. Table 2 - Facility Capacity Provider/Facility/Program Estimated Capacity Lutheran Social Services 210 beds The Salvation Army 142 beds Restoration House of Refuge 18 beds Operation Grace 38 beds Welcome Home 7 beds Family Assistance Program (FAP) 6 beds Time for Change Foundation 18 beds Mary’s Mercy Center 75 beds Mary’s Haven 35 beds The Way World Outreach 70 beds Pacific Village 28 beds City Interim Shelter (MV & VARP ERF) 212 beds County Bridge Housing 30 beds Total Shelter Beds Within City Limits 889 beds Below, Table 3 - City of San Bernardino Subsidized Multi-Family Housing, represents the number of subsidized housing and multifamily affordable housing projects within the City by Target Resident, Project Financing, and At-Risk Status. 16 Table 3 - City of San Bernardino Subsidized Multi-Family Housing5 Development Name Target Residents Project Financing Total Units Affordable Units Earliest Expiration At Risk Status Village Green All Ages LIHTC/HAP 184 181 2042 Not At-Risk Ramona Sr. Project Senior LIHTC/MRB 44 43 2024 High Risk The Waterman Large Family LIHTC 128 127 2030 High Risk Autumnwood/Millcreek All Ages LIHTC 160 158 2030 High Risk Maplewood Home Family PBV 296 296 2026 Low Risk Arrowhead Woods Senior PBV 51 51 2027 Low Risk Kendall Drive Apts. Family PBV 37 6 2025 Low Risk Kendall Park Apts. Family PBV 52 4 2025 Low Risk Frazee Family HOME 14 13 2029 Low Risk 7 Arrows Family HOME 9 9 2029 Low Risk Sterling Village Large Family LIHTC 80 79 2036 Not At-Risk Magnolia at Highland Senior LIHTC 80 79 2041 Not At-Risk Lugo Apartments Senior LIHTC 119 118 2044 Not At-Risk Vintage at Kendall Senior LIHTC 178 176 2043 Not At-Risk Arrowhead Vista Senior LIHTC 40 39 2069 Not At-Risk New Zion Manor Family LIHTC 125 125 2071 Not At-Risk Beautiful Light Inn Senior LIHTC 100 99 2072 Not At-Risk Pioneer Park Plaza All Ages LIHTC 161 159 2073 Not At-Risk Foothill Villas Large Family LIHTC 239 237 2075 Not At-Risk Baseline Coop Senior 202/811 75 74 Permanent Not At-Risk St. Bernardine Plaza Senior 202/811 150 148 2037 Not At-Risk TELACU Monte Vista Senior 202/811 75 74 2057 Not At-Risk TELACU San Bern. V Senior 202/811 75 74 2065 Not At-Risk TELACU Buena Vista Senior 202/811 75 74 2058 Not At-Risk TELACU Sierra Vista Senior 202/811 75 74 2057 Not At-Risk TELACU La Amistad Senior 202/811 89 89 2064 Not At-Risk TELACU Hacienda Senior 202/811 75 74 2064 Not At-Risk AHEPA 3002 Senior 202/811 90 90 2047 Not At-Risk Meadowbrook Park Family HAP/HOME 267 210 2033 Not At-Risk Creekside Apartments Family Bonds 304 60 2049 Not At-Risk All Star Lodge PSH HOMEKEY 75 75 N/A Not At-Risk Valencia Vista Large Family LIHTC 76 75 2068 Not At-Risk 5 Source: City of San Bernardino 2021-2029 Housing Element 17 Olive Meadow Large Family LIHTC 62 42 2073 Not At-Risk Crestview Terrace Large Family LIHTC 184 182 2076 Not At-Risk Tuscany/Silverwood Family Bond 328 66 2057 Not At-Risk Eastpointe Village Family RDA/NSP 52 52 2046 Not At-Risk Phoenix Apartments Transitional CalHFA 9 9 2033 Not At-Risk Golden Apartments PSH HOME 39 38 2057 Not At-Risk San Bernardino Senior Senior 202/811 80 79 2042 Not At-Risk Pacific Village All Ages HCD 2033 Not At-Risk SUBTOTALS BY TYPE Target Residents Total Units Affordable Units Large Family 769 742 Senior 1471 1455 Family 1484 841 All Ages 505 498 PSH 114 113 Transitional 114 113 Shelters Lutheran Social Services (LSS) – provides emergency shelter as a "bridge" to permanent housing, and wrap-around services to help homeless men 18 years and older to achieve self-sufficiency. The Salvation Army Hospitality House – provides emergency shelter, referrals to permanent housing services, and meals to families and single females experiencing homelessness. Mary’s Mercy Center – provides food, showers and clothing for homeless individuals and families; also provides transitional living programs for men and separately, women and children. Family Service Association of Redlands – provides emergency shelter (motel vouchers), wraparound services, and case management to prevent homelessness. Restoration House of Refuge – provides transitional housing and supportive services for individuals and families recovering from homelessness, with a focus on stability, life‑skills development, and pathways to permanent housing. Operation Grace – provides emergency shelter and supportive services exclusively for women and children under 11 years old. Time for Change Foundation ES – provides emergency shelter and supportive services for women and children, with a focus on empowerment and long‑term housing stability. Path of Life Community Shelter ES – provides emergency shelter and supportive services designed to help individuals and families transition from homelessness to permanent housing. 18 Mary’s Haven – provides housing and supportive services specifically for women with children, helping families achieve stability and independence. The Way World Outreach (7 Transformation Houses) – operates multiple transformation houses offering shelter, recovery support, and wraparound services for individuals seeking stability and self‑sufficiency. Men & Women’s Shelter & Downtown Resource Center – provides emergency shelter for both men and women, along with a downtown resource center offering meals, case management, and linkages to permanent housing. Pacific Village – provides supportive housing and services for individuals and families experiencing homelessness, with a focus on long‑term stability and community integration (referrals come from various County departments (e.g. DBH, DAAS, CDH). Family Assistance Program – provides emergency shelter, transitional housing and supportive services to homeless youth, survivors of domestic violence and victims of human trafficking. Referral Services The San Bernardino County Homeless Partnership (SBCHP) – developed to promote a strong collaboration between agencies directing planning, development, and implementation of the County’s 10- year Strategy to end chronic homelessness. SBCHP is a network of community and faith-based organizations, educational institutions, non-profit organizations, private industry, and federal, state, and local governments. SBCHP provides leadership in creating a comprehensive countywide network of service delivery to the homeless and near-homeless families and individuals through facilitating better communication, planning, coordination, and cooperation among all entities that provide services and/or resources for the relief of homelessness in San Bernardino County. Community Action Partnership of San Bernardino County (CAPSB) – provides temporary rental assistance, financial literacy education, and linkages to other support services. Catholic Charities – offers emergency assistance, housing support, and case management services for low‑income and homeless individuals and families. Foothill AIDS Project – provides housing assistance, medical case management, and supportive services for individuals living with HIV/AIDS. U.S. VETS – Inland Empire – delivers housing, employment, and supportive services tailored to veterans experiencing homelessness. Inland Fair Housing and Mediation Board – provides fair housing services, tenant/landlord mediation, and advocacy to prevent housing discrimination and eviction. Inland Counties Legal Services, Inc. – offers legal aid for low‑income residents, including housing rights, eviction defense, and benefits advocacy. Legal Aid Society of San Bernardino – provides free or low‑cost legal services to individuals and families facing housing instability or homelessness. 19 City of San Bernardino Police Department and Homeless Outreach Support Team The Proactive Enforcement and Community Engagement Team, also known as the PEACE Team, is a unit within the San Bernardino Police Department that functions as a homeless outreach division. The PEACE team is a multidisciplinary initiative aimed at connecting community members to essential support services and resources to reduce barriers to housing and promote long-term personal stability. This team excels in delivering a strategic blend of social support and enforcement fueled by their core mission to improve quality-of-life through innovative approaches. To date, the PEACE team has made contact with over 2,800 unhoused individuals in the City of San Bernardino in an effort to conduct proactive engagement strategies. Depending on an individual’s unique circumstances and needs, a range of services are provided, including family reunification, shelter placement, case management, room and board, and additional support. The PEACE team attributes its success to strategic partnerships and support across a network of agencies and individuals. Each person involved in the team’s efforts plays a pivotal role in expanding their reach and impact. Key partners include: • Public Works Department • Community Development and Housing Department - Housing and Homeless Services Division • The San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health • The Salvation Army • Redwood Security • Park Rangers Figure 6 – 2025 Accomplishments 20 Land Use Opportunities SLA Public Land, Motel Conversions The city plans to target underutilized public land and motels to expand affordable housing. Guided by the California Surplus Land Act, 141 City-owned parcels are identified for potential housing development across various zones and densities. Priority goes to affordable housing proposals during the 60-day notice period, requiring at least 25% of units for lower-income households (or 15% if no proposals succeed). Some of the City’s objectives for the next five years include: • Use surplus lands to aid in the development of affordable housing, prioritizing families with low- to very low-incomes. • Leverage motels, churches, and public land for conversions. • Pursue ADU development and infill projects. • Partner with affordable housing developers and secure gap financing. 21 Analysis of Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Challenges Gap Analysis of Emergency Shelters This section of the Needs Assessment focuses on gaps and expansion recommendations for shelters, transitional housing, and permanent supportive housing. The data was drawn from the 2026 Homeless PIT Count, the City of San Bernardino’s 2025–2029 Consolidated Plan, including the Market Analysis (MA-30, MA-35), and the Homeless Needs Assessment (NA-40). San Bernardino is at a pivotal moment in strengthening its supportive housing and services landscape. Capital investments are underway that will significantly expand the City’s capacity to deliver integrated, housing-focused services. The forthcoming Community Wellness Campus, developed through Project HomeKey in partnership with Lutheran Social Services of Southern California and Dignity Moves is expected to open in Spring of 2026 and will introduce a comprehensive navigation center offering low-barrier, non-congregate interim housing paired with wrap-around supportive services. With 140 beds, onsite medical care, and rapid development of individualized case plans, the campus is positioned to become a cornerstone of the City’s rehousing strategy. Similarly, the SB HOPE Campus, scheduled to be completed in December 2026, will further enhance the regional system by providing another low-barrier, service-rich environment designed to address the root causes of homelessness. The hybrid campus of congregate and non-congregate beds is expected to open in the first quarter of 2027 and will be operated by Helping Hearts California. SB HOPE will connect individuals to medical respite, behavioral health care, substance use treatment, employment pathways, and permanent housing resources. It will also serve as a prevention hub, offering rental and utility assistance through collocated partner agencies to stabilize households at risk of losing their housing. These two projects will help to fill current existing gaps and address the complex needs of the City's unhoused populations. Table 4 - Analysis of Capacity Gaps for Emergency Shelter Beds Estimated Current Capacity Estimated Demand (PITC/CHAS) Estimated Gap 889 beds 1,172 unhoused – 2026 PITC 300 beds Table 5 - Expansion Priorities Priority Level Expansion Focus Gap Size Recommendation High New interim/emergency housing beds 400+ beds Expand low-barrier interim housing shelter beds Medium Motel voucher program Limited supply Bridge to permanent housing Low Specialized population Capacity limited Expand targeted programs 22 The City’s current shelter and housing resources are insufficient to meet the community's needs, as indicated by the PIT Count and HUD CHAS data. The Point-in-Time Count is a snapshot taken on a single night and is generally considered a conservative estimate. The City’s goal is not to match that number exactly, but to build upon existing shelter capacity so that unhoused individuals encountered by outreach teams within City boundaries have ample options for safe shelter. As a result, the City estimates the need to fill a 400-bed gap. Collaboration and Coordination Opportunities Streamlined services prevent duplication, inefficiency, and barriers for people experiencing homelessness. It also opens the door for creative and innovative programs to target homelessness from a holistic approach, garnering input from state, regional, and local partners. Table 6 - Service Provider Collaboration Opportunities Entity Role/ Function Coordination Link Strengths Challenges City of San Bernardino Governing body: Mayor’s Office, City Council, Community Development & Housing Department Administers ESG, HOME, and CDBG funding, contracts for RRH, shelter, and prevention services, SB HOPE Campus Member of the CoC, participates in CES and HMIS. Contracts with Salvation Army, and Family Association of Redland Administers ESG, HOME, and CDBG funding. Contracts directly with providers. launching SB HOPE Campus Limited data access to HMIS Lack of City - County coordination San Bernardino County CoC (CA-609) Governing Body: Interagency Council on Homelessness (ICH) Administrative & System Management: Office of Homeless Services (OHS) Support: Homeless Provider Network (HPN) of the San Regional homeless policy implementation HMIS CES Coordinates with City programs San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health Housing Authority of the County of San Bernardino Regional homeless policy implementation Manages HMIS and CES Hosts Homeless Provider Network Steering Committees County-wide approach San Bernardino City's unique needs can be lost in regional approaches. Limited accountability at City level 23 Bernardino County Homeless Partnership (SBCHP) Housing Authority of the County of San Bernardino (HACSB) Administers Housing Choice Vouchers, Emergency Housing Vouchers (EHVs), Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH), and landlord engagement Accepts CES referrals Partners with the City and social service providers to place households Administers Housing Choice Vouchers, Emergency Housing Vouchers (EHVs), and Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) Landlord engagement Participate in the CoC Limited strategy to increase lease-up rates. Limited partnerships with the city. San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) Provides behavioral health and substance use treatment. Manages housing- linked support programs Coordinates with shelters, supportive housing, and CES to ensure behavioral health integration in programs. Provides behavioral health and substance use treatment. Manages housing-linked support programs Full-service Partnerships Communication gaps between behavioral health providers and housing navigators. Office of Homeless Services (OHS) Manages homeless services countywide; oversees CoC and CES administration. Manages CES operations, performance data, and Homeless Housing Assistance Program allocations The link between County, City, and service providers Manages homeless services countywide. oversees CoC and CES administration. Manages CES operations, performance data Homeless Housing Assistance Communication gaps with the city. Lack of local data for decision- making strategies 24 Program allocations ESG-Funded Providers: Salvation Army Family Association of Redlands RRH, prevention shelter, contracted by the City Required to use CES and Coordinated Entry Contracted by the City. Provides Shelter Homelessness prevention services Rapid Rehousing Lack of collaborative approach with the CoC Gaps in CES alignment Homeless Service Providers: Inland Valley Recovery Services Mary’s Mercy Center/Veronica Home of Mercy The Salvation Army Operation Grace Knowledge and Education for Your Success (KEYS) Veterans Alcoholic Rehabilitation Program (VARP) Community Action Partnership of San Bernardino County (CAPSBC) Lutheran Social Services Lighthouse Social Service Centers Provide direct services and housing support: • Intake • Transportation • Recovery treatment • Shelters • Subpopulation shelters • Housing • Mobile Showers • Food • Motel vouchers • Family Stabilization Program • Transitional Housing Programs Most use CES via referral pathways Provide direct services and housing support: Intake Transportation Recovery treatment Shelters Subpopulation shelters Housing Mobile Showers Food Motel vouchers Family Stabilization Program Transitional Housing Programs Fair housing Mediation Not required to use CES or HMIS if not federally funded. Capacity limited to relative need. Lack of coordination amongst service providers. Lack of partnerships Lack of landlord incentives programming. Unaligned outreach 25 Step-Up on Second Specialized Providers: Family Assistance Program (Youth Drop-in Center) Veterans Affairs (HCHV, outreach, housing for veterans) U.S. VETS Inland Empire Patient’s Rights Office (mental health support) Serve specific populations (youth, veterans, mental health) • Most use CES via referral pathways Serve specific populations (youth, veterans, mental health) Lack of streamlined pathways across all populations Not required to use CES or HMIS if not federally funded. While the system identified above has strong partners and established programs, identified challenges can limit overall effectiveness. Gaps such as lack of coordination, gaps in data, and unaligned outreach, prevent the system from operating seamlessly. 26 Strengths and Challenges of Supportive Services Table 7 - Provider Data Entity Role/Function Strengths Challenges City of San Bernardino Administers HHAP, PLHA, ERF, ESG, HOME, and CDBG funding, contracts for RRH, emergency shelter, and homeless prevention services, and oversees operations at the SB HOPE Campus Contracts directly with providers • Limited funding • Ability to reduce costs for programs and direct costs for clients • Need for increased service providers with the capacity to meet program participation requirements • Limited collaboration opportunities with workforce development • Job placement and retention San Bernardino County Homeless Partnership (SBCHP)/211 Regional homeless policy implementation HMIS CES Structured gateway for the provision of services • Staffing capacity • Software system that enables a higher level of functionality • Length of time between intake and receipt of housing Continuum of Care (CoC) Governing Body: Office of Homeless Services and Community Development & Housing Support: Homeless Provider Network (HPN) and Center Valley Steering Committee Collaborative efforts of multiple organizations with countywide reach • Increased collaboration amongst partner organizations. 27 Top Priority –Emergency/Interim Housing: • The City’s most recent PIT Count identified approximately 1,172 unhoused individuals, 737 of which are unsheltered • 889 interim housing beds are currently available • The City aims to expand the capacity of available emergency/interim housing beds, making this as a priority as it aligns with the City’s guiding principles and goals outlined in this HSAP Emergency shelter beds: • There is a gap of 300 beds for unhoused adults. • Expanding emergency shelter capacity remains an important priority Lower priority needs: • Expansion of the motel voucher program as a bridge to permanent housing • Development of specialized supportive housing for targeted populations. Housing for the Unhoused The following two housing developments are intended to provide supportive, transitional housing for unhoused community members. • The upcoming opening of its Project HomeKey Community Wellness Campus, a joint venture with Lutheran Social Services of Southern California, shall be a critical strategy that enables the City to more effectively improve and increase housing capacity. The navigation center, which shall provide low-barrier, non-congregate, interim housing and comprehensive social services including educational, physical, social, and mental health services. In addition, the site will provide 150 shelter beds and an onsite medical clinic. Furthermore, within 72 hours of entry 95% of residents will receive individualized case plans, thereby ensuring long-term stabilization solutions and reducing the risk of re-entry. • The upcoming SB HOPE Campus project, set to be completed in December 2026 and fully functional within the first quarter of 2027, will provide low-barrier, non-congregate, interim housing to help address the root causes of homelessness. The campus will connect people to resources, medical respite, mental health, substance disorder counseling, individualized case management, job training and placement, and expanded access to permanent housing. It will also assist individuals who are at risk of becoming homeless as local agencies will be onsite to provide rental assistance and utility assistance to eligible households 28 Guiding Principles The City of San Bernardino is committed to bringing solutions to address homelessness. This action plan aims to implement tangible solutions and responses to homelessness. It is essential to outline the core principles that will guide this plan for the City; these core principles will serve as the touchstone for all strategies, actions, and policies within the plan. Through coordination with City staff and qualitative and quantitative data analysis, three core principles emerged: Supportive Pathways to Housing, Prioritizing Long-term Solutions, and Alignment with National Best Practices. Supportive Pathways to Housing is our strategy to address homelessness that begins with ensuring individuals have access to safe and stable housing as quickly as possible by reducing barriers. Once housed, we then connect people to supportive services. This model is designed to help residents regain stability, achieve self-sufficiency, and maintain long-term housing. Prioritizing Long-Term Solutions is our commitment to combatting homelessness and emphasizes long-term stability. We focus on helping individuals build self-sufficiency through access to wrap-around supportive services such as job training, mental health care, and substance use support. At the same time, we prioritize shelter options that provide stability and safety, creating a stronger foundation for permanent housing and thereby reducing the risk of individuals and families once again becoming unhoused, ensuring lasting success. Alignment with National Best Practices is the ability to look at comparable cities, with similar demographics and challenges, and gather strategies and models that have demonstrated nationwide success. This ensures that San Bernardino’s approach reflects evidence-based interventions endorsed by federal agencies and aligns with broader policy guidance and proven outcomes. Collectively, these guiding principles provide the framework for the City of San Bernardino’s Homeless Solutions Action Plan. By centering efforts on stabilization and self-sufficiency, and drawing from nationwide best practices, the City is positioning itself to implement a comprehensive and sustainable approach to addressing homelessness. Supportive Pathways to Housing The City of San Bernardino is committed to reducing homelessness by ensuring individuals and families have access to safe and stable housing alongside essential support services. This approach, known as the Supportive Pathways to Housing, is a stabilization-focused housing strategy that emphasizes rapid connection to shelter and housing options while offering coordinated care. Rather than requiring individuals 29 to meet specific preconditions before accessing support, the City’s strategy focuses on engaging people where they are, helping them stabilize, and equipping them with the tools and resources needed to transition into long-term independence. Supportive services are tailored to the individual’s needs and are designed to promote recovery, self-sufficiency, and reintegration into the community. The goal is to support individuals and families in identifying their needs and accessing resources to meet those needs, while providing them with housing regardless of their life circumstances. (Housing First , n.d.) Supportive Pathways to Housing offers immediate, low-barrier access to permanent housing paired with voluntary supportive services. Research consistently shows that reducing entry barriers and prioritizing stable housing improves outcomes: • Up to 88% reduction in homelessness compared to treatment-first programs • Significantly higher housing retention: 79% remained housed for 6 months vs. 27% in control groups; 88% retained housing after 5 years • Improved health outcomes and reductions in ER visits and hospitalizations Reducing Entry Barriers The city will reduce entry barriers and preconditions such as participation in treatment before placement, income documentation, and other potential barriers. This is especially critical for residents experiencing chronic homelessness and residents suffering from mental disorders or substance use disorders, who are most at risk of remaining unsheltered due to eligibility requirements that keep these residents unsheltered. Rapid Connection to Permanent Supportive Housing The city will minimize the time between initial engagement and housing placement, and coordinate entry and assessment tools. Highly vulnerable individuals will be prioritized, with voluntary services layered in to support stability and recovery. Voluntary Supportive Services Supportive services such as case management, behavioral health treatment, employment assistance, financial assistance, substance use disorder treatment, and life skills training will be offered but not required for housing retention. Supportive Pathways to Housing models have found success in voluntary supportive services, where residents tend to gravitate on their own to the services, instead of being forced to receive services to be housed. 30 Increasing Housing Availability The city will expand housing stock through leveraging a mix of public and private resources to secure units citywide. Programs like landlord engagement and master leasing set aside units in affordable housing developments, and creative affordable housing transitions initiatives like Project Home Key are pivotal tools for housing availability. The City of San Bernardino is committed to increasing housing availability and affordability for its residents by partnering with a variety of key collaborators including: Neighborhood Partnership Housing Services (NPHS) Through a partnership with NPHS the City is advancing the development of infill single-family homes designed for low- to moderate-income families. Jamboree The City Council approved an exclusive negotiation agreement with Jamboree Housing Corporation to develop about 101 affordable housing units on a 3.5-acre city-owned site (“Site 12”). U.S. Vets The City has committed $4 million to support the development of a 30-unit affordable housing community for veterans at 1351 North E Street. This project will provide permanent supportive housing along with on-site services such as case management, food and hygiene supplies, transportation assistance, and employment support. Neighborhood Housing Services of the Inland Empire (NHSIE) In collaboration with NHSIE, the city is expanding affordable rental opportunities and pathways to homeownership. NHSIE provides homebuyer education, counseling, and down payment assistance programs that help low- to moderate-income family’s transition into stable homeownership. Prioritizing Long-Term Solutions San Bernardino’s approach to homelessness emphasizes long-term stability rather than short-term fixes. The City is moving toward expanding non-congregate shelter options, such as the HOPE Campus and the Community Wellness Campus, which provide individuals and families with privacy, safety, and stability. These environments create a stronger foundation for permanent housing by reducing the risks associated with traditional congregate shelters and allowing residents to focus on recovery and rebuilding their lives. Equally important is the City’s commitment to wrap-around supportive services. Many individuals and families experiencing homelessness in San Bernardino have zero income and have not held employment for a decade or more, underscoring the need for comprehensive support beyond housing. Services such as job training, financial empowerment, mental health care, and substance use treatment are integrated into the City’s housing strategy to help residents achieve self-sufficiency and long-term housing retention. 31 This focus on causes, not just symptoms, is critical. Temporary assistance alone does not address the systemic issues that lead to homelessness. By investing in stabilization and self-sufficiency, the City aims to reduce the cycle of individuals falling back into homelessness after receiving short-term aid. The urgency of this approach is highlighted by the fact that nearly one-third (33%) of San Bernardino’s homeless population is experiencing homelessness for the first time. This means that for every two or three individuals who receive housing services, another person falls into homelessness. Addressing this trend requires strategies that prevent returns to homelessness and reduces new entries into the system. By prioritizing long-term solutions, the city is working to break this cycle and ensure that investments lead to lasting outcomes. National Best Practices National best practices are proven strategies, models, and program approaches that have been tested and proven to successfully impact homelessness in cities and states across the United States. These approaches are recognized on a federal level through HUD, the U.S Interagency Council on Homelessness, as well as national research organizations aimed at reducing homelessness. National best practices are evidence-based; the research has already been conducted, yielding significant positive outcomes in multiple controlled studies. Implementing and analyzing national best practices will enable the city to develop successful models that can be applied in other communities. 32 Action Plan Action 1: Strengthen Collaboration and Coordination The city currently collaborates with local partners to provide services to residents through various avenues, including housing, fair housing, housing mediation, homeless services, shelter services, and affordable housing development. Strengthening collaboration and coordination is pivotal for the City of San Bernardino to address homelessness. A major step forward is the launch of the Deep Blue pilot software, which will enable real-time data sharing among the Housing & Homeless Division, COAST Outreach, the Police Department, and County partners. This tool will improve coordination, reduce duplication, and enhance case management by ensuring multiple departments and providers have access to the same information. Objective Alignment – Goals 3 & 5: Build a unified system across City, County, and providers. • Leverage the upcoming Deep Blue software program to create real-time shared dashboards across multiple departments and entities for City-specific data. Create shared landlord engagement strategies. • Create clear referral pathway from RRH and shelters to PSH. • Require City-funded outreach teams to participate in joint case conferences. • Incentivize participation in CES/HMIS with access to housing resources. • Host community listening sessions to build trust and gather input. Recommendations: Short-Term (0–12 months) • Launch a joint City–CoC funding and planning calendar identifying funding sources and application windows • Fully implement Deep Blue software and train staff across City agencies. Formalize City participation in CES and case conferencing for all City-funded providers. • Establish a unified landlord engagement team and begin landlord outreach. • Create clear referral pathways from RRH and shelters to PSH. • Enroll outreach teams, case managers, and shelter staff in trauma-informed training programs. Mid-Term (1–3 years) • Connect Deep Blue dashboards with County HMIS and CES systems for seamless data flow. • Build a Landlord Incentive & Risk Mitigation Fund with HHASP/ESG/CoC funding. • Pilot streamlined inspections with HACSB to reduce lease-up delays. • Develop neighborhood-based advisory groups to strengthen community engagement. Long Term (3–5 years) • Expand the landlord program into a regional partnership with County and HACSB. • Utilize data reports from shared dashboards to inform the strategic approach to combatting homelessness. • Embed training programs into ongoing workforce development. • Institutionalize annual community summits on homelessness and housing. 33 Action 2: Increase and Enhance Supportive Services and Income Support Objective Alignment – Goal 6:Strengthen long-term stability outcomes and promote homelessness prevention and diversion. The city will strengthen partnerships with local and regional stakeholders and service providers to better serve chronically homeless individuals. By pursuing additional funding sources beyond current federal and state allocations, the City aims to expand outreach capacity, support more service providers, and increase housing development, ultimately reducing costs for both programs and clients. Furthermore, the city aims to ensure that individuals and families not only obtain housing but are able to remain housed by focusing on behavioral health, workforce development, and income stabilization. Wrap-around services will be designed to meet San Bernardino’s unique needs, addressing the high rates of unemployment, zero income, and long-term disconnection from the workforce among residents experiencing homelessness. Recommendations: Short-Term (0–12 months) • Add City-funded outreach staff with CES integration and coverage benchmarks. • Formalize partnerships with DBH and health providers for behavioral health integration. • Expand service hubs with basic needs (food, showers, mail access). • Launch rental and utility assistance to prevent homelessness • Expand the Housing and Homeless Division team by hiring at least one additional staff member Mid-Term (1–3 years) • Integrate health and housing services by deploying mobile health teams to encampments and interim housing sites, and co-locating health services at the Community Wellness Campus. • Expand SSI/SSDI advocacy and workforce development partnerships with County Workforce Development. • Establish eviction prevention partnerships with legal aid providers. • Expand financial empowerment programs (budgeting, credit repair, benefits enrollment) to stabilize income and reduce the risk of eviction. • Integrate substance use recovery services into housing programs. Long-Term (3–5 years) • Create permanent service co-locations (housing + health + employment) in supportive housing sites. • Scale employment pathways for unhoused residents through long-term County/City workforce initiatives. • Create peer mentorship networks, training formerly homeless residents as peer navigators to support new program participants. • Expand access to outpatient treatment. Action 3: Improve Housing Capacity Objective Alignment – Goals 1 & 2: Expand shelter, transitional, and permanent housing. There are currently three affordable housing projects within the City of San Bernardino providing 230 units for eligible low-income residents. When this number is compared to the recent 2026 PIT Count of 1,172 34 unhoused individuals within City borders, 737 of which are unsheltered, there is a dire need for services. In addition, while the Housing Element reflects a current inventory of 4,179 subsidized multifamily unit properties, there are currently not enough available affordable housing units and shelter beds to adequately meet the needs of the unhoused. Across from the City’s upcoming HOPE campus project sits 13 acres of land that have been allocated for future affordable housing development. The city intends to focus on developing affordable housing for low- income individuals and families exiting shelter. San Bernardino is committed to both developing and preserving affordable housing throughout the city. For example, proactive steps to prevent the potential loss of affordability of the Village Green development in 2029 have already been taken. In August 2025, the City held a TEFRA hearing to enable Village Green Preservation LP to secure 4% LIHTC financing for rehabilitation of the property, extending and deepening affordability restrictions well beyond 2029. This action preserved affordability levels across 182 units for households ranging from 30% to 60% of Area Median Income. In the Housing Element, a capacity of up to 2,646 units of low-income housing were identified that could be developed by 2029. Therefore, the city aims to increase the availability of affordable housing units by 20% over the next five years. While the City currently has certain incentives in place for affordable housing developers such as providing deed-grant land and offering limited financial assistance to address project development gaps, facilitating innovative workshops with affordable housing developers in the area will provide valuable insight on how the City can work collaboratively with stakeholders to streamline the process in the future. Recommendations: Short-Term (0–12 months) • Expand congregate and non-congregate transitional housing (SB Hope Campus to open with 100 beds in early 2027, adding another 100 beds in the second year, and SB Community Wellness Campus to open in Spring 2026, with 90% occupancy anticipated by May). • Identify surplus/underutilized parcels for supportive housing. • Identify and invite affordable housing developers to participate in innovative workshops to discuss best practices. Use workshops to promote City incentives such as updated density bonus policy. Mid-Term (1–3 years) • Pilot master leasing to expand immediate unit access for CES referrals. • Incentivize ADUs leased through CES with grants/fee waivers. • Reform zoning and adopt fast-track entitlements for supportive housing. • Launch quarterly or biannual affordable housing workshop sessions and use feedback to inform strategic policies. • Fund new multifamily projects with PSH set asides using ESG, HOME, and CDBG. • Streamline permit process as further incentive. Long-Term (3–5 years) • Build out shared housing and adaptive reuse models (commercial conversions, public facilities). • Deliver new affordable and supportive housing developments aligned with Housing Element goals. • Institutionalize zoning reforms and expand permanent funding streams for housing production. • Strengthen cross-sector partnerships by inviting service providers, financial institutions, and nonprofit organizations to attend workshops. 35 Action Plan Timeline Table 8 -San Bernardino Homelessness Strategies Timeline Goal Year 1 Year 3 Year 5 Goal 1: Expand interim and emergency housing capacity to reduce unsheltered homelessnes s and improve stabilization outcomes • Add 100 new interim/emergency beds • Increase number of new shelter residents receiving individualized case plans within 72 hours to 95% • Identify non-traditional sites for interim housing • Prioritize non‑congregate shelter expansion. • 5% reduction in average length of stay in interim housing • Add 300 new interim/emergency beds • Increase number of new shelter residents receiving individualized case plans within 72 hours to 98% • Integrate wrap‑around services (behavioral health, employment, benefits) • Establish formal pathways from shelter → RRH → PSH. • 10% reduction in average length of stay in interim housing • Add 300-400 new interim/emergency beds • Increase number of new shelter residents receiving individualized case plans within 72 hours to 100% • Fully integrate interim housing with CES and PSH pipelines • Demonstrate increased exits from shelter to permanent housing • 15% reduction in average length of stay in interim housing Goal 2: Advance major capital and housing development projects to expand long- term affordable housing supply • Formalize partnerships with affordable housing developers, service providers, and financing partners • Begin production, rehabilitation, or motel conversion efforts that will increase deeply affordable and supportive housing capacity • Initiate two housing - supportive policy or zoning changes (e.g., by-right supportive housing, motel conversion ordinance, reduced parking requirements) • Deliver measurable progress on the housing pipeline, including new PSH units and/or non‑congregate interim housing • Adopt additional housing-supportive policies or funding mechanisms • Expand partnerships to include regional, nonprofit, and private-sector partners • Increase the number of units or beds dedicated to people experiencing homelessness through construction, conversions, • Achieve a substantial increase in deeply affordable and supportive housing inventory • Implement a full suite of housing- supportive land use, permitting, and financing policies • Establish a sustainable pipeline of projects in pre- development, construction, and lease-up • Maintain long-term partnerships supporting development, operations, and services 36 vouchers, and preservation Goal 3: Strengthen outreach and encampment resolution efforts using service-led, coordinated strategies • 500 outreach enrollments conducted • 60% of individuals engaged connected to shelter or services • 10% reduction in encampment- related service calls • 600 outreach enrollments conducted • 75% of individuals engaged connected to shelter or services • 15% reduction in encampment- related service calls • 750 outreach enrollments conducted • 85% of individuals engaged connected to shelter or services • 20% reduction in encampment- related service calls Goal 4: Increase permanent housing placements and strengthen housing stability outcomes • Establish baseline service capacity (case management ratios, outreach staffing, behavioral health partnerships) • Launch or expand financial empowerment, benefits enrollment, and employment pathways • Formalize partnerships with behavioral health and substance use treatment providers • Launch landlord engagement initiatives • Increase service capacity by 50% (e.g., more case managers, peer specialists, outreach workers • Demonstrate measurable increases in: - Income and benefits access - Treatment engagement - Housing retention at 6 and 12 months • Integrate health and housing services across interim and permanent housing sites • Establish a formal landlord engagement team • Achieve a fully integrated supportive services system with: - Peer mentorship networks - Employment and workforce pathways - Behavioral health and substance use treatment embedded in shelters and housing • Demonstrate sustained improvements in housing stability outcomes • Maintain a fully operational landlord engagement system Goal 5: Improve system coordination, data quality, and accountabilit y across funded programs • Launch real-time dashboards for CES flow and housing placements • Identify and invite affordable housing developers to partake in affordable housing innovative workshops facilitated by the City • Pilot shared data software across City • Support 3-4 City- funded agencies in meeting CES participation requirements (training, workflows, referrals, etc.) • Implement strategies received from stakeholder feedback to pursue affordable housing projects that align with City needs and goals • Expand the number of City- funded agencies aligned with CES processes to at least 6 • Integrate CES dashboards with shelter and outreach data • Invite community and regional partners to host training workshops • Continue collaboration and discussions with 37 agencies and providers • Create dashboards for City-specific data using shared software platform service providers and affordable housing developers • Create and make publicly available reports reflecting shared data. Use this information to inform a strategic approach to combatting homelessness in the City Goal 6: Expand homelessnes s prevention and diversion services to reduce inflow into the homeless system • Participate in trainings for CES, housing navigation, and diversion • Serve 60 individuals/househol ds through prevention/diversion • 10 evictions prevented • Implement a fully operational housing navigation program • Serve 80 individuals/househol ds through prevention/diversion • 20 evictions prevented • Demonstrate measurable improvements in housing placement speed and retention • Serve 100 individuals/househol ds through prevention/diversion • 30 evictions prevented 38 Impact Analysis The HSAP seeks to reduce homelessness and improve housing stability through a coordinated and evidence-based set of strategies. By expanding shelters and housing capacity, increasing supportive services, and strengthening cross-agency collaboration, the City anticipates measurable reductions in homelessness. The plan is guided by the three core principles identified by the city. These principles include Supportive Pathways to Housing, a commitment to prioritizing lasting solutions to combat homelessness, and alignment with national best practices. These principles ensure immediate access to housing, long-term solutions, and designing programs with evidence-based models that deliver results nationally. This section highlights the potential impact of each goal. The baseline for the impact analysis, based on goals, came from the City’s 2026 PIT Count, the CoC PIT Count, an estimated analysis of affordable housing from the 2021-2029 Housing Element, and HUD’s System Performance Measures. Community Cost Saving Analysis The average cost per person data for the cost analysis was sourced from both national averages and California-specific averages. To estimate the fiscal impact of reducing unsheltered homelessness, the City analyzed typical public-system utilization patterns among people experiencing unsheltered homelessness. Research consistently shows that unsheltered individuals have higher rates of emergency room use, jail contact, and shelter utilization compared to housed individuals. Using conservative, research-aligned assumptions, the city modeled the cost impact of housing 10% of the current unsheltered population (98 individuals). The analysis incorporates: • ER cost of approximately $2,700 per visit • Jail costs of approximately $350 per day • Shelter costs of approximately $80 per bed-night • Typical annual utilization patterns for unsheltered individuals • Expected reductions in system use once individuals are stably housed Under these assumptions, housing 98 individuals would generate an estimated $448,840 in annual public-system savings, primarily through reduced emergency room visits, fewer jail days, and decreased reliance on emergency shelter. This estimate is intentionally conservative and does not include additional savings associated with reduced ambulance transport, inpatient stays, policing, encampment abatement, or long-term health improvements. 39 Table 9 - Community Cost Savings Estimates Category Average Cost Per Person Current Unsheltered Homeless population Current annual cost Reduction by 10% Savings Emergency Room $2,500per visit 981 $2,452,500- assuming one visit per year per unsheltered person 883 people $245,000 Jail Days $200 per jail day 981 $1,962,000- assuming each unsheltered person spends ten full days in jail per year 883 people $196,000 Emergency Shelter $80 per night 981 $78,480, assuming one stay per year 883 people $7,840 Total Savings $448,840 Emergency Room Data -National Source; Jail Days- California Source ;Emergency Shelter- National Source Community Benefits Table 10 - Community Benefits Benefit Impact Public Safety and Community well being • Fewer unsheltered persons reduce visible encampments • Less strain on the police and fire departments responding to homelessness Health Outcomes • Fewer ER visits • Reduction in contagious diseases and viruses • Stabilize vulnerable communities Economic Impact • Increased workforce • Revitalized downtown and commercial districts • Housing market stability Fair Access • Utilizing Supportive Pathways to Housing models and prioritizing long-term solutions ensures that all individuals and families in need have access to resources Quality of Life • Welcoming public spaces • Reintegration into the community 40 Funding and Resource Strategy Table 11 - Funding Sources and Timing Action Funding Source Use Potential Funding Dates / Timeline Action 1 HHAP (Homeless Housing, Assistance, and Prevention Program) Supports system-level planning, coordination, CES integration, and regional alignment efforts. Current round applications were due June 30, 2025; future NOFAs are anticipated every 2–3 years Action 1 ESG (Emergency Solutions Grant) Funds can support CES operations, outreach coordination, and HMIS data integration. Annual allocation, typically released in Spring/Summer Action 1 CoC Planning Funds Directly funds coordination, data analysis, and system-level improvements. Annual HUD CoC NOFA, typically released in Summer/Fall Action 1 PLHA (Permanent Local Housing Allocation) Can support city–county coordination and planning for homelessness solutions. Ongoing annual formula allocation Action 2 DBH – Whole Person Care / Behavioral Health Funds Integrates behavioral health and housing services, strengthens case management capacity. Multi-year pilots through 2025; potential new Medi- Cal initiatives after Action 2 HHAP Flexible funding for supportive services, case management, outreach, and CES alignment. HHASP Round 5 funding is active; future rounds are anticipated every 2–3 years Action 2 Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program (YHDP) Funds youth-specific supportive services, case management, and rapid rehousing pathways. Competitive NOFA; periodic releases depending on HUD cycle Action 3 No Place Like Home (NPLH) Funds permanent supportive housing projects for individuals with serious mental illness. Competitive and non- competitive allocations; multi-year funding cycles (next expected 2025–26) Action 3 Multifamily Housing Program (MHP) / SHMHP Provides capital funding for new construction, rehab, or conversion into affordable housing. Rounds released every 1–2 years; last NOFA in 2023, next anticipated in 2025 Action 3 Veterans Housing & Homelessness Prevention (VHHP) Funds affordable and supportive housing targeted to veterans experiencing homelessness. Competitive NOFA; last released in 2023, next anticipated in 2025 Action 3 PLHA Provides ongoing formula funding to expand affordable housing and rental assistance. Annual allocations, ongoing 41 Improve Housing Capacity CERF (Encampment Resolution Funding) Funds encampment resolution strategies, interim housing, and pathways into permanent housing. ERF-2 active through 2026; future rounds pending state budget cycles 42 Performance Metrics Table 12 - Performance Metrics and Accountability Reporting Program HSAP Goal Indicator FY 24-25 Baseline FY 25-26 Projected FY 26-27 Projected (Year 1) FY 29-30 Projected (Year 3) FY 31-32 Projected (Year 5) Goal 1: Expand interim and emergency housing capacity to reduce unsheltered homelessness and improve stabilization outcomes New interim/emergency housing beds N/A 100 200 300 400 Percent of new shelter residents receiving individualized case plans within 72 hours N/A 86% 95% 98% 100% Average length of stay in interim housing (days) N/A 16 5% reduction 10% reduction 15% reduction Goal 2: Advance major capital and housing development projects to expand long- term affordable housing supply Affordable housing projects advancing to construction N/A 2 2 3 5 Total affordable housing units under construction N/A 30 198 300 450 Goal 3: Strengthen outreach and encampment resolution efforts using service-led coordinated strategies Outreach enrollments conducted 794 500 500 600 750 Percent of individuals engaged connected to shelter or services N/A 45% 60% 75% 85% Reduction in encampment-related service calls N/A 1,368 10% 15% 20% Goal 4: Increase permanent housing placements and strengthen housing stability outcomes Total permanent housing placements N/A 82 10% increase 20% increase 30% increase Six-month permanent housing retention rate N/A 72% 85% 90% 90% New private-market landlords added to partnership pool N/A 15 8 4 3 Goal 5: Improve system Compliance with state and federal reporting requirements N/A 75% 100% 100% 100% 43 coordination, data quality, and accountability across funded programs HMIS data accuracy rate N/A 50% 95% 100% 100% Quarterly provider performance reviews completed N/A 75% 100% 100% 100% Goal 6: Expand homelessness prevention and diversion services to reduce inflow into the homeless system Individuals/households served through prevention/diversion N/A 30 60 80 100 Evictions prevented N/A 5 10 20 30 Diversion success rate for individuals seeking shelter N/A 35% 75% 80% 85% 44 Conclusion The City of San Bernardino aims to tackle the issue of homelessness with strategic, data-driven, long-term solutions implemented through collaboration with key partners. The city envisions an equitable approach to homelessness services, removing barriers to vital resources and services to fulfill urgent needs. This is achieved by adhering to the three core principles: 1. Supportive Pathways to Housing 2. Prioritizing Long-Term Solutions 3. Alignment with National Best Practices This HSAP was drafted in accordance with these guiding philosophies, as well as the programmatic approach to: 1. Strengthening Collaboration and Coordination 2. Increase and Enhance Supportive Services 3. Improve Housing Capacity As the City of San Bernardino moves forward, this Action Plan serves as a living framework that will evolve in response to emerging needs, new data, and ongoing community input. The city recognizes that ending homelessness is not a singular achievement, but a continuous process rooted in ongoing collaboration, adaptability, and community-building. 45 Acknowledgements The City of San Bernardino’s Homeless Action Plan was developed with the support of numerous individuals and organizations. Without their leadership, the plan could not have been produced. City of San Bernardino Mayor Helen Tran City Manager Eric Levitt San Bernardino City Council Members Director of Community Development and Housing Gabriel Elliott Deputy Director of Housing & Homelessness Cassandra Searcy Housing Division Manager Trina Perez Homeless Solutions Manager Gabriela Leon City of San Bernardino Police Department Homeless Outreach Team Supportive Organizations San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health 46 References (n.d.). 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