HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Resolution 16-006 - Finding that Homelessness is a Regional Crisis and Calling for Collaborative SolutionRESOLUTION NO. 16-006
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SARATOGA
FINDING THAT HOMELESNESS IS A REGIONAL CRISIS IN
SANTA CLARA COUNTY & URGING JURISDICTIONS IN THE COUNTY TO
SEEK A COLLABORATIVE SOLUTION
WHEREAS, the 2015 Santa Clara County Point -In -Time Homeless Census and Survey
found that there are 6,556 homeless individuals in Santa Clara County; and
WHEREAS, the Homeless Census and Survey revealed that 39% of homeless
individuals in Santa Clara County suffer from psychiatric or emotional conditions, 38% struggle
with drug or alcohol abuse, 30% have a physical disability, 25% suffer from post-traumatic stress
disorder, 22% have chronic health problems, and 63% have been homeless for one year or more;
and
WHEREAS, the New England Journal of Medicine published research that stated that
the average life expectancy for homeless individuals is 25 years less than those in stable housing;
and
WHEREAS, the San Jose Mercury News reported in August 2015 that the average
monthly rent in Santa Clara County is $2,552, making Santa Clara Valley one of the most
expensive rental markets in the United States; and
WHEREAS, Destination Home's Community Plan to End Homelessness in Santa Clara
County calls for a "Housing First" model that "centers on providing people experiencing
homelessness with housing as quickly as possible; and
WHEREAS, the Homeless Census and Survey found that 93% of homeless people
surveyed answered "Yes" when asked if they would want affordable permanent housing, were it
available; and
WHEREAS, the City of Saratoga wishes to be part of regional effort to end
homelessness in Santa Clara County and has adopted a number of goals intended to address
issues associated with homelessness.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Saratoga does
hereby recognize that homelessness in Santa Clara County constitutes a crisis that requires a
response from jurisdictions across Santa Clara Valley and seeks to be part of regional solution to
the problem of homelessness through the following efforts:
1. The solution to the problem of homelessness is to provide homeless individuals with
permanent affordable housing or supportive housing, which will require jurisdictions in
the county to raise funds to construct sufficient housing in the region for the homeless
population in Santa Clara County. In October 2015, the Saratoga City Council authorized
participation in a Countywide nexus study to evaluate feasibility of establishing an
Page 1 of 2
affordable housing impact fee to raise funds to improve the County's regional affordable
housing supply. •
2. For many years, the City of Saratoga has allowed secondary dwelling units. As part of the
City of Saratoga's 2015-2023 General Plan Housing Element, the City Council adopted
an ordinance to encourage secondary dwelling units by broadening criteria for secondary
dwelling units and making these units easier to build through incentives, such as reduced
fees and Floor Area Ratio incentives. Additional secondary dwelling units will help to
increase the number of affordable housing units in Saratoga
3. The City of Saratoga's has made it easier to establish transitional and supportive housing,
which often provides housing to individuals who are at risk of becoming homeless.
The above and foregoing resolution was passed and adopted at a regular meeting of the Saratoga City
Council held on the 20th day of January 2016 by the following vote:
AYES: Mayor E. Manny Cappello, Vice Mayor Emily Lo, Council Member Mary -Lynne
Bernald, Howard A. Miller, Rishi Kumar
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
EST:
E. Manny Cappello, Mayor
DATE: /24--/2-DI0
tal Bothelio, City Clerk
Page 2 of 2