HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-10-14 PacketPage 1 of 2
Planning Commission
Regular Meeting
AGENDA
City of Ukiah Planning Commission Meeting
Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/473756525
You can also dial in using your phone.
United States: +1 (571) 3173122 ; Access Code: 473756525
Join from a videoconferencing room or system.
Dial in or type: 67.217.95.2 or inroomlink.goto.com
Meeting ID: 473 756 525
Or dial directly: 473756525@67.217.95.2 or 67.217.95.2##473756525
October 14, 2020 6:00 PM
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. ROLL CALL
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
4.a. Approval of Minutes for August 26, 2020 Regular Meeting
Recommended Action: Approve the August 26, 2020 Regular Meeting minutes.
Attachments:
1.20200826 Planning Commission Minutes Draft
5. APPEAL PROCESS
All determinations of the Planning Commission regarding major discretionary planning permits are final unless a written
appeal, stating the reasons for the appeal, is filed with the City Clerk within ten (10) days of the date the decision was made.
An interested party may appeal only if he or she appeared and stated his or her position during the hearing on the decision
from which the appeal is taken. For items on this agenda, the appeal must be received by .
6. COMMENTS FROM AUDIENCE ON NONAGENDA ITEMS
The Planning Commission welcomes input from the audience. In order for everyone to be heard, please limit your comments
to three (3) minutes per person and not more than ten (10) minutes per subject. The Brown Act regulations do not allow action
to be taken on audience comments.
7. SITE VISIT VERIFICATION
Page 1 of 87
Page 2 of 2
8.VERIFICATION OF NOTICE
9.PLANNING COMMISSIONERS REPORT
10.DIRECTOR'S REPORT
11.CONSENT CALENDAR
12.NEW BUSINESS
13.UNFINISHED BUSINESS
13.a. Presentation of "Second 6month Report Regarding Community Center and Winter Homeless
Shelter at 1045 South State Street."
Recommended Action: Receive the report and provide additional feedback as necessary.
Attachments:
1.Attachment 1 22620 Staff Report
2.Attachment 2 2620 to 8620 Police Calls
3.Attachment 3 RCSBuilding_Bridges_ManualRev021820
4.Attachment 4 B2 20192020 Presentation
14.ADJOURNMENT
Please be advised that the City needs to be notified 72 hours in advance of a meeting if any specific
accommodations or interpreter services are needed in order for you to attend the online meeting.
The City complies with ADA requirements and will attempt to reasonably accommodate individuals
with disabilities upon request. Materials related to an item on this Agenda submitted to the City
Council after distribution of the agenda packet are available online at:
http://www.cityofukiah.com/meetings/. Click on the link for the specific meeting to view or download
and print the agenda packet with all attachments.
I hereby certify under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California that the foregoing
agenda was posted on the bulletin board at the main entrance of the City of Ukiah City Hall, located
at 300 Seminary Avenue, Ukiah, California, not less than 72 hours prior to the meeting set forth on
this agenda.
October 8, 2020
Stephanie Abba
Planning Commission Secretary
Page 2 of 87
5.Correspondence Received
Martha, Pictures, Susan
Agenda Item 4a
Page 1 of 2
CITY OF UKIAH
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
Regular Meeting
Meeting held Virtually: https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/132249829
Ukiah, CA 95482
August 26, 2020
6:00 p.m.
1. CALL TO ORDER
The regular meeting of the City of Ukiah Planning Commission was called to order by Chair
Christensen at 6:00 p.m. on GoToMeeting: https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/132249829.
The meeting was legally noticed on Wednesday, August 19, 2020.
VICE CHAIR SANDERS PRESIDING.
2. ROLL CALL
Roll was taken with the following Commissioners Present: Ruth Van Antwerp, Mike Whetzel,
Mark Hilliker, and Linda Sanders. Absent: Chair Laura Christensen. Staff Present; Craig
Schlatter, Community Development Director; Mireya Turner, Planning Manager; David
Rapport, Legal Counsel; Tim Erikson, City Engineer; Kristine Lawler, City Clerk; and
Stephanie Abba, Planning Commission Secretary.
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Pledge of Allegiance
4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
a. Approval of July 16, 2020, Special Meeting Minutes.
Motion/Second: Hilliker/Whetzel to approve the Minutes of July 16, 2020, a Special Meeting,
as submitted. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Van Antwerp, Whetzel, and
Hilliker. NOES: None. ABSENT: Christensen. ABSTAIN: Sanders.
b. Approval of August 12, 2020 Regular Meeting Minutes.
Motion/Second: Whetzel/Van Antwerp to approve the Minutes of August 12, 2020, a Regular
Meeting as submitted. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Van Antwerp,
Whetzel, Hilliker, and Sanders. NOES: None. ABSENT: Christensen. ABSTAIN: None.
5. APPEAL PROCESS
No matters eligible for appeal were heard.
6. COMMENTS FROM AUDIENCE ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS
No public comment was received.
7. SITE VISIT VERIFICATION
Confirmed by Commissioners.
8. VERIFICATION OF NOTICE
Confirmed by Staff
Page 3 of 87
Minutes of the Planning Commission, August 26, 2020 Continued:
Page 2 of 2
9. PLANNING COMMISSIONERS’ REPORT
Presenter: Van Antwerp, and Hilliker.
10. DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Presenter: Craig Schlatter, Community Development Director.
11. CONSENT CALENDAR
No items on consent calendar.
12. NEW BUSINESS
None
13. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
a. Consideration of Appeal of City Engineer’s Approval of a Minor Subdivision to
Split the Existing ±0.60-acre (26,136 sf) parcel into three parcels at 589 North
School Street, APN 002-146-01. File No. 19-4992.
Presenters: Mireya Turning, Planning Manager and Craig Schlatter, Community
Development Director.
Public Comment: Quelani Penland, Representing Applicant; Aramis Penland,
Representing Applicant; Jim Brown, Appellant; and Andrew Webb.
Motion/Second: Whetzel/Hilliker to deny the appeal based on the findings of the Staff
Report at the August 12, 2020 meeting, (upholding the City Engineer's approval of the Minor
Subdivision to split the existing ±0.60-acre (26,136 sf) parcel into three parcels at 589 North
School Street, APN 002-146- 01, based on the Findings in the Staff Report dated July 2,
2020). Motion carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Whetzel, Hilliker and Sanders.
NOES: Van Antwerp. ABSENT: Christensen: ABSTAIN: None.
14. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:04 p.m.
_______________________________________
Stephanie Abba, Planning Commission Secretary
Page 4 of 87
AGENDA ITEM NO. 13a.
Department of Community Development
Planning Division
300 Seminary Ave.
Ukiah, CA 95482
DATE: October 7, 2020
TO: Planning Commission
FROM: Craig Schlatter, Director of Community Development
SUBJECT: 13a. Unfinished Business – Second 6-Month Report Regarding Community
Center and Winter Homeless Shelter at 1045 South State Street
____________________________________________________________________________
Background:
On July 26, 2017, Planning Commission adopted findings conditionally approving a Major Use
Permit and Site Development Permit to allow a Community Center and Winter Homeless
Shelter at 1045 South State Street, for the applicant Redwood Community Services (RCS). As
part of the Conditions of Approval, Planning [Community Development] Department Condition
#15 required the following:
15. The Director of Community Development and Planning shall report to the Planning
Commission once every six months during the first two years of the shelter operation. The
Director’s report shall include a record of any complaints received from the public or shelter
occupants and an assessment on the most effective ways to modify the [Program] plan to
address valid complaints.
The Community Development Director presented the first six-month report to the Planning
Commission on February 26, 2020 (see Attachment 1). No complaints had been recorded by
the Community Development Department (“Department”) within the first six months of operation
of the Building Bridges (“B2”) Community Center and Winter Shelter. Because no complaints
were received, no modification of the plan was recommended. The Planning Commission
received the report, with discussion related to how complaints were received, possible fencing
on 1045 S State St between neighboring properties, and trash pickup. Public comment was
provided by a neighboring property owner and RCS staff.
Shortly after the report was presented to the Planning Commission and due to concerns about
possible increases in police activity the City Manager’s Office requested the Department report
on police activity in future Planning Commission reports for B2. The City Manager’s Office also
requested notification to the Office of future Planning Commission report dates (the City
Manager’s Office, including the Clerk, sometimes receives complaints from the public and
wanted to be sure these complaints were recorded).
Discussion:
In preparing this report, the Community Development Director collected, reviewed, and
analyzed information from the following sources:
Complaints received from the public by the Department and City Manager’s Office
Page 5 of 87
2
Virtual meeting with members of RCS’s executive staff and on-site manager and the Ukiah
Police Department (UPD) Chief of Police and officers Thursday, October 1, 2020; and
subsequent email correspondence with the B2 on-site manager
“Windshield” site visit conducted on Wednesday, October 7, 2020
Major Use Permit/Site Development Permit Conditions of Approval for 1045 S State St
Number and type of police calls received from February 6, 2020 to August 6, 2020; and
three years’ comparison of police activity data (Attachment 2)
B2 Program Manual, last updated in February 2020 (Attachment 3)
Details and analysis are below.
1. Complaints received from Public
A total of eight complaints were received from the public during the period 2/6/20 – 8/6/20. Two
additional complaints were received in September. All complaints were received from the same
individual. The complaints ranged from concerns about B2 homeless persons (“guests”) not
observing the COVID-19 health orders related to facial coverings and social distancing, to
disputes among guests, noise, and alcohol usage.
2. Report of Police Activity
189 calls for police service at 1045 S State St were made during the period 2/6/20 – 8/6/20. This
compares to 131 in the previous six months, representing an approximately 40% increase in
police activity for the period.
3. Building Bridges Program Manual
Between the complaints received from the public and the police activity reports, areas of the B2
Program Manual that were analyzed for possible modification and discussed with RCS staff on
October 1, 2020 included the following:
Page 26, f.1. Community Council- is the Community Council still meeting?
Page 27, 3. Being Good Neighbors- is the daily tour of the neighborhood still occurring?
Pages 31-32- with the report of the increase in police activity, do changes need to be made
to the Guest Code of Conduct (VIII), Guest Responsibilities (IX), and/or Guest Personal
Rights (X) sections of the Program Manual?
Page 33, section XI- has RCS altered its operational plan at B2 during the previous six
months? City staff reminded RCS staff that because the RCS B2 Program Manual is part of
the Use Permit’s Conditions of Approval (#7), “No changes may be made that contradict or
conflict with the parameters outlined in the use permit issued by the City of Ukiah without
receiving approval from the Zoning Administrator utilizing the same review procedures as a
Use Permit.”
Page 35, d. Cooperation with the City of Ukiah- the City was receiving performance reports
from RCS for the first six months of operation, but these stopped during the recent period.
When will RCS begin generating these reports again?
Page 44, v. Security & Safety- are any changes needed to this section to address the
increase in police activity?
Page 44, v.2. Daytime Measures- this section requires B2 to keep a log of daily staff patrols
of the facility, for “enhancing safety in the immediate vicinity, preventing and controlling
issues of loitering, unauthorized parking of guest vehicles, abandoned property, shopping
carts, and addressing other issues as needed.” Could the City review these logs?
Page 6 of 87
3
4. Virtual City-RCS Meeting: Areas of Concern Assessment and RCS Responses
City staff from the Community Development Department and Ukiah Police Department met
virtually with executive staff of RCS and the Building Bridges Homelessness & Housing Support
Manager on October 1, 2020. There was productive discussion related to 1-3 above, as well as
an assessment and identification of possible solutions to address valid complaints. Areas of
concern from #3 (above) and summaries of RCS responses to those concerns are below.
Page 26, f.1. Community Council- is the Community Council still meeting?
o RCS response: the Community Council had stopped meeting over the last few
months but RCS “is fully committed to continuing this Council and engaging with
community partners.” Going forward, the B2 Council will be meeting via Zoom on the
second Wednesday of each month, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.
Page 27, 3. Being Good Neighbors- is the daily tour of the neighborhood still occurring?
o RCS response: B2 staff continue to pick up trash and engage with guests who are
loitering, but in-person Community Forums were stopped due to the COVID-19
pandemic. Going forward, RCS B2 staff will be hosting a Community Forum via
Zoom on the fourth Wednesday of each month, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Feedback received
will be reviewed by the B2 Community Council.
Pages 31-32- with the report of the increase in police activity, do changes need to be made
to the Guest Code of Conduct (VIII), Guest Responsibilities (IX), and/or Guest Personal
Rights (X) sections of the Program Manual?
o RCS response: RCS is reviewing safety issues towards enhancing safety and
service outcomes. “The team at B2 were all new to the work when we opened a year
ago. They have had opportunities to practice the things they learn during trainings.”
“…and RCS is continuously exploring ways to increase employee skill sets and
ability to respond to different situations.”
Page 33, section XI- has RCS altered its operational plan at B2 during the previous six
month period?
o RCS response: RCS has made some changes to the way B2 is operated to
increase safety related to COVID-19. “These are temporary changes to comply with
the Mendocino County Public Health orders.” They are approved under the
temporary use permit granted by the City Manager during the COVID-19 emergency.
o “B2 Day Center is closed to the public (but still open to B2 Shelter guests) on the first
Monday and Tuesday of each month. This time is used to conduct a monthly deep
cleaning of the whole facility. This was initially started because of COVID-19.
However, it is a practice we would like to continue as it encourages the whole shelter
community to pitch in and keep their bed areas clean.”
o “The B2 Day Center was previously open to the public every day from 9 am to 6 pm,
with the Shelter opening at 6pm when the Day Center closes. This created a
situation where we have many opportunities for tension and conflict during the 6pm
transition time, with the B2 staff having to focus on getting all the Day Center guests
to leave the property and neighborhood at the same time they are also supposed to
be settling people into the shelter. We are now closing the Day Center to the public
at 4pm.”
Page 35, d. Cooperation with the City of Ukiah- the City was receiving performance reports
from RCS for the first six months of operation, but these stopped during the recent period.
When will RCS begin generating these reports again?
Page 7 of 87
4
o RCS response: “We had been doing monthly performance reports prior to COVID-
19 drastically shifting the way we operate and interfering with our ability to put out
cohesive performance reports. We did a presentation of the annual data from our
first year of operations at the July 2020 Mendocino County Homeless Services
Continuum of Care meeting and I’ve attached slides from that presentation”
(Attachment 4). “I have not had time to put it together into a more printable report
format, but this will at least give the City some good information.”
Page 44, v. Security & Safety- are any changes needed to this section to address the
increase in police activity?
o RCS response: See response related to Pages 31-32, above.
Page 44, v.2. Daytime Measures- this section requires B2 to keep a log of daily staff patrols
of the facility, for “enhancing safety in the immediate vicinity, preventing and controlling
issues of loitering, unauthorized parking of guest vehicles, abandoned property, shopping
carts, and addressing other issues as needed.” Could the City review these logs?
o RCS response: Incident logs and complaint logs were submitted to the City on
October 1.
Community Development Department staff have evaluated RCS’s three changes related to
Page 33, Section XI and determined all three to be minor changes that fulfill the intention of the
Conditions of Approval. Consequently, no further evaluation is deemed necessary related to
those three points.
Additionally, Department staff are satisfied that RCS staff reviewed and assessed complaints
and the number of police calls and are putting forward solutions to improve safety and other
areas of concern. These areas will be monitored over the next six-month period to evaluate the
success of identified solutions and make further adjustments as needed.
Recommendation:
Staff recommends Planning Commission receive the report and provide additional feedback as
necessary.
Page 8 of 87
AGENDA ITEM NO. 13a.
Department of Community Development
Planning Division
300 Seminary Ave.
Ukiah, CA 95482
DATE: February 19, 2020
TO: Planning Commission
FROM: Craig Schlatter, Director of Community Development
SUBJECT: 13a. Unfinished Business – 6-Month Report Regarding Community Center
and Winter Homeless Shelter at 1045 South State Street
____________________________________________________________________________
Background:
On July 26, 2017, Planning Commission adopted findings conditionally approving a Major Use
Permit and Site Development Permit to allow a Community Center and Winter Homeless
Shelter at 1045 South State Street, for the applicant Redwood Community Services (RCS). As
part of the Conditions of Approval, Planning [Community Development] Department Condition
#15 required the following:
15. The Director of Community Development and Planning shall report to the Planning
Commission once every six months during the first two years of the shelter operation. The
Director’s report shall include a record of any complaints received from the public or shelter
occupants and an assessment on the most effective ways to modify the [Program] plan to
address valid complaints.
Given that the approval was for both the Community Center and Winter Homeless Shelter, and
the entirety of the project did not receive a Certificate of Occupancy until August 6, 2019, the
Director assessed the start of this reporting period as six months after August 6, 2019, or
February 6, 2020. This makes the earliest meeting date upon which a report shall be given to
the Planning Commission as February 26, 2020.
Discussion:
In preparing this report, the Community Development Director collected, reviewed, and
analyzed information from the following sources:
Site visit at 1045 South State Street on Tuesday, February 18, 2020
Meeting with members of RCS’s executive staff and on-site facility supervisor and RCS’s
general contractor on Tuesday, February 18, 2020
Major Use Permit/Site Development Permit Conditions of Approval (Attachment 1)
Building Bridges B2 Data Report (Attachment 2)
Number and type of police calls received from January 1, 2019 – January 1, 2020
During this 6-month period, the Community Development Department recorded no complaints
received from the public or shelter occupants. Because no complaints were received, no
modification of the plan is necessary.
Attachment 1
Page 9 of 87
2
Although no modification to the plan is necessary, staff of RCS have stated they are continuing
to make improvements to operations in order to minimize impacts to the surrounding
neighborhood.
Recommendation: Staff recommends Planning Commission receive the report and provide
additional feedback as necessary.
Page 10 of 87
Attachment 1Page 11 of 87
Page 12 of 87
Page 13 of 87
Page 14 of 87
Page 15 of 87
2774 total visits in December!
August visits: 1551 September visits: 2127
October visits: 2543 November visits: 2961
Building Bridges Homeless Resource Center
December 2019 Utilization
1148 December showers
Average 37/day (Nov. average = 42/day)
1013 December laundry loads!
Average 33/day (Nov. average = 27/day)
96 individuals provided shelter
for a total of 1463 bed-nights
41 exits over the month. Of those:
5 exits to permanent housing 2 exits to short-term stable locations
41 exits to the street/unknown
Much gratitude to MCAVHN, Manzanita, RQMC (Whole Person Care), Adventist Health Ukiah Valley (COMPASS),
Project Sanctuary, Legal Services of Northern California, Hillside Health Center, Volunteers (mostly B2 guests!), &
Redwood Community Services for working together to provide a variety of excellent services to the guests of B 2!
Day Center: Open 7 days a week, from 9am – 6pm
Inland Winter Shelter: Open 7 days a week, from 6pm – 9am
1045 South State Street, Ukiah; 707-234-3270
91
86
12
87
97
89
107 103
63
77
91
97
105
87 86
95 92
100
89
78
104
85
79
89 92
104 106 106
91 88
98
42
36
5
30
45
29
62
49
39 38 41
31
40
29
40
34
40
35
46
28
44
38 36
47
39 41
30
35 37
28
343129
5
32 35
27
38
33 33 35
45
38
33
27
34 30 32 36 37
23 21
31 33
39 40
28
41
31
44 48
24
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
Day Center Daily Counts
Guests Showers Laundry
Week 2: 12/8—12/14 Week 3: 12/15—12/21 Week 4: 12/22—12/28
AVERAGE 89 GUESTS/DAY
Week 1: 12/1—12/7
• 167 people
screened since
shelter opened
• Average 7
turned away
per night5
1%
7%
32%
45%
14%
Shelter Guest Age
0-17 18-25 26-40 41-60 61+
Female,
38%
Male,
61%
Trans/GNC,
1%
Gender
Attachment 2
Page 16 of 87
Building Bridges Day Center Calendar: January 2020
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
EVERY DAY HOURS COLOR KEY 1 2 3 4
Shelter Screening
11am-4pm
Laundry
9:30am-3:30pm
Showers
9:30am-3:30pm
Family Only
Showers
3:30-4:30pm
Computers
9am-5:30pm
Day Center:
7 days/week
9am – 5:45pm
Inland Winter
Shelter:
Nov – April
7 days/week
6pm – 8:45am
• Manzanita
• Adventist Health
(AHUV)
• Legal Services of
Northern
California (LSNC)
• Hillside Health
Center
• MCAVHN
• RCS
HAPPY
2020!!
Movies &
Games!
Manzanita:
Housing
Navigation
10:30am-1:30pm
AHUV:
COMPASS Clinic
12:30 – 2pm
Community Forum
4:30-6pm
MCAVHN
Harm Reduction
Outreach
9am-12pm
Hillside:
Housing
Navigation
1pm – 3pm
Movies &
Games!
5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Movies &
Games!
HOUSE MEETING
9am
Manzanita:
Housing
Navigation
9:30am–11am
MCAVHN
Housing
Navigation
2pm – 4pm
Hillside:
Primary Care
Outreach
9:30 – 11:30am
RCS:
Housing
Navigation
10am—1pm
Manzanita:
Housing
Navigation
10:30am-1:30pm
AHUV:
COMPASS Clinic
12:30 – 2pm
MCAVHN
Harm Reduction
Outreach
9am-12pm
Hillside:
Housing
Navigation
1pm – 3pm
Movies &
Games!
12 13 14 15 16 17 18
Movies &
Games!
Manzanita:
Housing
Navigation
9:30am–11am
MCAVHN
Housing
Navigation
2pm – 4pm
HOUSE MEETING
4pm
Hillside:
Primary Care
Outreach
9:30 – 11:30am
LSNC:
Legal Assistance
2pm – 4pm
Laundry closes at
1pm; Showers
close at 2:30pm
RCS:
Housing
Navigation
10am—1pm
Manzanita:
Housing
Navigation
10:30am-1:30pm
AHUV:
COMPASS Clinic
12:30 – 2pm
MCAVHN
Harm Reduction
Outreach
9am-12pm
Hillside:
Housing
Navigation
1pm – 3pm
Movies &
Games!
19 20 21 22 23 24 25
Movies &
Games!
HOUSE MEETING
9am
Manzanita:
Housing
Navigation
9:30am–11am
MCAVHN
Housing
Navigation
2pm – 4pm
Hillside:
Primary Care
Outreach
9:30 – 11:30am
RCS:
Housing
Navigation
10am—1pm
Manzanita:
Housing
Navigation
10:30am-1:30pm
AHUV:
COMPASS Clinic
12:30 – 2pm
MCAVHN
Harm Reduction
Outreach
9am-12pm
Hillside:
Housing
Navigation
1pm – 3pm
Movies &
Games!
26 27 28 29 30 31 SOCIAL
Movies &
Games!
HOUSE MEETING
9am
Manzanita:
Housing
Navigation
9:30am–11am
MCAVHN
Housing
Navigation
2pm – 4pm
Hillside:
Primary Care
Outreach
9:30 – 11:30am
LSNC:
Legal Assistance
2pm – 4pm
RCS:
Housing
Navigation
10am—1pm
Manzanita:
Housing
Navigation
10:30am-1:30pm
AHUV:
COMPASS Clinic
12:30 – 2pm
MCAVHN
Harm Reduction
Outreach
9am-12pm
Hillside:
Housing
Navigation
1pm – 3pm
Check us
out on
Facebook!
@Redwood
Community
Services
Page 17 of 87
Foster Family Agency | Behavioral Health Services | Family Social Services | Skill Building & Empowerment Services
Crisis Response Services | Transitional Services | Residential Services | Homeless Services |Substance Use Services
Mailing Address: PO Box 2077, Ukiah Ca 95482 | Administrative Office: 707-467-2010 | Administrative Fax: 707-462-6994
Building Bridges Inland Winter Shelter
Mental Health & Substance Use Data
November 2019
• Total of 95 individuals accessed the shelter during November 2019
• 39% of those are currently or were previously engaged in mental health services
2018—2019 Winter:
• Total of 244 individuals accessed the shelter between November 2018 —April 2019
• 43% report substance use challenges
• 66% report mental illness
• 43% currently or were previously engaged in mental health services
2017—2018 Winter:
• Total of 211 individuals accessed the shelter between November 2017 —April 2018
• 37% were engaged in mental health services at the time they stayed at the shelter
Page 18 of 87
Foster Family Agency | Behavioral Health Services | Family Social Services | Skill Building & Empowerment Services
Crisis Response Services | Transitional Services | Residential Services | Homeless Services |Substance Use Services
Mailing Address: PO Box 2077, Ukiah Ca 95482 | Administrative Office: 707-467-2010 | Administrative Fax: 707-462-6994
Inland Winter Shelter
November 2018 – April 2019 Report
142
20
83
Gender
Male Not collected Female
14%
78%
8%
Ethnicity
Hispanic Latinx
Not Hispanic/Latinx
Not collected
74%4%
14%
7%8%
Race
White
Black
Native American/Alaskan Native
Other
Not collected
6%10%
26%
39%
12%7%
Age
0-17 18-25
26-40 41-59
60+Not collected
6%
Yes
82%
No
12%not
collected
Veteran
244 unduplicated
individuals
provided with
shelter!
73%
Yes
17%
No
10%not
collected
Disabled
7%
Yes
71%
No
2%
refused
20% not
collected
LGBTQIA+
80 82
3 6 6 10 9 7 4 10 12 12
0
20
40
60
80
100
Last Exit Destination
Page 19 of 87
Complaint Count of Complaint
911 Hangup 4
Agency Assist 6
Animal 2
Assault 19
Bike Stop 2
Brandishing 2
Citizen Assist 2
Civil 1
Disturbance 14
DUI 1
Duplicate Call 1
Fight 11
Follow Up 11
Found Property 1
Informational 34
Mental Health 3
Misc Crime 1
Misc Service 3
Missing Person 1
Public Intoxication 1
Repossessed Vehicle 1
Stolen Vehicle 2
Suspicious Circ 15
Suspicious Person 19
Suspicious Vehicle 2
Theft 15
Threats 2
Transient 1
Trespass 7
Vandalism 1
Warrant Service 1
Welfare Check 3
Grand Total 189
1045 S. State St. Calls For Service
02/06/2020-08/06/2020 RCS Report Request
Attachment 2
Page 20 of 87
Call Type Count of Complaint
911 Hangup 4 2018 2019 01/01/2020-09/16/2020
Agency Assist 9 46 117 268
Animal 3
Assault 19 Month Count of Complaint
Bike Stop 3 Jan-18 5
Brandishing 3 Feb-18 7
Citizen Assist 2 Mar-18 7
Civil 1 Apr-18 9
Disturbance 26 May-18 3
Drug Complaint 1 Jun-18 0
DUI 1 Jul-18 1
Duplicate Call 1 Aug-18 1
Fight 16 Sep-18 2
Follow Up 16 Oct-18 1
Found Property 1 Nov-18 3
Hazard 1 Dec-18 7
Informational 55 Jan-19 7
Mental Health 3 Feb-19 4
Misc Crime 1 Mar-19 3
Misc Service 4 Apr-19 12
Missing Person 1 May-19 1
Public Intoxication 1 Jun-19 0
Repossessed Vehicle 1 Jul-19 1
Security Check 1 Aug-19 9
Stolen Vehicle 2 Sep-19 7
Suspicious Circ 23 Oct-19 10
Suspicious Person 25 Nov-19 25
Suspicious Vehicle 4 Dec-19 38
Theft 19 Jan-20 42
Threats 5 Feb-20 25
Transient 1 Mar-20 31
Trespass 8 Apr-20 26
Vandalism 1 May-20 37
Violation of Court Order 2 Jun-20 40
Warrant Service 1 Jul-20 28
Welfare Check 3 Aug-20 30
Grand Total 268 09/16/2020 9
1045 S. State St. Calls For Service 01/01/2020-09/16/2020
Historical Call Volume
Page 21 of 87
Building Bridges
Homeless Resource Center
Manual
February 2020
Attachment 3
Page 22 of 87
Page 23 of 87
Redwood Community Services, Inc.
Contents
I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...................................................................................................................... 8
II. DEFINTIONS OF TERMS & ACRONYMS ............................................................................................. 8
III. OVERVIEW ...................................................................................................................................... 11
a. Agency Overview .................................................................................................................... 11
1. RCS Vision .......................................................................................................................... 12
2. RCS Mission ....................................................................................................................... 12
3. RCS Beliefs ......................................................................................................................... 12
4. RCS Commitments ............................................................................................................ 12
b. RCS Board of Directors ............................................................................................................ 12
1. 2019 Board of Directors .................................................................................................... 12
c. RCS Leadership Team .............................................................................................................. 12
d. RCS Administrative Departments ........................................................................................... 13
1. Human Resources Department......................................................................................... 13
2. Finance Department ......................................................................................................... 13
3. Quality Assurance Department ......................................................................................... 13
4. Maintenance Department ................................................................................................ 13
5. Information & Technology Department ........................................................................... 13
e. Program Overview .................................................................................................................. 13
1. Program Mission Statement ............................................................................................. 14
2. Program Vision Statement ................................................................................................ 14
3. Theory of Change .............................................................................................................. 14
4. Housing First Model .......................................................................................................... 15
f. Mendocino County Homeless Services Continuum of Care ................................................... 16
IV. NEEDS ANALYSIS ............................................................................................................................. 17
a. Overview ................................................................................................................................. 17
b. Existing Programs Serving Homeless Population in the Inland Ukiah Valley ......................... 19
c. Potential for B2 to Meet Local Needs ..................................................................................... 22
d. Benefits to Mendocino County ............................................................................................... 22
Page 24 of 87
Redwood Community Services, Inc.
V. FACILITY STRUCTURE & OPERATIONS ............................................................................................ 22
a. Program Location & Description ............................................................................................. 22
b. Hours of Operation ................................................................................................................. 22
1. Day Resource Center ......................................................................................................... 22
2. Inland Winter Shelter ........................................................................................................ 22
c. Target Population ................................................................................................................... 23
1. Day Resource Center ......................................................................................................... 23
2. Inland Winter Shelter ........................................................................................................ 23
d. Program Environment ............................................................................................................. 24
1. Day Resource Center ......................................................................................................... 24
2. Inland Winter Shelter ........................................................................................................ 24
3. Outside Areas & Additional Resources ............................................................................. 24
e. Health & Safety ....................................................................................................................... 25
1. Physical Plant .................................................................................................................... 25
2. Maintenance ..................................................................................................................... 26
3. Heating & Cooling ............................................................................................................. 26
4. Pest Control ....................................................................................................................... 26
f. Building a Community ............................................................................................................. 26
1. Community Council ........................................................................................................... 26
2. B2 Groups .......................................................................................................................... 27
3. Being Good Neighbors ...................................................................................................... 27
4. Key Community Partners .................................................................................................. 28
VI. SERVICES OFFERED ......................................................................................................................... 29
VII. ORGANIZATIONAL & MANAGEMENT PLAN ................................................................................... 29
a. B2 Staffing ................................................................................................................................ 29
1. Day Resource Center ......................................................................................................... 29
2. Inland Winter Shelter ........................................................................................................ 29
3. Staff Training ..................................................................................................................... 30
b. Financial Plan .......................................................................................................................... 30
1. Fundraising & Outreach .................................................................................................... 30
Page 25 of 87
Redwood Community Services, Inc.
2. Potential Funding Sources ................................................................................................ 30
VIII. Guest Code of Conduct................................................................................................................... 31
IX. Guest Responsibilities .................................................................................................................... 32
X. Guest Personal Rights ..................................................................................................................... 32
XI. PROGRAM POLICIES ....................................................................................................................... 33
a. Changes to the Program Manual ............................................................................................ 33
b. Collaboration with Law Enforcement ..................................................................................... 33
c. Confidentiality ......................................................................................................................... 33
1. Mandated Reporter .......................................................................................................... 34
d. Cooperation with the City of Ukiah ........................................................................................ 34
e. Coordinated Entry ................................................................................................................... 35
f. Discharge ................................................................................................................................. 36
1. Involuntary Discharge ....................................................................................................... 36
2. Appeal Process .................................................................................................................. 36
g. Emergency On-Call Support .................................................................................................... 37
h. Emergency Situation Cots ....................................................................................................... 37
i. Food ........................................................................................................................................ 37
j. Grievances ............................................................................................................................... 38
k. Guest Aftercare & Follow-up .................................................................................................. 38
l. HMIS ........................................................................................................................................ 39
m. Incident Reporting .................................................................................................................. 39
n. Individualized Housing Plan .................................................................................................... 39
o. Laundry ................................................................................................................................... 39
1. Day Center ........................................................................................................................ 39
2. Inland Winter Shelter ........................................................................................................ 39
p. Medication .............................................................................................................................. 40
1. Guest Guidelines for Self-Administration ......................................................................... 40
2. Staff Guidelines for Self-Administration ........................................................................... 40
3. SHARPS Container ............................................................................................................. 41
q. Non-Discrimination ................................................................................................................. 41
Page 26 of 87
Redwood Community Services, Inc.
1. Fair Housing Regulations .................................................................................................. 41
2. Reasonable Accommodation ............................................................................................ 41
r. Parking Lot Use ....................................................................................................................... 42
s. Personal Belongings ................................................................................................................ 42
1. Day Center ........................................................................................................................ 42
2. Inland Winter Shelter ........................................................................................................ 42
t. Pets .......................................................................................................................................... 42
u. Progressive Engagement & Diversion ..................................................................................... 43
v. Security & Safety ..................................................................................................................... 44
1. Nighttime Measures ......................................................................................................... 44
2. Daytime Measures ............................................................................................................ 44
w. Shelter Daily Entry & Exit ........................................................................................................ 45
x. Shelter Guest Orientation ....................................................................................................... 45
y. Shelter Screening & Intake ..................................................................................................... 45
z. Shelter Sleeping Area .............................................................................................................. 46
aa. Showers & Restrooms ............................................................................................................. 46
bb. Substance Use ......................................................................................................................... 47
1. Practicing Harm Reduction ............................................................................................... 47
cc. Telephones .............................................................................................................................. 48
dd. Violations of the Rules ............................................................................................................ 48
ee. Violent Behavior ...................................................................................................................... 49
ff. Visitors at the Shelter ............................................................................................................. 49
gg. Volunteers ............................................................................................................................... 49
1. Community Service ........................................................................................................... 49
hh. Weapons ................................................................................................................................. 50
XII. PROGRAM EVALUATION ................................................................................................................ 50
a. Evaluation Plan........................................................................................................................ 50
b. Goals, Objectives, & Outcomes .............................................................................................. 50
c. Tools ........................................................................................................................................ 51
d. Reports .................................................................................................................................... 51
Page 27 of 87
Redwood Community Services, Inc.
e. Ethical Considerations............................................................................................................. 51
XIII. Appendices ..................................................................................................................................... 52
a. Principles of Harm Reduction ................................................................................................. 52
b. Five Keys to Effective Emergency Shelter ............................................................................... 53
c. Fact Sheet: Housing First ........................................................................................................ 54
d. Comparing Low Barrier & High Barrier Shelter ....................................................................... 56
e. Trauma-Informed Approach & Trauma-Specific Interventions .............................................. 58
Page 28 of 87
Redwood Community Services, Inc.
RCS-Building_Bridges_Manual-Rev021820-SW minor changes 8 | P a g e
Building Bridges – Homeless Resource Center
PROGRAM MANUAL
I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Building Bridges (B2) is a collaborative project between Redwood Community Services, Inc. (RCS) and
partnering agencies, community members, and people experiencing homelessness. RCS proposes to
address homelessness in Mendocino County through a multi-faceted homeless resource center designed
to provide outreach, safe shelter, and housing related services to people experiencing a housing crisis.
This project serves to fill a gap in Mendocino County’s Homeless Services Continuum of Care (MCHSCoC)
by providing a centralized location in the Ukiah valley for integrated homeless services and resources.
II. DEFINTIONS OF TERMS & ACRONYMS
Term Definition
MCHSCoC Mendocino County Homeless Services Continuum of Care
MCAVHN Mendocino County Aids and Viral Hepatitis Network
PSH Permanent Supportive Housing
RCS Redwood Community Services, Inc.
MCHC Mendocino Coast Hospitality Center
Harm Reduction A set of practical strategies and ideas aimed at reducing negative
consequences associate with drug use. These strategies range from
safer use, to managed use, to abstinence to meet people with
substance use challenges “where they’re at,” addressing conditions of
use along with the use itself. Because harm reduction demands that
interventions and policies designed to serve substance users reflect
specific individual and community needs, there is no universal
definition or formula for implementing harm reduction.
Housing First An evidence-based approach that prioritizes access to housing above
all other services, focusing on removing all barriers to housing
Literally homeless An individual or family who lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate
nighttime residence, meaning:
a. Has a primary nighttime residence that is a public or private
place not meant for human habitation;
Page 29 of 87
Redwood Community Services, Inc.
RCS-Building_Bridges_Manual-Rev021820-SW minor changes 9 | P a g e
Term Definition
b. Is living in a publicly or privately-operated shelter designated to
provide temporary living arrangements (including congregate
shelters, transitional housing, and hotels or motels paid for by
charitable organizations or by federal, state, and local
government programs); or
c. Is exiting an institution where they have resided for 90 days or
less and who resided in an emergency shelter or place not
meant for human habitation immediately prior to entering that
institution.
Chronically homeless 1. An individual or head of household who:
a. Has a disability (as defined in this section);
b. Lives in a place not meant for human habitation, a safe haven,
or in an emergency shelter; and
c. Has been homeless and living as described in item b
continuously for at least 12 months or on at least 4 separate
occasions in the last 3 years, as long as the combined occasions
equal at least 12 months and each break in homelessness
separating the occasions included at least 7 consecutive nights
of not living as described in item b. Stays in institutional care
facilities for fewer than 90 days will not constitute as a break in
homelessness, but rather such stays are included in the 12
month total, as long as the individual was living or residing in a
place not meant for human habitation, safe haven, or an
emergency shelter immediately prior to entering the
institutional care facility;
2. An individual who has been residing in an institutional care facility,
including a jail, substance abuse or mental health treatment
facility, hospital, or other similar facility for fewer than 90 days and
met all of the criteria in paragraph 1 of this definition before
entering that facility; or
3. A family with an adult head of household (or if there is no adult in
the family, a minor head of household) who meets all of the criteria
in paragraphs 1 or 2 of this definition, including a family whose
composition has fluctuated while the head of household has been
homeless.
Disability
1. A condition that:
a. Is expected to be long-continuing or of indefinite duration;
b. Substantially impedes the individual’s ability to live
independently;
c. Could be improved by the provision of more suitable housing
conditions; and
Page 30 of 87
Redwood Community Services, Inc.
RCS-Building_Bridges_Manual-Rev021820-SW minor changes 10 | P a g e
Term Definition
d. Is a physical, mental, or emotional impairment, including an
impairment caused by alcohol or drug abuse, post-traumatic
stress disorder, or brain injury;
2. A developmental disability; or
3. The disease of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) or any
conditions arising from the etiologic agent for acquired
immunodeficiency syndrome, including infection with the human
immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
Low Barrier Shelter/Housing Low barrier housing involves placing a minimum number of
expectations on people who are accommodated in housing, or most
often, a shelter. By having few barriers, individuals can access more
services. It also gives non-judgmental support to individuals who are
already marginalized, enabling staff to assist the individual to identify
and plan their own goals, starting with small achievable first steps that
rebuild their confidence.
This minimal barrier approach ensures people make positive choices
on their own rather than forcing their compliance. B2 believes a
minimal barrier approach is necessary because many of our guests
already face challenges beyond abject poverty, such as addiction,
mental, emotional and physical illness, financial hardships, social skills,
etc. Placing barriers to restrict access to shelters or housing further
restricts people from using much-needed services and achieving
eventual independence and housing stability.
Diversion A strategy that prevents homelessness by helping people experiencing
a housing crisis and seeking shelter to preserve their current housing
situation or make immediate alternative arrangements without having
to enter shelter.
MCHSCoC Resource
Allocation Priorities by
Cohorts
(MCHSCoC rev. 5/20/19)
1a. Families with Children Experiencing Homelessness
• Department of Education homelessness definition (e.g.,
McKinney Vento)
• Almost by definition, most (if not all) families with children are
homegrown Mendocino
1b. Homegrown & Local Individuals Experiencing Homelessness
• Individuals experiencing homelessness per HUD definition
• Individual has family connections to the community, held a job
in Mendocino County prior to being unhoused, and/or
attended high school in Mendocino County
2. Established Residents Experiencing Homelessness (other than
Homegrown)
• Individuals experiencing homelessness HUD definition
Page 31 of 87
Redwood Community Services, Inc.
RCS-Building_Bridges_Manual-Rev021820-SW minor changes 11 | P a g e
Term Definition
• Individual has no family connections to the community and
went to high school outside of Mendocino County
• Individual became homeless prior to coming to Mendocino
County
• Individual has limited or no family or community connections
outside Mendocino County
• Individual is a year-round resident
3. New-to-Mendocino County Individuals (e.g., out-of-towners)
• Individuals experiencing homelessness per HUD
• Individual has no family connections to the community and
went to high school outside of Mendocino County
• Individual has been residing in Mendocino County for six
months or less
4. Non-HUD-Defined Individuals Traveling Through Mendocino
County
• Individuals who are not experiencing HUD-defined
homelessness
• Individuals passing through on their way to a final destination
• Often episodic and seasonal – seldom continuously in
Mendocino County year-round
III. OVERVIEW
a. Agency Overview
Redwood Community Services, Inc. (RCS) is a multi-service, private, non-profit agency 501c(3) serving
Lake, Mendocino, and Sonoma Counties. The organization began its community services in 1996
through foster care, residential care, and mental health for children, youth, and families. Since then
the agency has grown to offer therapeutic afterschool programs, youth resource centers, substance
use treatment programs, crisis services, prenatal and parenting support programs, transitional
housing, and other services focusing on improving the community.
RCS has been a member of the Mendocino County Homeless Services Continuum of Care (MCHSCoC)
since 2010. In 2016, understanding the seriousness of the housing crisis and its effect on mental
health services, RCS joined our community partners and expanded services to include the population
of people experiencing homelessness.
Page 32 of 87
Redwood Community Services, Inc.
RCS-Building_Bridges_Manual-Rev021820-SW minor changes 12 | P a g e
RCS has been nationally accredited through the Council on Accreditation (COA) since 2014. All new
programs are evaluated to meet COA standards during the next evaluation for renewal.
1. RCS Vision
A vibrant, healthy, compassionate community where people feel seen, heard, and valued
2. RCS Mission
Empowering communities for long-term success
3. RCS Beliefs
We believe in reshaping vulnerable lives through positive interactions; empowering communities
for long-term success; accepting human connection and transforming relationships; and in
leading social change and community wellness
4. RCS Commitments
• To our employees: be a workplace that inspires people to be the best they can be
• To our partners: together we create mutual, enduring value
• To our community: be a highly effective and adaptable organization that can respond to
community needs
b. RCS Board of Directors
The Board of Directors provides oversight to the agency and all its programs, reviewing agency
changes, progress, incidents, and other elements central to operating under the agency mission,
vision, and goals. Each RCS program has a Board Director who acts as a point person and meets with
the Program Manager to review the program’s activities, utilization of services, and plans.
1. 2019 Board of Directors
• Donna Moschetti, Chairperson
• Nancy Borecky, Vice Chairperson
• Cathy Ouellette, Secretary
• Donna Gradek, Treasurer
Debbie Rensen
c. RCS Leadership Team
The Leadership Team is made up of the agency Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operations Officer,
Chief Financial Officer, and Agency Directors. The team meets regularly to review the operations of
the agency, changes to staffing, program updates, incidents, policy changes, and financial needs,
among other items. B2 has a Program Director providing administrative support and supervision to
the project.
Page 33 of 87
Redwood Community Services, Inc.
RCS-Building_Bridges_Manual-Rev021820-SW minor changes 13 | P a g e
d. RCS Administrative Departments
RCS has developed their administrative infrastructure to provide extensive support to the programs,
staff, and clients served by the agency.
1. Human Resources Department
The Human Resources (HR) department is responsible for recruiting and hirin g staff, initial and
ongoing training of employees, coordinating employee benefits, providing support to supervisors
and staff relating to discrimination, harassment, and discipline, and assisting with the agency’s
public relations.
2. Finance Department
The Financial department is responsible for managing agency funds, accounts receivable and
payable, financial reporting on grants, employee payroll processing, and other accounting
responsibilities.
3. Quality Assurance Department
The Quality Assurance (QA) department is responsible for conducting internal audits of program
client files, monitoring adherence to regulations and policies, maintaining the agency’s
accreditation, promoting quality improvement, and reviewing contracts and changes to agency
documentation.
4. Maintenance Department
The Maintenance department is responsible for the repairs and upkeep of the various facilities
maintained by the agency.
5. Information & Technology Department
The Information & Technology (IT) department is responsible for acquiring the technical
equipment needed for staff and programs, providing tech support to staff, and managing the
agency’s electronic data storage systems.
e. Program Overview
Building Bridges (B2) provides specialized support services for people experiencing homelessness
who may also be living with mental illness, addictions, and other challenges. B2 operates from a low
barrier perspective – meaning that there are few to no barriers in place to prohibit people from
accessing services and shelter. For example, guests of B2 are not required to be sober, compliant with
mental health or addiction treatment plans, or to agree to participate in programs to receive services
and housing support. Instead, guests are welcomed to B2 to find safety among people experiencing
similar challenges and access support that meets them where they are at. The goal is not simply to
get people off the streets, but to provide a comprehensive array of supports that assist people in
achieving stability and moving forward with their lives. By providing shelter, housing connections,
Page 34 of 87
Redwood Community Services, Inc.
RCS-Building_Bridges_Manual-Rev021820-SW minor changes 14 | P a g e
and support in a person-centered environment, B2 engages guests to create an atmosphere of trust
where opportunities for change can be discovered.
B2 is overseen by a Community Council, which is comprised of B2 staff, guests, neighboring residents
and businesses, partnering agencies and organizations, and other interested community members.
B2 guests would be invited to contribute by volunteering time and energy toward activiti es, such as
work in the community garden.
Day Resource Center
The community day resource center includes restroom and shower facilities, minimal laundry
space with a washer and dryer, a resource room, non-commercial food preparation area, office
space, donation sorting and distribution space, a community garden, and a dog run area. B2 is
built and designed to reduce barriers to access for people with disabilities throughout the whole
building. Community and private office space are also available for partnering agencies and
providers to utilize to provide services to guests of B2. For example, agencies such as Adventist
Health Ukiah Valley (AHUV) Street Medicine, MCAVHN, Ford Street Project, and RCS’ behavioral
health and crisis intervention services, among others, are welcome to utilize B2. There is also
potential for developing services to treat those B2 visitors with co-occurring substance use and
mental health disorders in this portion of the facility. The intention is to have a day resource
center which can provide integrated services to those who are homeless, assisting them to build
resiliency and break barriers to housing.
Emergency Shelter
B2 includes an emergency shelter which provides a safe place for guests who are literally
homeless, prioritizing access for those most at risk and vulnerable. This shelter space also
provides a limited number of cots for the Ukiah Police Department and Redwood Community
Crisis Center to access for diversion from the jail or crisis stabilization.
1. Program Mission Statement
Space intentionally left blank for future use.
2. Program Vision Statement
Space intentionally left blank for future use.
3. Theory of Change
Space intentionally left blank for future use.
Page 35 of 87
Redwood Community Services, Inc.
RCS-Building_Bridges_Manual-Rev021820-SW minor changes 15 | P a g e
4. Housing First Model1
Housing First is a homeless assistance approach that prioritizes providing permanent housing
to people experiencing homelessness, thus ending their homelessness and serving as a
platform from which they can pursue personal goals and improve their quality of life. This
approach is guided by the belief that people need basic necessities like food and a place to
live before attending to anything less critical, such as getting a job, budgeting properly, or
attending to substance use issues. Additionally, Housing First is based on the theory that
client choice is valuable in housing selection and supportive service participation, and that
exercising that choice is likely to make a client more successful in remaining housed and
improving their life.2 Housing First does not require people experiencing homelessness to
address all of their problems, including behavioral health problems, or to graduate through a
series of services and programs before they can access housing. Housing First does not
mandate participation in services before obtaining housing or to retain housing. The Housing
First approach views housing as the foundation for life improvement and enables access to
permanent housing without prerequisites or conditions beyond those of a typical renter.
Supportive services are offered to support people with housing stability and individual well -
being, but participation is not required, as services have been found to be more effective
when a person chooses to engage.3 Other approaches do make such requirements for a
person to obtain and retain housing.
A Housing First approach can benefit both homeless families and individuals with any degree
of service needs. The flexible and responsive nature of a Housing First approach allows it to
be tailored to help anyone. As such, a Housing First approach can be applied to help end
homelessness for a household who became homeless due to a temporary personal or
financial crisis and has limited service needs, only needing help accessing and securing
permanent housing. At the same time, Housing First has been found to be a particularly
effective approach to end homelessness for high need populations, such as chronically
homeless individuals.4
1 National Alliance to End Homelessness. (April 2016). Fact sheet: Housing First.
2 Tsemberis, S. & Eisenberg, R. (2000). Pathways to housing: Supported housing for street-dwelling
homeless individuals with psychiatric disabilities.
3 Einbinder, S. & Tull, T. (2007). The Housing First program for homeless families: Empirical evidence
of long-term efficacy to end and prevent family homelessness.
4 Gulcur, L., Stefancic, A., Shinn, M., Tsemberis, S., & Fishcer, S. (2003). Housing, hospitalization, and cost
outcomes for homeless individuals with psychiatric disabilities participating in Continuum of Care and
Housing First programmes.
Page 36 of 87
Redwood Community Services, Inc.
RCS-Building_Bridges_Manual-Rev021820-SW minor changes 16 | P a g e
There is a large and growing evidence base demonstrating that Housing First is an effective
solution to homelessness. Consumers in a Housing First model access housing faster and are
more likely to remain stably housed.5 This is true for both permanent supportive housing
(PSH) and rapid re-housing (RRH) programs. PSH has a long-term housing retention rate of up
to 98%.6 Studies have shown that RRH helps people exit homelessness quickly – in one study,
within an average of two months7 – and remain housed. A variety of studies have shown that
between 75% and 91% of households remain housed a year after being rapidly re -housed.8
f. Mendocino County Homeless Services Continuum of Care
RCS is committed to working collaboratively with the Mendocino County Homeless Services
Continuum of Care (MCHSCoC) and aims to design programs targeting the homeless population with
the following in mind:
MCHSCoC Mission9: to create an effective continuum of housing and support services for the
homeless of Mendocino County.
MCHSCoC Goals10:
• Assist homeless persons to obtain affordable housing;
• Integrate the county’s providers of service to the homeless and link them with providers of
housing, to create a comprehensive program to alleviate homelessness;
• Increase the number of emergency shelter beds, particularly in geographically remote areas
of the county, and strengthen the emergency services system;
• Assist individuals and families facing eviction to retain housing;
• Strengthen the support services system for homeless families and individuals in transitional
and permanent supportive housing;
5 Tsemberis, S. & Eisenberg, R. (2000). Pathways to housing: Supported housing for street -dwelling
homeless individuals with psychiatric disabilities.
6 Montgomery, A. E., Hill, L., Kane, V., & Culhane, D. (2013). Housing chronically homeless veterans:
Evaluating the efficacy of a Housing First approach to HUD-VASH.
7 U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. (2015). Family options study: Short -term
impacts.
8 Byrne, T., Treglia, D., Culhane, D., Kuhn, J., & Kane, V. (2015). Predictors of homelessness among
families and single adults after exit from homelessness prevention and rapid re-housing programs:
Evidence from the Department of Veterans Affairs Supportive Services for Veterans Program.
9 County of Mendocino. (2011). Abbreviated Consolidated Plan: Continuum of Care for the Homeless.
10 County of Mendocino. (2011). Abbreviated Consolidated Plan: Continuum of Care for the Homeless.
Page 37 of 87
Redwood Community Services, Inc.
RCS-Building_Bridges_Manual-Rev021820-SW minor changes 17 | P a g e
• Increase the number of decent, safe, sanitary, and affordable subsidized permanent housing
units, and decent, safe, sanitary, and affordable subsidized permanent units offering support
services, for the disabled homeless and those disabled persons at -risk of homelessness
without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status,
or disability;
• Preserve and retain the affordable housing stock; and
• Increase the supply of supportive housing, which includes structural features and services to
enable persons with special needs (including persons with HIV/AIDS) to live in dignity and
independence.
IV. NEEDS ANALYSIS
a. Overview
Rural Mendocino County (pop. 88,378) lies on the Pacific coast about 100 miles north of San
Francisco, covering 3,506 square miles of mostly mountainous terrain. Geographically, Mendocino
County is equal in size to the states of Delaware and Rhode Island combined , but has a population
density of less than 25 persons/square mile. With a population of more than 40,000, the greater
Ukiah community includes almost half of the county population. Ethnically, Mendocino County is
25% Hispanic, with about 9% being speakers of Spanish only. Racially, the county is 8 6% White, 6%
Native American (primarily from local Pomo tribes), 2% Asian, 1% Black, and 5% of other or multiple
races. One of every five (20%) residents live in poverty and the median household income of $42,980
is only 70% of the statewide median. The Cities of Ukiah (pop. 16,186) and Fort Bragg (pop. 7,672)
are the primary service centers for inland and coastal communities, respectively. The area’s
depressed economy is highlighted by Ukiah’s unemployment figures, which in February 2017 stood
at 8.1%, compared with 5.2% statewide. The California Family Economic Self-Sufficiency Standard
quantifies the costs of basic needs for California’s working families. As of 2014, the self -sufficiency
standard for a single Mendocino County adult was $22,212, equivalent to a full -time income at
$10.52 per hour. However, 21% of county residents had incomes below the self -sufficiency
standard.11
Despite a relatively small population, Mendocino County has reported one of the highest rates of
homelessness in the nation. According to HUD, Mendocino County’s homelessness rate in 2009 was
11 Insight Center for Community Economic Development. (2014).
Page 38 of 87
Redwood Community Services, Inc.
RCS-Building_Bridges_Manual-Rev021820-SW minor changes 18 | P a g e
second only to that of the city of Detroit, with 161 out of every 10,000 people experiencing
homelessness.12 HHSA’s January 2017 point-in-time homelessness count identified 1,238 homeless
individuals. This equates to a current homelessness rate of 140 homeless people per every 10,000,
compared to California’s statewide rate of 29.8 and the nationwide rate of 17.7.13
The county suffers a lack of affordable housing, with a rental vacancy rate of 4.4% in 2013.14 Much
of the housing that does exist is unaffordable for many residents. The Community Development
Commission (CDC) reports that 28% of applicants pulled from the waiting list who receive a Housing
Choice Voucher can locate housing where they can use that voucher. These and other available HUD-
funded programs must utilize the Fair Market Rent rate which, in 90% of available rental units, is
below the asking rental rate. More than one-quarter (28%) of county residents live in substandard
housing15 and over half of renters (52%) pay more than one-third of their income for rent.16
Given that people who are homeless experience encounters with the criminal justice system in
disproportionate numbers, it is worth noting that 60% of participants in the county’s Adu lt Drug
Court and 53% of Behavioral Health Court participants are homeless at program entry. According to
the Mendocino County Probation Department, 80% of its caseload suffers from substance use
disorder, mental illness (ranging from mild to chronic and severe), or comorbidity. Of California’s 58
counties, in 2015 Mendocino County had the 12th highest rate of felony drug offenses (20.5%
compared to 14.2% for the State) and a 3-year recidivism rate of 55.2%, compared to 44.6% for the
State.17 In 2016, the county’s rate of substantiated child abuse was 17.7/1,000, more than double
the statewide rate of 7.8/1,000, and as of July 2016 the foster care rate of 13.9/1,000 was also more
than double the statewide rate of 5.0/1,000.18 Youth who are transitioning out of the foster care
system are at high risk of experiencing homelessness.
Substance abuse is one of the most challenging problems in Mendocino County, which lies in the
heart of the rugged “Emerald Triangle” that has for decades provided a convenient cover for the
clandestine growth and harvest of marijuana. The resulting widespread culture of acceptance is
12 Homelessness Research Institute. (2009). Geography of Homelessness.
13 National Alliance to End Homelessness. (2016). The State of Homelessness in America.
14 US Census. (2013).
15 Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. (2015). County Health Rankings.
16 Mendocino County HHSA. (2016). Community Health Needs Assessment.
17 California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Office of Research. (2015). 2015 Outcome
Evaluation Report.
18 UC Berkeley Center for Social Services Research (http://cssr.berkeley.edu/ucb_childwelfare).
Page 39 of 87
Redwood Community Services, Inc.
RCS-Building_Bridges_Manual-Rev021820-SW minor changes 19 | P a g e
reflected in the growth of the local wine economy and the county having more than twice the per
capita number of alcohol outlets, compared with statewide rates.19
Physical, sexual, and emotional trauma are both causes and consequences of homelessness, and
Mendocino County’s high rates of homelessness are linked to high rates of trauma. At 23%,
Mendocino County is fifth highest in the state for the percentage of children who have experienced
two or more adverse childhood experiences (ACE).20 Unabated stress hormones released in the wake
of traumatic events in childhood produce profound and long-lasting effects on children’s brains,
which later manifest as disease, addiction, mental illness, violence, and criminal behaviors, often
beginning in adolescence.21 National research consistently shows that mothers who are homeless
are more likely to have significant histories of traumatic stress, interpersonal violence, mental health
issues, and substance use problems when compared with their housed counterparts.22 Numerous
studies conducted during the past decade identify domestic violence as a primary cause of
homelessness in the United States.23
b. Existing Programs Serving Homeless Population in the Inland Ukiah Valley
Agency/Program/Group Services
Community Development Commission • PSH certificates (rental subsidy)
• HUD-VASH certificates (rental subsidy)
• Housing Choice vouchers
• Public housing
Consolidated Tribal Health • Medical services
Ford Street Project • Substance abuse treatment (inpatient and
outpatient)
• Community food bank
• Transitional and permanent housing
• Case management
• Vocational training program
19 Mendocino County HHSA. (2013). Alcohol Outlets and Our Community.
20 Child and Adolescent Health Measurement Initiative. (2017). Webinar: Integrating a Trauma-Informed
Approach into Proposition 47 Proposals.
21 Felitti et al. (1998) Relationship of Childhood Abuse and Household Dysfunction to Many of the Leading
Causes of Death in Adults. American Journal of Preventive Medicine,14.
22 National Center on Family Homelessness. (2010). Service and Housing Interventions for Families in
Transition: SHIFT Study Final Report.
23 National Coalition for the Homeless. (1997). Fact sheet: Domestic Violence and Homelessness.
Page 40 of 87
Redwood Community Services, Inc.
RCS-Building_Bridges_Manual-Rev021820-SW minor changes 20 | P a g e
Agency/Program/Group Services
Legal Services of Northern California • Housing rights and public benefits issues
Manzanita Services • Wellness center
• Mental health services for adults
• Transportation assistance
• Minimal shower access
• Support groups
• Referrals to housing and other resources
Mendocino Community Health Clinic • Medical services
• Obstetrics and gynecology
• Dental care
• Mental health care
• Substance abuse/opiate treatment services
• Some transportation services for the
homeless
Mendocino County Aids & Viral Hepatitis
Network (MCAVHN)
• Mental health services
• Case management
• Client advocacy
• Client loans and grants
• Client social and informational events
• Coordinated Entry access point
• Food vouchers
• Harm reduction information and products
• PSH case management
• Hepatitis C support groups
• HIV/HCV counseling and testing
• Housing assistance for rent, mortgage, and
utilities
• Overdose death prevention
• Syringe exchange
• Transportation assistance
Mendocino County Health & Human
Services Agency (HHSA)
• Public benefits (general assistance, CalFresh,
housing assistance, MediCal, CalWorks, etc.)
• Case management
• Day treatment
• HIV/HVC testing, education, and counseling
• TB testing
• WIC clinic and immunizations
• Substance abuse prevention, intervention,
and treatment
• Prenatal treatment
Page 41 of 87
Redwood Community Services, Inc.
RCS-Building_Bridges_Manual-Rev021820-SW minor changes 21 | P a g e
Agency/Program/Group Services
• Drug court services
• Jail diversion services
Mendocino County Youth Project (MYCP) • Mental health services for youth, ages 0-24
and their families
• Transitional housing program for TAY
• Street outreach
• Crisis intervention
• Clothing closet for youth, ages 16-24
Plowshares • Hot lunches
• Meals on Wheels
• Mail, phone messages, information, referrals
Project Sanctuary • Domestic violence shelter
• Support groups and counseling
• Para-legal assistance
• Violence prevention education
• Self-defense classes
• Motel vouchers
• Transitional housing
RCS – Arbor Youth Resource Center • Drop-in center for transition age youth (15-
24)
• Substance use treatment
• Vocational and employment services
• Support groups
• Coordinated Entry access point
• Clothing closet
RCS – Behavioral Health Services • Mental health services
RCS – Redwood Community Crisis Center • Crisis intervention, assessment, and
treatment
• Crisis drop-in center
RCS – Stepping Stones • Transitional housing
• Mental health services (18+)
• Case management
• Support groups
Rural Communities Housing Development
Corporation
• Sweat-equity housing for families
• Subsidized housing for seniors and families
• Permanent housing with support for people
with SMI
Adventist Health Ukiah Valley • Urgent health care services
• Street outreach
Page 42 of 87
Redwood Community Services, Inc.
RCS-Building_Bridges_Manual-Rev021820-SW minor changes 22 | P a g e
Agency/Program/Group Services
• Case management services
c. Potential for B2 to Meet Local Needs
This project serves to fill a gap in our homeless services’ continuum of care – providing people
without stable housing with a safe place to be during the day and access to resources and services,
as well as providing a location for emergency shelter.
d. Benefits to Mendocino County
The benefit provided to those without housing is, first and foremost, a safe place to be. B2 aims to
produce tangible results in improving the lives of our residents experiencing a housing crisis by
providing options for shelter, a safe place during the day, services to assist with acquiring housing
and accessing resources, and linking them with additional services available through out the
community. Through outreach, education, and extending invitations for community collaboration,
B2 will also help raise public awareness about homelessness, create bridges between members of
the local community, and produce many other benefits to the community at large. Additionally,
through the creation of a Community Council to advise the operations of B2, it will empower local
citizens to participate directly in an effective solution, giving them a sense of accomplishment and
knowledge that they are able to help.
V. FACILITY STRUCTURE & OPERATIONS
a. Program Location & Description
1045 S. State St.
Ukiah, Ca 95482
This property consists of a large structure on nearly 2 acres of open flat land near the Talmage and
South State Street crossing. The area is primarily occupied by businesses, with a minimal number of
residences along the closest cross street, Thomas St reet.
b. Hours of Operation
1. Day Resource Center
The day portion of B2 is open 7 days a week, from 9:00am-6:00pm.
2. Inland Winter Shelter
Page 43 of 87
Redwood Community Services, Inc.
RCS-Building_Bridges_Manual-Rev021820-SW minor changes 23 | P a g e
The emergency winter shelter is open 7 nights a week from November 1st to the end of April,
from 6:00pm-9:00am. Staff shifts for the shelter are scheduled for half an hour prior to shelter
opening and half an hour after shelter closing to provide additional support during this transition
time.
c. Target Population
1. Day Resource Center
The target population of the day resource center is those experiencing homelessness and those
at risk of homelessness. It is projected that those who access B2 the most will be those
experiencing chronic homelessness.
i. Day Center Capacity
The day resource center may be able to host up to 60 guests, pending final review and
approval by the Fire Marshal. The total number of people in the day resource center shall not
exceed the established occupancy limit.
2. Inland Winter Shelter
The emergency shelter prioritizes adults who fall within the definition of chronic homelessness.
The primary focus will be on individuals, with families with children being referred to other
community resources. However, given availability, families will be accommodated either at the
shelter or by placing them in hotels as funding is available. Several cots are reserved for
emergency situations (please see the policy section of this manual for more information on
Emergency Situation Cots).
Chronic homelessness has a high priority due to its particularly tragic and cos tly impact on the
individual, family, and community. While the cohort who would be provided with shelter at this
facility is relatively small compared to the larger homeless population, those experiencing chronic
homelessness represent not only the neediest clients served by the wider service system but also
the most problematic in terms of resource utilization and associated costs as these clients often
have multiple health, co-occurring substance abuse and mental health issues, histories of
unemployment, hospitalization, criminal backgrounds, and legal issues. This segment of the
homeless population historically tends to utilize a disproportionate share of services and
resources.
i. Emergency Shelter Capacity
The emergency winter shelter may have a capacity to serve up to 60 of the community’s most
vulnerable homeless population. The final layout and number of cots in the shelter shall be
reviewed and approved by the Fire Marshal. The number of cots may be lower than 60 . The
total number of people in the shelter shall not exceed the established occupancy limit.
Page 44 of 87
Redwood Community Services, Inc.
RCS-Building_Bridges_Manual-Rev021820-SW minor changes 24 | P a g e
d. Program Environment
1. Day Resource Center
The day center is set up to be comfortable, welcoming, and informal. The main portion of the
space is an open community space, with seating and some tables. B2 is built and designed to
reduce barriers to access for people with disabilities throughout the whole building. There will
be computers available for guests to search for housing, apply for jobs, and access resources
online. There is a meeting room with an accordion style dividing wall, which can close to make
two separate spaces for private groups to meet. The bath rooms consist of five individual toilet
stalls, with full locking doors, multiple urinals in a private space, and four individual shower units,
with full locking doors and a dressing area in each unit. Office space is available for guests to
meet with service providers, either RCS providers or providers from partnering organizations,
such as case managers or care coordinators. There is an exam room with a private bathroom
which will be available for the AHUV Street Medicine program and other community partners to
utilize. Laundry facilities and minimal food prep space is also be available. The showers,
bathrooms, laundry, and food prep space are accessible to both the day center and the shelter
portions of B2.
2. Inland Winter Shelter
The shelter consists of two open dorms, each with rows of cots. One dorm is primarily used by
men but can be for used by all-genders and one for women. There is potential for flexibility in cot
assignment, with attention paid to what is needed to provide for the safety of each guest. There
is an office space or observation room between the two dorms, allowing for staff to monitor the
shelter guests. The shower, restroom, laundry, and food prep space will be accessible to the
shelter, though the day center portion of the facility will not be accessible at night.
3. Outside Areas & Additional Resources
There is an outside space within the fenced area for B2 guests to utilize. An area within this
fenced outside space is designated as a smoking area for tobacco products only. Guests who are
smoking must be at least 25 feet away from any door or window of the facility.
There is potential for additional development of projects. The Community Council will collaborate
and make decisions regarding new project proposals. These proposals would need to be reviewed
by the City of Ukiah, who maintains a seat on the Community Council, to determine if additional
permits or alterations to the existing use permit are required. Projects that have been discussed,
but not decided on, include a community garden, dog run, and expanded storage space.
Page 45 of 87
Redwood Community Services, Inc.
RCS-Building_Bridges_Manual-Rev021820-SW minor changes 25 | P a g e
e. Health & Safety
B2 will follow all federal, state, county regulations regarding Health and Safety for our guests and the
facility.
1. Physical Plant
• B2 cannot exceed the maximum occupancy, for either the day center or the emergency
shelter, authorized by the City of Ukiah Fire Department, which is clearly posted in the facility.
• Doors will not be blocked, floors will be free of tripping hazards, and there will be 44 inches
between objects in all walkways to the Exit areas.
• Exits will be clearly marked and Exit Plans will be posted in appropriate areas.
• A map designating the location of the gas main will be conspicuously posted and known to
the B2‘s on- site emergency-response designee.
• A gas shut-off tool must be attached near the gas main.
• Instructions for using the gas shut-off tool must be posted next to the tool.
• Staff will perform regular facility checks for neatness, cleanliness, and safety. The daily facility
inspection will specifically check that all outlets remain safe.
• B2 will have a chore list and schedule, to ensure a safe, sanitary, clean, and comfortable
environment. Person(s) responsible for tasks indicated on the chore list will be clearly
identified and trained.
• Trash inside the facility is contained in appropriate trash receptacles and adequate supplies
and equipment for housekeeping functions are available. A schedule is established and
posted for collecting and discarding trash. Trash receptacles will be emptied on a regular basis
into the trash bins kept outside on the side lot of the facility. The outside trash bins will be
locked to deter unauthorized dumping of trash.
• Cleaning supplies are properly labeled and kept in a separate storage area out of the reach of
children.
• A Material Safety Data Sheet for Storage of Chemicals will be obtained from the Ukiah Fire
Department and maintained where chemicals are stored on site. An additional copy of the
sheet must be maintained in a location that can be accessed easily by staff and guests in the
event of emergency and will be available upon request.
• A first-aid kit will always be kept on site and staff will be trained in first-aid and CPR. Urgent
medical issues will be referred to the Emergency Room and other appropriate medical care
providers.
• Fire drills will be regularly conducted and recorded.
• Facility Safety issues will be brought to the attention of the Site Safety Officer and any
corrections that must be made will be clearly noted and addressed.
Page 46 of 87
Redwood Community Services, Inc.
RCS-Building_Bridges_Manual-Rev021820-SW minor changes 26 | P a g e
• For facility maintenance issues that are a risk to safety and health, the staff on shift will
address it if they can safely do so. If additional repairs are needed, they will notify the Site
Safety Officer, who will submit a Maintenance Request.
2. Maintenance
• B2 shall maintain a safe environment for guests and has a clearly identified person to whom
guests can report maintenance problems.
• Facility maintenance issues will be reported to the Site Safety Officer, who will submit a
Maintenance Request.
• Maintenance Requests will be handled by the RCS Maintenance team, as designated in the
Maintenance Policy Protocol policy and procedure.
• B2 will have a facility maintenance plan that is maintained by the RCS Maintenance team and
Properties Manager.
• Routine maintenance is performed by qualified personnel, volunteers, or commercial
services, as needed.
• All B2 equipment and furnishings are maintained so they are clean, safe, and appropriate for
the intended function.
3. Heating & Cooling
B2 will maintain a temperature of at least 65 degrees during the winter months and will keep the
facility sufficiently cool during the summer.
4. Pest Control
B2 will work to prevent pest infestation within the facility and to control or eradicate pests as
possible. Precautions, such as wiping up spills and crumbs frequently; checking incoming boxes
for insects and rodents, excluding guests' personal belongings; and elevating garbage containers
off the floor, will be taken. B2 enter will have pest-control inspections when needed.
f. Building a Community
1. Community Council
B2 is a collaborative project led by a Community Council that is made up of the following:
• B2 guests (of both the day center and shelter)
• Neighboring residents
• Representatives from community partners
• Law enforcement representatives
• City and County staff/representatives
• RCS staff/representatives
• Other community members
Page 47 of 87
Redwood Community Services, Inc.
RCS-Building_Bridges_Manual-Rev021820-SW minor changes 27 | P a g e
There are seats on the Community Council specifically reserved for:
• City of Ukiah representative
• Mendocino County representative
• Mendocino County Health & Human Services representative
• Ukiah Police Department representative
• At least one person who is currently or has recently been homeless
• RCS representative
• Partnering agencies
• Ukiah business owner
• B2 neighbor
The Community Council will meet twice a month during the first year of B2 operations. Meeting
frequency will be reassessed after the first year and the requirement will be adjusted as needed.
The purpose of this council will be to review the effectiveness of B2, provide a forum for feedback
and discussion, develop B2 systems, policies, and processes, inform the culture of B2 , coordinate
services between providers, and other items as needed. Meetings are open to the public, except
for portions of the meeting dedicated to topics where confidentiality must be protected.
2. B2 Groups
B2 will regularly host groups for B2 guests. These include educational, vocational, substance use,
socialization, and housing focused groups.
There will be a Check-In group every other week that will provide an opportunity for guests to
give feedback and input on the operations of the facility, as well as a space to mediate any
challenges and collaborate on solutions. This Check In group will designate the guest
representative(s) who will attend the Community Council meetings.
Additional committees could include a community garden committee, shelter committee, day
center committee, development committee, and others as needed.
3. Being Good Neighbors
RCS will develop relationships with the neighboring residents and businesses and establish an
open line of communication with the neighborhood , working diligently to mitigate known and
future concerns. Neighboring residents, property owners, and businesses will be invited to attend
the Community Council meetings. Each neighbor within 300 feet of B2 will be provided with the
facility’s direct phone number and will be encouraged to call with any concerns or challenges. B2
staff will work with neighboring businesses and law enforcement to prevent or address concerns.
B2 will make it a daily practice to tour the neighborhood, picking up litter and redirecting B2
Page 48 of 87
Redwood Community Services, Inc.
RCS-Building_Bridges_Manual-Rev021820-SW minor changes 28 | P a g e
guests who may be loitering. B2 guests are expected to participate in this practice and contribute
in positive ways to the functioning of B2 and neighborhood.
4. Key Community Partners
RCS coordinates with other providers, including street outreach, medical services, food
resources, emergency shelters, and others, to ensure there is a collaborative approach to
addressing the needs of the individuals and families served. B2 will maintain a resource list with
contact information for providers, services, and agencies in the community. Participants will be
referred as needed to community resources, such as:
• RCS Arbor Youth Resource Center – The Arbor is a resource center for transition age youth
(TAY; ages 15-25), providing groups and classes, youth employment services, and other
activities. The Arbor is an access point for TAY interviews and intake in the Coordinated Entry
system.
• Ukiah Police Department (UPD) – RCS will work collaboratively and cooperatively with the
UPD. One of the goals of B2 , including the emergency shelter, is to reduce the strain placed
on the police department by those who are homeless.
• Adventist Health-Ukiah Valley’s Street Medicine Program – The Street Medicine Program
provides a vital service to the community, meeting those who are homeless where they are
to provide basic medical care, case management, and connection to more in-depth
healthcare services. B2 includes an exam room where Street Medicine Program workers can
meet with clients.
• Mendocino Coast Hospitality Center (MCHC) – RCS has partnered with MCHC to provide
many services for the county. MCHC operates a community center and the RRH program on
the coast. MCHC also operates the homeless shelter on the coast. RCS coordinates with them
for both the RRH program and referring individuals and families in need of emergency shelter
on the coast.
• Community Development Commission (CDC) – Public housing authority that administers the
county’s Housing Choice vouchers and Permanent Supportive Housing rent subsidy
certificates.
• Mendocino County AIDS/Viral Hepatitis Network (MCAVHN) – street outreach and case
management for those with addiction and/or chronic illness and/or co-occurring disorders.
• Manzanita Services is an adult drop-in center and provides groups and classes, mental health
support services, crisis services, and case management.
• Ford Street Project – referrals for families with children to their shelter and housing
programs. Referrals for substance use treatment and support.
• Redwood Community Crisis Center (RC3) – for mental health crisis support services.
• RCS Behavioral Health Services (BHS) – for TAY in need of mental health services.
Page 49 of 87
Redwood Community Services, Inc.
RCS-Building_Bridges_Manual-Rev021820-SW minor changes 29 | P a g e
• Other community resources and services.
VI. SERVICES OFFERED
B2 will work to address to needs of those who are homeless by providing a wide array of services and
supports, including:
• Bathrooms, Showers,
Laundry
• Community Service &
Volunteer
Opportunities
• Resource Navigation
(Case Management)
• Donation Closet
• Connections to
Housing
• Coordinated Entry
• Counseling
• Educational Services
• Emergency Winter
Shelter (Nov-April)
• Food (minimal)
• Internet Access
• Job Listings &
Employment Support
Services
• Linkage to Medical
Services
• Lockers & Storage
• Mailing Address
• Medication Support
• Mental Health
Services
• Peer Support
• Phone & Messaging
Center, including
phone charging
stations
• Rapid Re-Housing
Program
• Support Groups
VII. ORGANIZATIONAL & MANAGEMENT PLAN
a. B2 Staffing
1. Day Resource Center
• Full-time program manager to oversee and facilitate the day resource center and shelter
operations
• Housing Navigator
• Peer Support Counselors
• Additional service providers could include: mental health service providers, case managers,
employment services provider, Street Medicine worker, substance use treatment providers
• Volunteers will be utilized where and when possible to provide additional support
• There will be a minimum of two people (at least one of them must always be a fully trained
staff member) on duty to supervise the guests and maintain safety.
2. Inland Winter Shelter
Page 50 of 87
Redwood Community Services, Inc.
RCS-Building_Bridges_Manual-Rev021820-SW minor changes 30 | P a g e
• Full-time program manager to oversee the day resource center and shelter
• Full-time shelter supervisor
• Peer Support Counselors
• There will always be a minimum of two staff on duty to supervise the guests and maintain
safety, inside and outside. These staff will be “Wide-Awake” and expected to address any
problem conditions or behaviors during regular sleeping hours of shelter guests.
3. Staff Training
All staff on duty for any shift will be trained in crisis communication, conflict management, and
safety and security protocols. In addition, each staff will participate in an orientation to , which
will include a review of the resources available for the guests, both at B2 and in the community,
and the process for referring to those resources. Each staff position has a training packet detailing
the trainings required initially and annually.
b. Financial Plan
1. Fundraising & Outreach
Outreach is a core component of the work done by B2. The outreach strategy has two primary
goals. First, B2 will work with community partners to provide education and raise awareness
about homelessness in the community. Utilizing methods such as edu cational materials,
pamphlets, and flyers, attendance of community events and forums, and hosting informational
sessions, B2 aims to work with the community to reduce the stigma associated with
homelessness, as well as collaborating to address the concerns of the whole community.
The second goal is to increase awareness of B2‘s role in the community for fundraising efforts.
RCS has an established practice of community outreach and raising awareness for fundraising
and community support. The agency has over 20 years of experience providing stable services in
Mendocino County, with a history of financial stability and successful programs. B2 will build on
this foundation to develop visibility and sustainability as a program within Mendocino County
and will rely on many different sources for funding to operate B2 and is committed to thinking
creatively to find solutions to funding needs.
2. Potential Funding Sources
• Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) Rapid Re-Housing (RRH) funds
• ESG Emergency Shelter funds
• Other local, state, and federal grants
• Mendocino County Board of Supervisors
• Mendocino County Health & Human Services Agency
• City of Ukiah
Page 51 of 87
Redwood Community Services, Inc.
RCS-Building_Bridges_Manual-Rev021820-SW minor changes 31 | P a g e
• Faith-based organizations
• Individual and private donations
• Contributions from community businesses
• Fundraising events and activities
• In-Kind Contributions
o B2 will welcome the contribution of goods and/or services that address the mission and
values of RCS and the program. B2 will maintain a list of items that are needed and will
post this list publicly in B2 and through RCS’ social media outreach. In-kind donations and
contributions play a significant role in keeping the cost of operations down.
VIII. Guest Code of Conduct
• COOPERATIVE – B2 guests will participate in the creation of a housing plan and will actively engage
in the process of acquiring housing. They will also participate in the daily functioning of the facility
and cooperate with requests from staff.
• RESPECTFUL – Guests will maintain respectful behavior towards all staff, volunteers, guests, and the
neighborhood.
• PEACEFUL – Guests will not participate in any physical or verbal violent or abusive behavior, including
the use of abusive language and/or threats towards others. Violent behavior that threatens the
safety of others is grounds for immediate removal from B2.
• SUBSTANCE FREE FACILITY – No use, possession, and/or sale of alcohol/illicit substances is permitted
on B2 grounds. Smoking is allowed only in designated outside areas. While guests will not be turned
away for being intoxicated, they are expected to refrain from imbibing, ingesting, injecting, or
otherwise taking illicit substances while at the day center and shelter. The sale and/or distribution of
illicit substances while on B2 property is grounds for immediate dismissal from B2.
• CLEAN – Guests are expected to maintain an acceptable level of personal hygiene and clean up after
themselves.
• PERSONAL SPACE – Guests of the shelter are to keep their personal space free of clutter and cots
are to be made daily.
• SAFE & PRIVATE – Guests are entitled to reasonable privacy. No sexual contact of any kind. No
firearms will be permitted. Knives and other weapons must be locked in the secured locker by staff.
In the shelter area, guests are not allowed in other guest’s sleeping areas.
• NEIGHBORLY – B2 guests will respect the neighborhood by not littering, loitering, or being otherwise
disruptive. Quiet time is between 9:00pm and 8:00am and guests are expected to minimize their
time spent outside the shelter and keep their noise level down.
Page 52 of 87
Redwood Community Services, Inc.
RCS-Building_Bridges_Manual-Rev021820-SW minor changes 32 | P a g e
IX. Guest Responsibilities
Guests of B2 are responsible for the following while visiting and utilizing B2 :
• The responsibility to respect the rights of others to feel safe;
• The responsibility to respect the cultural backgrounds of others;
• The responsibility to respect the privacy of others;
• The responsibility to follow the expectations, rules, and Code of Conduct of B2 and its programs;
• The responsibility to engage in assistance related to their re-housing plan.
• The responsibility to let B2 staff know if unable to keep an appointment and need to reschedule or
if unable to return to the shelter by check-in time;
• The responsibility to inform staff if it is perceived that any staff member has breached confidentiality,
ethics, or treated anyone unfairly.
X. Guest Personal Rights
B2 is committed to recognizing the individual personal rights of individuals, based on basic human needs,
laws, and other factors.
Guests have the right:
• To feel safe at B2 and associated programs.
• To be treated in a manner that respects dignity and individuality.
• To enjoy a safe and healthful living environment.
• To have reasonable accommodations under fair housing laws, when such accommodations are
necessary because of their disability.
• To progress through B2 programs at their own level of comfort and according to their own goals.
• To remain in B2 and not be involuntarily removed or terminated without reasonable notice, good
cause, and due process procedures followed.
• To have access to fair, appropriate, and standardized procedures for determining eligibility,
admissions, sanctions, dismissals, and grievances.
• To be afforded reasonable privacy and confidential treatment of personal, social, financial,
medical, and behavior health records, except as necessary by law or by consent. This includes the
right to privacy regarding their personal belongings. Staff may request that guests show them
what is in their bag(s) and pockets.
• To voice concerns, opinions, and make suggestions regarding B2 rules and operations.
Page 53 of 87
Redwood Community Services, Inc.
RCS-Building_Bridges_Manual-Rev021820-SW minor changes 33 | P a g e
• To refuse medication, treatment, and services which are not directly related to acquiring housing.
Refusal of medication, services, or treatment is not, by itself, cause for dismissal from B2.
• Guests have the right to choose health care providers.
• To be informed of their human, legal, and civil rights, and to speak up when they feel they have
been violated.
• To confidentiality in accordance with the policy detailed in the Program Procedures section of
this document.
XI. PROGRAM POLICIES
a. Changes to the Program Manual
The operations of B2 are overseen by the Community Council. Any revisions of this Program Manual
must be reviewed and approved by the Community Council. No changes may be made that contradict
or conflict with the parameters outlined in the use permit issued by the City of Ukiah without
receiving approval from the City Zoning Administrator utilizing the same review procedures as a Use
Permit.
b. Collaboration with Law Enforcement
B2 is committed to collaborating with the Ukiah Police Department (UPD) and other law enforcement
entities to best serve the guests of B2, neighboring residents, and community. Law enforcement
representatives are invited to participate on the Community Council, where they can directly provide
feedback and influence the operations of the program. A regular practice of communication between
B2 and law enforcement would provide the opportunity to identify potential issues with guests and
collaborate on ways to prevent, mitigate, and de-escalate issues.
c. Confidentiality
All information pertaining to guests is covered by RCS’ confidentiality policy and procedure. B2 will
not share information regarding guest history, progress, placement, health, or any other information
without their permission. When they enter the program, they will be asked to sign a release of
information form allowing RCS to communicate with specific people and agencies, as needed and
requested. Guest personal information will only be shared without their permission if it is
subpoenaed by a court of law or in the situations described in the poli cy detailed below regarding
mandated reporting.
Part of the role of B2‘s Community Council is to review the policies, practices, issues, and changes
that come up at B2. Part of this review could include discussion of specific incidents that relate to
Page 54 of 87
Redwood Community Services, Inc.
RCS-Building_Bridges_Manual-Rev021820-SW minor changes 34 | P a g e
specific guests. All efforts will be made to generalize the details to prevent revealing the identity of
the guest(s) involved, while also providing the information needed to effectively review the incident
and any needed changes to policy, procedure, and program operations.
1. Mandated Reporter
RCS employees are mandated reporters and are required by law to report specific incidents or
situations to the police department, the Probation Department, or Health & Human Services
Agency (HHSA). No supervisor, administrator, or other staff member may impede or prohibit
reporting. Guests will be informed of RCS’s Mandated Reporter policy.
Children and older adult mandated reporter requirements are regulated by California law, under
the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA) and the Welfare & Institutions Code for Elder
Adults. California law provides for mandatory reporting of physical abuse, neglect, self -neglect,
sexual abuse, mental suffering, financial abuse, isolation, abandonment or abduction of a child,
elder, or dependent adult.
Duty to Warn: The Tarasoff case in 1974 sparked legislation that covers when clinicians are
required to report risks of violence involving adults. While B2 employs staff who are not therapists
or clinicians, RCS could require staff to follow the elements of this regulation. The Duty to Warn
law stipulates that when a clinician or therapist determines that their patient presents a serious
danger of violence to another, they incur an obligation to use reasonable care to protect the
intended victim against such danger. This may require the therapist to take on e or more various
steps, depending on the nature of the situation. These steps may call for them to warn the
intended victim or others likely to apprise the victims of the danger, to notify t he police, or take
whatever steps are reasonably necessary under the circumstances.
The appropriate reporting requirements must be followed when the mandated reporter
observes the incident, the victim reports abuse has occurred or has knowledge of abuse, and
when an injury or condition reasonably leads the mandated reporter to suspect abuse has
occurred. The law requires mandated reporters serving children and elder or dependent adults
to make a verbal report immediately or as soon as practical, followed by a written report to HHSA
on that agencies form. Failure of a mandated reporter to report suspected abuse and/or neglect
of a child, elder, or dependent adult is a misdemeanor. When the abuse results in death or great
bodily harm, the penalties for failing to report increase.
d. Cooperation with the City of Ukiah
The City of Ukiah Director of Community Development and Planning shall report to the Planning
Commission once every six months during the first two years of B2 operations. The Director’s report
shall include a record of any complaints received from the public or shelter occupants and an
Page 55 of 87
Redwood Community Services, Inc.
RCS-Building_Bridges_Manual-Rev021820-SW minor changes 35 | P a g e
assessment on the most effective ways to modify the plan to address valid complaints. RCS and B2
will cooperate with the City of Ukiah relating to this process, in coordination with the B2 Community
Council. This includes providing the City of Ukiah with reports of complaints, performance reports,
and other relevant information, as well as welcoming City staff to physically inspect the facility
periodically.
e. Coordinated Entry
As a member of the MCHSCoC, RCS participates in the Coordinated Entry (CE) process and follows
the CE Program Standard manual established by the MCHSCoC. The primary goal of the CE process
is for all MCHSCoC funded assistance to be allocated as effectively as possible and that it is easily
accessible, no matter where or how people present. CE prioritizes assistance based on vulnerability
and severity of service needs, as well as to match individuals with participating agency programs
designed for their level of need and support. People are not screened out for assistance because of
perceived barriers to housing or services. The process is Housing First oriented to house people
quickly without preconditions or service participation requirements. Emphasis is placed on centering
the participant and their choice, which can include location and type of housing, level of services,
and other options.
Every guest will be entered into the Coordinated Entry system and will be screened using the
Vulnerability Index & Service Prioritization Decision Assistance Tool (VI-SPDAT), which helps identify
who should be referred to which housing and support intervention. Individuals and households
entered in the CE system are organized on a By Name List (BNL), which is the MCHSCoC-wide waitlist
for all participating housing programs. B2 staff will work with each guest to identify housing options,
specifically permanent housing options, and resources appropriate for them, with the goal of making
their experience of homelessness and housing crisis as short as possible.
The VI-SPDAT is a pre-screening tool that is designed to be used by all providers within a community
to quickly assess the health and social needs of homeless persons and match them with the most
appropriate support and housing interventions that are available. The VI -SPDAT allows service
providers to assess and prioritize the people who are homeless based on the acuity of their needs,
The VI-SPDAT assesses a broad range of protective and risk factors, such as support networks, deep
poverty, domestic violence, disability, and employment history. Using VI-SPDAT throughout the
community allows providers to move beyond assisting only those who present at their particular
agency and begin to work together to prioritize all homeless people in the community and creates a
single database of people experiencing homelessness.
See also: Shelter Screening & Intake.
Page 56 of 87
Redwood Community Services, Inc.
RCS-Building_Bridges_Manual-Rev021820-SW minor changes 36 | P a g e
f. Discharge
B2 ensures that when service to a guest is terminated, either voluntarily or involuntarily, employees
follow an orderly and respectful process. Discharge may occur when the guest:
• Achieves their goals and is ready to discontinue services;
• No longer wants to stay at the shelter or access B2 resources;
• Refuses to adhere to the policies of the shelter (e.g. violent behavior, weapons possession,
sale/distribution of illicit substances); or
• Has needs that exceed the resources and expertise of B2.
1. Involuntary Discharge
Guests who have repeated violations of B2‘s Code of Conduct could be subject to termination and
removal from the facility. Guests with violent behaviors or who are engaging in behavior that
presents an immediate threat to the safety of others are subject to immediate dismissal from B2
and could be banned from returning. The Program Manager must sign off on the decision to ask
a guest to leave the day center and the Shelter Supervisor or Program Manager must sign off on
the decision to ask a guest to leave the shelter. B2 employees should assist guests who are
involuntarily discharged with linking to other appropriate services. This may include, among
other things, making referrals or providing the guest with resources to self -refer. Staff should
remain non-judgmental in their approach and be honest with them about why they are being
discharged. A guest may react angrily to involuntary discharge and staff may be the target of that
anger. If there are concerns this may happen, staff should ensure they are not alone during the
discharge process. All guests who are involuntarily exited from the day center and/or shelter will
be told if they are eligible for re-entry, how much time must pass before re-entry, and what the
process for re-entry is.
2. Appeal Process
If a guest who has been involuntarily discharged wishes to be considered for re -entry to the day
center or shelter, they may take the following steps:
• The guest should request a meeting with the Program Manager (and Shelter Supervisor, if
involuntarily discharged from the shelter) and discuss the matter fully with them. The Program
Manager will make a decision on any corrective action plan required within the boundaries of
their authority, calling on the Community Council for input if necessary and appropriate. The
corrective action plan will include details on what is required of the guest in order for them to
return, is there a waiting period before they can return, and what should occur if they violate the
plan, among other things.
Page 57 of 87
Redwood Community Services, Inc.
RCS-Building_Bridges_Manual-Rev021820-SW minor changes 37 | P a g e
• If the guest is not satisfied with the outcome of meeting with the Program Manager, they may
submit a grievance that will be reviewed by the Program Director. The Director will take any
corrective action required within 10 days and inform the guest of the resolution.
• Guests have the right to ask assistance of another person to speak on their behalf and/or to help
fill out a grievance form.
g. Emergency On-Call Support
The B2 manager, shelter supervisor, housing specialist, and care coordinators will rotate being on -
call after normal business hours and on weekends to provide back-up support to the shelter staff.
The staff at the shelter and day center will have access to the schedule of who is on -call. Neighbors,
guests, and community partners can call B2 at any time and the staff on shift will work with them,
calling for on-call support as needed. Support for the guests will also be available for mental health
crisis through the county crisis line. For critical emergencies that require assistance from resources
such as the police department, the fire department, or immediate medical attention, guests and staff
should call the appropriate emergency department, 911, or (800)222-1222 for Poison Control.
h. Emergency Situation Cots
Every day the shelter is open at least two shelter beds will be utilized for emergency situations. These
beds can be accessed by emergency services organizations, such as Redwood Community Crisis
Center (RC3), Ukiah Police Department, the Adventist Health Emergency Room, and HHSA Adult
Protective Services, between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm. Guests who are referred to the shelter for one
of the emergency beds will be accommodated on a day by day basis. The Shelter will stay in regular
communication with the referring organization to see if their client still needs to access the
emergency bed each day until they are able to be moved into an ongoing shelter bed or they exit the
shelter. Beds that are not utilized by emergency services by 5:00 pm each day will be assigned to
another person seeking shelter, utilizing the Shelter Intake policy for prioritization, for one night only.
If emergency services are seeking a bed for someone after 5:00 pm or if the emergency beds are
already being utilized, the Shelter will strive to accommodate that need by working with the referring
organization to come up with alternative options. Alternative options may include, but aren’t limited
to, connecting the person with another community-based shelter or housing resource, working with
another shelter guest to find alternative accommodations to free up a cot for the guest being
referred, or working with the referring organization to find other accommodations for the guest they
are referring for the night.
i. Food
The day resource center will have minimal snacks, coffee, and tea available for guests. Examples of
the kinds of snacks could include granola bars, nuts, fruit, pastries, sandwiches, chips, and other
Page 58 of 87
Redwood Community Services, Inc.
RCS-Building_Bridges_Manual-Rev021820-SW minor changes 38 | P a g e
prepackaged pre-prepared foods. The availability of these could be dependent on donations and is
not guaranteed. There will be a microwave, toaster, and sink available for guests to use during the
day to heat foods such as canned soup. Guests are responsible for cleaning up after themselves.
There will be no major food preparation conducted at B2 and B2 is not set up to store food items
belonging to guests. Food is not permitted to be prepared or eaten in the shelter portion of B2. Guests
in need of food services will be referred to Plowshares, the Food Bank, and other community
resources.
j. Grievances
Participants of RCS programs, neighbors, members of the community, and representatives from
other agencies, businesses, and organizations may make complaints regarding RCS, B2 and its staff,
and any component of RCS’ services at any time. Those with complaints or grievances should first
attempt to resolve it informally by discussing the problem with program staff. If a resolution cannot
be agreed upon or if any party feels it is needed, a formal complaint or grievance may be made by
letter, on a complaint form, or reported directly to the Program Manager/Supervisor and/or an RCS
Director.
Complaint forms can be found at any RCS office, as well as on the RCS websi te
(www.redwoodcommunityservices.org). Completed forms can be mailed to B2 or given directly to
any staff person on duty in any RCS office. If given to a staff member, that staff is responsible for
ensuring the form is sealed in an envelope and given to the Program Manager or an RCS Director
within 24 hours. B2 will also have a locked box for guests to drop their grievance forms in, which will
be checked once a week. The Program Manager or Director will personally address, in a timely
manner, any complaint received. The complainant will be addressed, either in writing or verbally,
and steps will be taken to remedy the situation. RCS respects the right of individuals to make
complaints and there will be no retaliation against the complaining party.
k. Guest Aftercare & Follow-up
Guests may continue to utilize the day center after acquiring housing for up to a year, based on level
of need for support and assistance. RCS asks guests to maintain contact with B2 for at least a year
after acquiring housing to track outcomes, specifically whether or not the participant maintains
permanent housing. Follow-up will occur in the form of a survey at 6 months and 1 year after exit to
housing. Gift cards may be provided as incentives to participants for completing the follow-up
surveys.
Page 59 of 87
Redwood Community Services, Inc.
RCS-Building_Bridges_Manual-Rev021820-SW minor changes 39 | P a g e
l. HMIS
RCS utilizes the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS), in coordination with the
MCHSCoC, to collect information on the guests of B2. HMIS is managed and administered by the
Mendocino County Health & Human Services Agency (HHSA). It is used in Coordinated Entry and to
collect and manage data associated with assessments and referrals.
m. Incident Reporting
Incidents relating to the safety, security, health, and wellbeing of B2 guests, staff, visitors, and
facilities will be reported to the Program Manager, Program Director, Community Council, and other
necessary entities in a timely manner and in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations and
RCS policy. Incidents will be reviewed and those involved will be debriefed, with focus being given
on what can be done to prevent reoccurrence.
n. Individualized Housing Plan
The vision of B2 is for each guest to find housing as quickly as possible. Each guest of B2 will be
supported in creating and implementing an individualized housing plan that includes what their
resources are (personal and professional), what options may be available to them (identifying those
options that are part of their natural support system first), what steps they can take to obtain and
secure housing, who they can ask for help, financial resources and needs, and what support they may
need and access to assist them with acquiring and sustaining housing. This plan wil l be reviewed
regularly with the guest and updated as needed. Guests are expected to participate in the creation
of this plan and to actively engage in the steps they have identified to acquire housing.
o. Laundry
The laundry facilities are available for use by both the day center and the shelter. While staff will
monitor the laundry area, B2 is not responsible for guest items that are damaged, misplaced, lost, or
stolen in the laundry area. Guests who misuse the machines may be restricted from utilizing the
machines for a specified period.
1. Day Center
Guests must sign up with staff each day for a laundry time slot. B2 may limit the number of times
each week a guest can do laundry and how many belongings they may wash, depending on how
many people are wanting to use the resource. Staff must supervise the use of the laundry
machines. B2 may limit operation of the laundry facility to specific hours, depending on staff
availability, how many people are requesting to use the machines, and other factors.
2. Inland Winter Shelter
Page 60 of 87
Redwood Community Services, Inc.
RCS-Building_Bridges_Manual-Rev021820-SW minor changes 40 | P a g e
• Clean bedding will be provided to each new guest . Once admitted, each guest’s bedding will
be washed at least every seven (7) days.
• Shelter guests will be assigned a laundry day on admit. Each guest may do one laundry bag
on their assigned laundry day. Staff will monitor guests doing their laundry but are not
required to handle the guests’ laundry.
• On the scheduled laundry day for their cot, the guest is to strip their cot and put soiled
bedding into the dirty laundry receptacle in each dormitory. Staff will reissue clean bedding
for the guest to remake their cot each week.
p. Medication
B2 will provide a locked storage compartment, accessible only to staff, to store guest medication.
Medication must be labeled with the guest’s name and logged on the proper form. Guests are
responsible for taking their medication as prescribed, filling their prescriptions, and properly
disposing of their medication, if necessary. B2 is not responsible for administering medication to the
guests. Guests must adhere to the following relating to medication:
• Medication stored by B2 must be in a bottle, vial, or dosette, and be properly labeled with the
guest’s name, pharmacy, physician, the medication name, and dosage.
• Each guest’s medication will be stored in an individual labeled container within a locked cabinet
in the staff office.
• Medications will be returned to the pharma cy and marked “for disposal” when a guest has not
returned to B2 for their medications for a period of one week.
• Containers of mixed pills will be accepted for storage until the pharmacy can be contacted for
proper dispensing and packaging of medications. If necessary, the mixed pills will be returned to
the pharmacy for proper disposal.
• Staff is not responsible for ensuring guests’ adherence to their medication regimen. However,
good judgment should be used, and the Program Manager/Shelter Supervisor notified if a guest
has not been taking their medication or taking too much or too little.
1. Guest Guidelines for Self-Administration
• The guest will administer the medication according to the time, route, and frequency of the
prescription or instructions.
• The guest is entitled to take their medication out of the locked storage and take it with them.
Staff must sign the medication in and out.
2. Staff Guidelines for Self-Administration
• Staff will provide guests with a private place to self-administer medications.
Page 61 of 87
Redwood Community Services, Inc.
RCS-Building_Bridges_Manual-Rev021820-SW minor changes 41 | P a g e
• Staff are expected to either add a pharmacy printed medication administration record (MAR)
to the medication binder when a guest enters B2 or, if this is not available, to create a MAR
using the appropriate form.
• The MAR requests that staff ask guests their physician name, pharmacy, and allergies.
• Staff must record and initial on the appropriate log when medications have been taken.
• A signature sheet will be kept current with new staff who initial for medication.
3. SHARPS Container
B2 has a SHARPS container secured within the service provider office, which will be locked when
not in use. For guests who need to discard needles, they may do so in this SHARPS container.
q. Non-Discrimination
RCS is a culturally diverse agency that does not discriminate based on age, gender, sexual orientation,
religion, nationality, ethnicity, and disability. In fact, RCS embraces the cultural differences that make
each person unique. RCS is in the service of bringing people together and healing relationships. By
recognizing and embracing the diversity of the people we serve, we create a community that is more
aware and accepting of the differences in all of us. RCS will provide each participant with the best
available services regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, age, socioeconomic status, geographic
location, religion, sexual orientation, or language. Services will be delivered with sensitivity, dignity,
respect, professionalism, and appreciation, putting each participant at the center of decision-making,
with a focus on strengths and resources.
1. Fair Housing Regulations
The Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA – see www.dfeh.ca.gov/) specifically provides
protection from harassment or discrimination in housing. FEHA prohibits discrimination and
harassment in all aspects of housing, including sales and rentals, evictions, terms and conditions,
mortgage loans and insurance, and land use and zoning. It requires housing providers to make
reasonable accommodations in rules and practices to permit persons with disabilities to use and
enjoy a dwelling and to allow persons with disabilities to make reasonable modifications of the
premises.
2. Reasonable Accommodation
• B2 staff will not ask questions about a guest's disability, unless it is directly related to the
provision of service to the guest.
• If a guest requests an exception to a policy or procedure as an accommodation of their
disability, B2 will grant the accommodation when the accommodation is both reasonable and
necessary.
Page 62 of 87
Redwood Community Services, Inc.
RCS-Building_Bridges_Manual-Rev021820-SW minor changes 42 | P a g e
When a reasonable accommodation request is made, B2 manager may obtain medical verification
from the requestor that the accommodation is reasonable and necessary. Admission to B2 will
not be denied because of disability.
r. Parking Lot Use
The parking lot is for use by staff and visitors to B2. Car camping and camping in general on B2 grounds
is not permitted.
s. Personal Belongings
Due to limited space, guests are asked to limit the volume of personal belongings they bring inside
B2 (both the day center and shelter). RCS is not responsible for any lost, stolen, or damaged personal
items that guests leave at B2, whether they are left in lockers or elsewhere in the community space.
At no time will the day center or emergency shelter permit the storage of firearms, perishables,
alcohol, or illicit substances.
1. Day Center
Guests at B2 must take their belongings with them when they leave, except for those items they
make arrangements to keep in lockers or available storage. Limited locker space may be available
to guests and will be prioritized for those seeking a secure place to keep their medication and
items related to their healthcare. Personal belongings left by guests of B2 will be considered
abandoned after seven days and disposed of.
2. Inland Winter Shelter
Storage space is available inside the shelter on a limited basis. Each cot has a plastic bin with a lid
assigned to it for the storage of personal belongings. Shelter guests are expected to keep their
belongings contained within this bin and the space underneath their assigned cot. Guests who
do not return to stay at the shelter or who are dismissed from the shelter must take the ir
belongings with them. Personal belongings of people who are no longer guests of the shelter will
be considered abandoned after seven days and will be disposed of.
t. Pets
Pets will be permitted on a case by case basis. Some limited kennel and crate spaces are available
outside for the Day Center and inside for the Inland Winter Shelter. Kennels and crates are available
on a first-come, first-serve basis, though priority will be given to guests with service animals.
Additional reasonable accommodations will be made as needed for guests with service animals.
Animals must have the ability to remain quiet throughout the night. B2 will have information available
for guests regarding resources for pet vaccinations, spay and neutering services, and other pet care
needs. B2 will work with guests and County Animal Control to ensure pets are properly vaccinated
Page 63 of 87
Redwood Community Services, Inc.
RCS-Building_Bridges_Manual-Rev021820-SW minor changes 43 | P a g e
and licensed with the county. The following conditions apply to pets being permitted on the facility
grounds:
• The premises shall be kept in a clean and sanitary manner by the daily removal of waste and using
disinfectants to prevent the accumulation of flies, spread of disease, and offensive odor.
• Animal odors shall not be detectable beyond the lot lines of the property.
• The enclosure and/or run for dogs shall be screened by a nontransparent fence of a minimum six
feet in height.
• Pets are not to be left unattended at any time. B2 staff are not responsible for the care or
monitoring of any pet.
• Pets spending the night will be kept indoors.
• All dogs must be licensed in Mendocino County.
• Excessive noise from animals is prohibited. Chapter 1 Article 6 of the City of Ukiah City Code shall
apply to all animal nuisance complaints related to noise generated on site.
u. Progressive Engagement & Diversion
Progressive engagement recognizes that there is no way to accurately predict how much help
someone may need to end their homelessness and avoid a return to the streets or shelter. While
many people can successfully exit homelessness and avoid immediately returning with a small
amount of assistance, there are no dependable predictors to guide the amount of assistance needed.
In this approach, participants are initially offered "light-touch" assistance, including help creating a
reasonable housing placement and stabilization plan, housing information and search assistance,
and, as available, limited financial assistance for arrears, first month's rent, or security deposit. B2
staff will regularly re-assess housing barriers and seek to close cases as soon as housing retention
barriers are resolved. Assistance is provided on an "as-needed basis" to keep a participant housed
and, within funding constraints, RCS offers more intensive support, additional rental assistance, or
step-up referrals and help to access community-based assistance.
Diversion is a strategy that prevents homelessness for people seeking shelter by helping them
identify immediate alternative housing arrangements and, if necessary, connecting them with
services and financial assistance to help them return to permanent housing. The main difference
between diversion and other permanent housing-focused interventions centers on the point at
which intervention occurs. Prevention targets people at risk of imminent homelessness; diversion
targets people as they are applying for entry into shelter; and rapid re-housing targets people who
are already homeless.
Page 64 of 87
Redwood Community Services, Inc.
RCS-Building_Bridges_Manual-Rev021820-SW minor changes 44 | P a g e
v. Security & Safety
There will always be staff on site at B2 during hours of operation. Staff are trained in first aid and CPR,
conflict management and de-escalation techniques, and on effective security protocols. There will
be an identified lead staff for each shift who will be the point person for security and safety issues.
Issues relating to security and safety will be first addressed by the staff on site. There will be
additional support available to address incidents as needed, which staff can access through the
emergency on-call system. Incidents that present a threat to immediate safety and well-being and/or
include law violations will be reported to the police department. Staff will be trained in the agency
policies and process for cooperating and collaborating with law enforcement, to best promote
effective response to incidents.
1. Nighttime Measures
Additional security measures will include nighttime lighting and cameras overlooking the parking
lot and side yard, with monitoring screens inside the staff space on the shelter side of B2. Shelter
staff will perform perimeter checks regularly throughout the night. The immediate neighbors of
B2 will be provided with the number for B2‘s direct line and emergency on-call number to provide
them with a method for reporting concerns, compla ints, or problems as they arise. Overnight
shelter guests will be asked to declare if they have a weapon prior to entering the shelter. No
firearms will be allowed on the premises. Knives must be locked in the secured locker accessible
only to staff. Signs will be posted specifying that camping and loitering outside of the facility is
not permitted at any time. The fence gates enclosing B2 and side yard will be locked at any time
B2 is closed, including at night for those months the shelter is closed. The open area of the
property will be kept clear to allow for easy visibility for law enforcement.
2. Daytime Measures
B2 will maintain a practice of patrolling a one-mile radius around the facility at least once per day,
picking up litter, promoting cleanliness, engaging with neighbors, enhancing safety in the
immediate vicinity, preventing and controlling issues of loitering, unauthorized parking of guest
vehicles, abandoned property, shopping carts, and addressing other issues as needed. These
patrols will be documented on a log, with details recorded regarding incidents, time of patrol,
neighbors interacted with, etc. For those times that the emergency shelter is closed, staff will be
scheduled in a way to monitor the facility and deter loitering for the evening transition time when
the day center closes. In addition, those guests who receive complaints for loitering after hours
will not be permitted to utilize B2 for a specified period in accordance with the Involuntary
Discharge policy.
Page 65 of 87
Redwood Community Services, Inc.
RCS-Building_Bridges_Manual-Rev021820-SW minor changes 45 | P a g e
w. Shelter Daily Entry & Exit
Shelter guests are required to check in daily with staff prior to leaving the shelter in the morning to
indicate that they will return to the shelter that evening. Guests who do not check in with staff by
9:00 am will lose their cot and must go through the screening process again. The shelter opens to
guests at 6:00 pm. Guests must sign in when they arrive at the shelter each evening. They must arrive
by 8:00 pm or make prior arrangements for a late arrival. Guests who have not arrived by 8:00 pm
will lose their cot and must go through the intake process again. Guests are not to leave after 8:00
pm. Shelter quiet time begins at 9:00 pm. Guests leaving the property after 8:00 pm will be
considered self-discharged. Any exceptions to this policy will be made on a case-by-case basis by
prior arrangement with staff based on a need for reasonable accommodations . For example,
exceptions may be made to accommodate employment, medical needs, and once in a lifetime type
events.
Guests can exit the shelter and lose their cot on a voluntary or involuntary basis. If a guest leaves the
shelter voluntarily, they may go through the regular screening process for re-entry. Guests who are
involuntarily terminated may be eligible for the Second Chance process, where re-entry could be
possible with a mediated resolution and contract. All guests involuntarily exited from the shelter can
access the Grievance Process for possible re-admittance.
Spots will not be held for guests who will be away from the shelter for a night. Reasonable
accommodation requests can be submitted in the case of a medical emergency or other situation
that may necessitate a short stay elsewhere.
x. Shelter Guest Orientation
• Each guest will be assigned a cot, linens, blanket, and pillow.
• Guests should be shown their cot, the bathroom facilities, smoking area, activities area, etc.
• Guests are given the Shelter Orientation to read. If a guest needs special accommodation, shelter
staff will read the Shelter Orientation to them and answe r any questions.
• House rules and other policies will be reviewed and places where they are posted should be
pointed out.
• Fire exits will be pointed out.
• Returning guests should be re-oriented each time they have been absent for 30 days or more.
y. Shelter Screening & Intake
The purpose of the shelter is to assist those in our community who are at the greatest risk of negative
effects from exposure to the elements. Eligibility for this shelter will NOT be based on a first -come,
first-serve basis, but will instead be based on the highest level of need. When there is an open bed
and more than one person waiting to fill an open spot at the shelter, entry will be determined by the
Page 66 of 87
Redwood Community Services, Inc.
RCS-Building_Bridges_Manual-Rev021820-SW minor changes 46 | P a g e
highest level of need as determined by the VI-SPDAT completed as part of the Coordinated Entry
process, with Mendocino County residency being the deciding factor in the case of tie . During this
screening process guests who need additional supports for health and safety will be identified and
assisted with accessing services or resources appropriate to their needs.
Guests wanting to enter the shelter must be screened by B2 staff. Screenings are conducted during
the hours that the Day Center is open, depending on staff availability. Data collected during this
screening includes the name, gender, age, ethnicity, number of persons in household, housing and
disability status, and Mendocino County residency status. Guests are required to sign the B2 Guest
Code of Conduct & Agreement.
People required to register as sex offenders will not be permitted in the shelter. The shelter intake
process will include checking for the potential guest on the Megan’s Law website. In addition,
individuals known to have open warrants will not be permitted for entry until they have resolved the
issue with law enforcement.
B2 will provide accommodations which protect the family unit whenever possible, allowing parents
and children to remain together.
z. Shelter Sleeping Area
• At a minimum, the shelter provides guests with a cot.
• Each guest is supplied with sheets, a pillow and pillowcase, and at least one blanket. Linens are
changed with each change of guest and, if occupied continuously by one-person, clean linens are
provided at least once a week.
• The shelter implements routine procedures for disinfecting the cot and its cover with each
change of guest.
• As available, appropriate cribs or cots will be provided to people with children.
• All children's furniture and equipment meet national safety standards. Donated furniture and
equipment must also meet these standards.
• Each cot has a tote assigned to it for guests to use for their personal belon gings. Guests must
keep their belongings contained to the tote and the space underneath their cot.
aa. Showers & Restrooms
B2 provides access to functional, clean, and reasonably private toilets, wash basins, and showers,
with units accessible to guests with disabilities. Guests are expected to keep their showers to less
than 15 minutes. Persons with infants and young children w ill be provided adequate space and
equipment, such as portable tubs and basins, for the bathing and changing of infants and young
children. The shelter will attempt to accommodate guests' special needs in the provision of facilities.
Page 67 of 87
Redwood Community Services, Inc.
RCS-Building_Bridges_Manual-Rev021820-SW minor changes 47 | P a g e
• Shower and toilet facilities are maintained in working order, with hot and cold running water.
Hot water used for washing and bathing will not exceed 104 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Showers have non-skid strips and other safety measures in place.
• Showers are accessible during day center operational hours, closing as needed depending on
staff availability.
• Showers are accessible during shelter hours to shelter guests from 6:00pm until 9:00pm.
• Showers are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
• B2 provides toilet tissue, soap, and a means for washing and drying hands.
• Towels and soap will be provided for showers, with availability of towels based on donations.
• Trash receptacles will be in each toilet staff for the disposal of personal hygiene products, such
as tampons and pads.
• The bathroom will include a baby changing station.
• To the extent practical, B2 will provide for guests’ special needs. If accommodation cannot be
made, alternative arrangements will be made with other agencies when possible.
bb. Substance Use
While drugs and alcohol are not allowed on the premises, B2 does not require sobriety as a condition
for entry. B2 utilizes a non-judgmental approach that attempts to meet people “where they are at”
with their substance use. Instead of denying services to people who are using, B2 tries to give
opportunities for them to minimize the harms associated with substance abuse. Staff will not ask
guests to be abstinent, emphasizing that they cannot use, sell, or distribute substances in B2. Staff
should help guests recognize that some ways of using substances are clearly safer than others. Staff
should recognize the realities of poverty, class, racism, social isolation, past trauma, gender-based
and sexuality-based discrimination, and other social factors that affect a person’s vulnerability to and
capacity for effectively dealing with substance use.
1. Practicing Harm Reduction
• Staff should support guests with harm reduction relating to substance use. Examples of this
includes, but are not limited to:
o Encouraging a guest who has decided to reduce the amount of substance they consume
in a day;
o Listening and honoring a guest’s story about how they became dependent on a substance
(or multiple);
o Talking with them about ways they can use in a safer way and reduce the impacts or risks
it places on themselves or others;
o Helping a guest get past the shame of being addicted so that they can make conscious
choices about what they want to do about it; and
Page 68 of 87
Redwood Community Services, Inc.
RCS-Building_Bridges_Manual-Rev021820-SW minor changes 48 | P a g e
o Giving guests information on how to use more safely to keep them disease free, which
will lead to more options in the future.
• When a guest has been found drinking, using, selling/distributing, and/or in possession of alcohol
and/or illicit substances while they are on B2 grounds, staff will instruct them to leave the
property, specifying the conditions for reentry as outlined in the Involuntary Discharge policy.
• When guests of B2 have been found to have paraphernalia associated with illicit substances, staff
will ask them to discard of it or remove the item from the property. Guests who refuse to comply
with the request from staff will be instructed to leave the property and notified of the conditions
for reentry as outlined in the Involuntary Discharge policy.
• When guests are intoxicated while at B2, they will be asked to stay to themselves and minimize
their interactions with other guests. Staff will provide supportive services as appropriate and as
staff are available, intervening to address behavior that interferes with the safety and wellbeing
of other guests, visitors, and staff. Guests are subject to the B2 Code of Conduct and policies,
regardless of their sobriety status.
cc. Telephones
B2 has a phone available during operating hours to make and receive calls and contact the fire
department, paramedics, police, and site supervisor personnel. B2 also has or provides access to a
phone that guests can use within reasonable limits. This phone is made as private as possible. B2
takes incoming emergency phone messages for guests during business hours and has a process for
making these messages available to them. To protect guest confidentiality, messages are taken
without confirming whether the individual is a guest of B2.
dd. Violations of the Rules
B2 uses a low barrier framework, which means that policies that make it difficult for guests to enter
shelter, stay in shelter, or access housing and income opportunities have been adjusted to minimize
barriers to shelter, housing, and services. When guests violate the code of conduct or are engaging
in behaviors that are challenging, staff will speak with those guests wit h a goal of maintaining the
guest’s use of B2 or stay at the shelter. Communication, collaborative problem solving, conflict
management, and resolution are central to addressing problematic behavior and rule violations. Staff
will work with guests to create agreements about behavior and what is expected. There are not a
certain number of rule violations that will automatically lead to discharge from the shelter. Staff will
document those incidents that are creating conflicts, challenges, and barriers for guests and staff.
These incidents will be reviewed by the Program Manager, Shelter Supervisor, staff team, and
Community Council, as appropriate. Non-violent violations will be subject to verbal and written
notices with action steps for the guest to come into compliance. Guests who are not able to come
into compliance and have repeated violations could be subject to termination and removal from the
Page 69 of 87
Redwood Community Services, Inc.
RCS-Building_Bridges_Manual-Rev021820-SW minor changes 49 | P a g e
facility. Guests with violent behaviors are subject to immediate dismissal from B2 and could be
banned from returning. Please see the Discharge section of the Program Policies for more
information.
ee. Violent Behavior
A guest will be told to leave B2 when staff has witnessed them, they have admitted to, or there is
sufficient evidence to substantiate violent or physically intrusive incident(s) against others on B2
grounds or they have repeatedly targeted another individual. This includes , but is not limited to:
• Hitting, kicking, slapping, pushing
• Throwing objects at someone
• Any unwanted physical contact
• Being verbally abusive repeatedly to the same person
Staff will intervene in conflicts, if they can do so safely, and encourage those involved to work things
out respectfully, offer to mediate, and name abusive behavior. When tension is high, staff will
prioritize being in common areas with clients. If a guest is an immediate threat to the safety of others,
they will be required to leave B2. Whenever possible, the decision to tell a guest to leave should be
discussed with the Program Manager and/or Shelter Supervisor. However, for threats to immediate
safety staff is empowered to make that decision to protect others and themselves, notifying the
Program Manager as soon as it is safe. For violent incidents, an incident report must be completed.
Please see the Discharge and Incident Reporting sections for more information.
ff. Visitors at the Shelter
The shelter does not permit guests to have visitors.
• Exceptions to the “no visitors” policy includes Case Managers, Probation/Parole Officers, Clergy,
designated members of open 12-step meetings, and other individuals providing services to B2
guests who have been approved by B2 management.
gg. Volunteers
B2 will utilize volunteers to help provide a full range of services. Volunteers can assist with janitorial
tasks, intake, entry, and orientation to the shelter, organization and distribution of donation items,
serving snacks, facilitating groups and activities, and other service opportunities. The screening,
background checks, and selection of volunteers follow the RCS Volunteer Policy and Procedure
protocols. Volunteers would receive an orientation and trainings as needed for the tasks they will be
conducting and would be overseen by the B2 program manager and/or shelter supervisor.
1. Community Service
Page 70 of 87
Redwood Community Services, Inc.
RCS-Building_Bridges_Manual-Rev021820-SW minor changes 50 | P a g e
RCS will accept volunteers wishing to complete their court ordered community service hours.
These volunteers can assist with janitorial tasks, organization and distribution of donation items,
orientation to the shelter, laundry, and other service opportunities. These volunteers must be
overseen by B2 staff and not left alone in the facility.
hh. Weapons
Firearms, including BB guns and explosive devices, are not allowed on B2 grounds. Other weapons
must be checked in with B2 staff prior to entry. Staff will make the determination as to what
constitutes a weapon and whether B2 will accept the item into the locked check-in cabinet. Knives,
spears, swords, clubs, and Tasers are considered weapons, but work tools, sports equipment, and
other items could also be required to be checked in. Items which require check -in must be tagged
with the guest’s name and date of check-in. All checked items must be immediately stored in a locked
box or cabinet. Guests may retrieve their item(s) when they are ready to leave the facility. All checked
items will be recorded on a log, with the date they were checked in and then the date they are
retrieved will be recorded.
XII. PROGRAM EVALUATION
a. Evaluation Plan
B2‘s performance will be monitored internally within RCS. RCS’ Quality Assurance department will
audit B2‘s charts and documents bi-annually to monitor compliance with regulations, internal
policies, and any relevant standards. Evaluation efforts shall be informed by metrics established
annually by the MCHSCoC.
In addition, B2 will regularly report on goals, progress, and outcomes to the RCS Board of Directors,
funders, and the community.
b. Goals, Objectives, & Outcomes
Section intentionally left blank for future use. To be developed by the Community Council.
Objectives Outcomes
GOAL 1. Provide a seamless flow of services and resource navigation.
1a.
GOAL 2. Develop a coordinated homeless outreach center that can be a hub for outreach
services to homeless individuals.
2a.
Page 71 of 87
Redwood Community Services, Inc.
RCS-Building_Bridges_Manual-Rev021820-SW minor changes 51 | P a g e
Objectives Outcomes
GOAL 3. Reduce the impacts of homelessness.
3a.
GOAL 4. Connect people with housing and assist them with sustaining it.
4a.
c. Tools
• Guest satisfaction surveys conducted quarterly for B2 and monthly for the shelter.
• Bi-annual guest chart audits
• Guest follow-up surveys
• VI-SPDAT, initial and follow-up
• HMIS intake data and regular updates
d. Reports
• Quarterly guest satisfaction survey summaries
• HMIS bi-annual performance reports
• Bi-annual guest chart audit summary
• Annual Program Evaluation Report
e. Ethical Considerations
Section intentionally left blank for future use.
Page 72 of 87
Redwood Community Services, Inc.
RCS-Building_Bridges_Manual-Rev021820-SW minor changes 52 | P a g e
XIII. Appendices
a. Principles of Harm Reduction
Page 73 of 87
Redwood Community Services, Inc.
RCS-Building_Bridges_Manual-Rev021820-SW minor changes 53 | P a g e
b. Five Keys to Effective Emergency Shelter
Page 74 of 87
Redwood Community Services, Inc.
RCS-Building_Bridges_Manual-Rev021820-SW minor changes 54 | P a g e
c. Fact Sheet: Housing First
Page 75 of 87
Redwood Community Services, Inc.
RCS-Building_Bridges_Manual-Rev021820-SW minor changes 55 | P a g e
Page 76 of 87
Redwood Community Services, Inc.
RCS-Building_Bridges_Manual-Rev021820-SW minor changes 56 | P a g e
d. Comparing Low Barrier & High Barrier Shelter
Page 77 of 87
Redwood Community Services, Inc.
RCS-Building_Bridges_Manual-Rev021820-SW minor changes 57 | P a g e
Page 78 of 87
Redwood Community Services, Inc.
RCS-Building_Bridges_Manual-Rev021820-SW minor changes 58 | P a g e
e. Trauma-Informed Approach & Trauma-Specific Interventions
SAMHSA's six key principles of a trauma-informed approach and trauma-specific interventions
address trauma’s consequences and facilitate healing.
• Trauma-Informed Approach
According to SAMHSA’s concept of a trauma-informed approach, “A program, organization, or
system that is trauma-informed:
o Realizes the widespread impact of trauma and understands potential paths for recovery;
o Recognizes the signs and symptoms of trauma in clients, families, staff, and others involved
with the system;
o Responds by fully integrating knowledge about trauma into policies, procedures, and
practices; and
o Seeks to actively resist re-traumatization."
A trauma-informed approach can be implemented in any type of service setting or organization
and is distinct from trauma-specific interventions or treatments that are designed specifically to
address the consequences of trauma and to facilitate healing.
• SAMHSA’s Six Key Principles of a Trauma-Informed Approach
A trauma-informed approach reflects adherence to six key principles rather than a prescribed set
of practices or procedures. These principles may be generalizable across multiple types of
settings, although terminology and application may be setting- or sector-specific:
1. Safety
2. Trustworthiness and Transparency
3. Peer support
4. Collaboration and mutuality
5. Empowerment, voice and choice
6. Cultural, Historical, and Gender Issues
From SAMHSA’s perspective, it is critical to promote the linkage to recovery and resilience for
those individuals and families impacted by trauma. Consistent with SAMHSA’s definition of
recovery, services and supports that are trauma-informed build on the best evidence available
and consumer and family engagement, empowerment, and collaboration.
• Trauma-Specific Interventions
Trauma-specific intervention programs generally recognize the following:
• The survivor's need to be respected, informed, connected, and hopeful regarding their own
recovery
• The interrelation between trauma and symptoms of trauma such as substance abuse, eating
disorders, depression, and anxiety
• The need to work in a collaborative way with survivors, family and friends of the survivor,
and other human services agencies in a manner that will empower survivors and consumers
Page 79 of 87
Building Bridges
Homeless Resource Center
1045 South State Street, Ukiah
707-234-3270
Data Report
August 6, 2019 – June 30, 2020
Attachment 4
Page 80 of 87
Looking at the Numbers
A u g u s t 6 , 2 0 1 9 – J u n e 3 0 , 2 0 2 0
At least
923
Unduplicated
individuals
served!
29,746 confirmed visits 8,22011,608
Page 81 of 87
Inland Winter Shelter
O c t o b e r 2 8 , 2 0 1 9 – J u n e 3 0 , 2 0 2 0
TOTAL GUESTS:
291
16
families
with
children
Average
length of
stay
53 nights
Average 10 people sought shelter every night
Average 7 turned away due to no open beds
# individuals screened
for the shelter:
378
Page 82 of 87
Shelter Guest Demographics
0-17,
6%18-24,
7%
25-34,
16%
65-44,
22%
45-54,
24%
55-61,
16%
62+, 9%
AGE
Male, 60%
Female-cis,
37%
Female-
trans, 1%
Gender
Non-
conforming,
2%
GENDER
3%3%
12%
3%
79%
Black
Multiple races
Native American
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander
White
RACE
Hispanic/
Latinx,
15%
Non-Hispanic/
Latinx, 85%
ETHNICITY
Yes
10%
No
88%
Refused
2%
LGBTQ
TOTAL GUESTS: 291
Page 83 of 87
56% report
having
experienced
domestic
violence
~~~~~~~~~~~~
10% reported
that they were
fleeing
domestic
violence
Shelter Guest Demographics
119
18
40
25
72
60
53
0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140
Mental Health
Alcohol Abuse
Drug Abuse
Both Alochol & Drug
Abuse
Chronic Health Condition
Developmental Disability
Physical Disability
DISABILITY BARRIERS
12
veterans
TOTAL GUESTS: 291
81%
report
being arrested
90% have
health
insurance
Page 84 of 87
Shelter Data Continued
140
36
23 18 13 13
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
Places not
meant for
habiation
Permanent
Housing
Short-term
Housing
Temp
Shelter
Insititional
Settings
Unknown
EXIT DATA
12%
71%
5%
13%
1%
MENDOCINO COUNTY
CONNECTIVITY
Families w/ children
Homegrown/local
individuals
Established residents
exp. Homelessness
New to Mendo
individuals
Not homeless individuals
Page 85 of 87
Housing Programs
Rapid Re-Housing
Served 51 individuals in:
o 25 households
•12 are families with children
48 individuals acquired & have
sustained permanent housing
during the time period
Homelessness Prevention
Served 12 individuals in:
o 6 households
•3 are families with children
All 6 households were
prevented from entering
homelessness
Page 86 of 87
We're so grateful for the opportunity to serve the
community through Building Bridges.
Many thanks to Mendocino County, the City of Ukiah, and all the
partners through the Mendocino County Homeless Services
Continuum of Care.
Page 87 of 87