The Homeless Action Plan was adopted by City Council on February 24, 2021.

Background

On October 23, 2019, City Council directed staff to develop the Request for Proposals (RFP) for development of a Homeless Action Plan. On December 18, 2019, City Council approved the contract with LeSar Development Consultants (LeSar) to complete the Homeless Action Plan.

The major components of the scope of work include:

• An analysis of homeless community in Encinitas which will include the demographics of the current homeless population and its needs;
• Identification and evaluation of current efforts and resources to address homelessness by the City and other non-profit organizations within the City and region;
• Review of best practices from the region and nationally;
• Community outreach component that will include three public forums and interviews/focus groups meetings with homeless services providers, city staff, city council, and individuals currently experiencing or have experienced homelessness; and
• Development of an Action Plan that will include goals, implementable strategies, measurable outcomes, identification of potential partners, and funding opportunities.

Why do we need a Homeless Action Plan?

The City of Encinitas currently funds or participates in a variety of programs to assist individuals experiencing homelessness. The purpose of the City of Encinitas Homeless Action Plan is to:

• Understand current homeless population needs;
• Identify, develop and improve homeless services and partnerships;
• Assess the City’s current efforts to address homelessness and provide recommendations to ensure that the City is maximizing its resources and impact within the community; and
• Assist in setting goals and actions to ensure that the City of Encinitas continues to move toward its goal of reducing homelessness.

City Council/Community HAP Update

• May 25, 2022 Update
• Meeting Agenda
• Presentation
• Public Comment

• April 12, 2023 Update
• Meeting Agenda
• Staff Report
• Presentation
• Public Comment

• August 23, 2023 Update
• Meeting Agenda
• Staff Report
• Presentation
• Public Comment
• Service Provider Handouts

• September 27, 2023 Buena Creek Navigation Center Agreement
• Staff Report
• Public Comment

• January 24, 2024 Buena Creek Navigation Center Award Contract
• Meeting Agenda
• Staff Report
• Presentation
• Public Comment

• August 28, 2024 Update
• Meeting Agenda
• Staff Report
• Presentation
• Public Comment

• May 14, 2025 Update
• Meeting Agenda
• Staff Report
• Public Comment

• June 4, 2025 Update
• Meeting Agenda
• Staff Report
• Public Comment

Homelessness in Encinitas, as in many communities, is shaped by a range of complex and interconnected factors. Many individuals experiencing homelessness have faced significant life challenges, including early childhood adversity, systemic poverty, behavioral health conditions, and substance use disorders. These experiences can impact a person’s ability to maintain stable housing, especially when supportive resources are limited.

However, research consistently shows that the primary driver of homelessness is the growing gap between income and housing costs. When housing becomes increasingly scarce and unaffordable, especially for those with limited or fixed incomes, the risk of housing instability rises sharply. In communities where residents must spend more than a third of their income on rent, rates of homelessness tend to increase significantly. This affordability crisis creates a ripple effect: higher-income households occupy units once affordable to middle-income earners, who in turn compete for housing that was previously accessible to lower-income residents—leaving the most vulnerable with few or no options.

In addition to high housing costs, other systemic issues contribute to the crisis, including limited shelter capacity, the impacts of deinstitutionalization, and shifts in the criminal justice system. Addressing these challenges requires coordinated, long-term policy solutions and sustained investment.

The City of Encinitas is committed to advancing housing solutions that are equitable, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of all community members. This includes efforts to increase the availability of affordable housing, streamline housing development processes, and invest in supportive services. The City is also expanding programs that reduce unsheltered homelessness, increase shelter capacity, and advocate for accessible treatment options with lower barriers to entry.

The HOPE Team leads many of these initiatives and remains a key point of contact for community members seeking support or wishing to report concerns. You can reach the team through the MyEncinitas App and Report an Issue Online. 

The HOPE Program (Homeless Outreach Program for Encinitas) is a collaborative initiative that pairs a Sheriff’s Deputy from the Community Oriented Policing and Problem Solving (COPPS) team with a social worker from the County of San Diego’s Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA). Together, they engage with individuals experiencing homelessness in Encinitas, building trust through consistent, compassionate outreach. Their goal is to connect individuals with the resources and support they need to achieve long-term housing stability.

Launched in June 2020, the HOPE Program is part of a broader Homeless Outreach strategy that prioritizes dignity, choice, and individualized care. This comprehensive effort focuses on linking people to housing opportunities, healthcare, behavioral health services, and other supportive resources. By meeting people where they are—both physically and in terms of readiness—the program helps reduce barriers and fosters pathways toward permanent housing and well-being.

The City of Encinitas collaborates with many agencies and non-profit organizations to provide resources for those experiencing homelessness, as well as develop solutions for reducing or preventing homelessness. We aim to provide holistic support to help individuals regain stability and independence.

The City of Encinitas is committed to supporting individuals in need through a variety of services and programs. Our HOPE Team—a partnership between a Sheriff’s Deputy and a County social worker—provides direct outreach and connection to housing, healthcare, behavioral health services, and other supportive resources.

In addition, our City website offers a comprehensive list of local and regional resources, including emergency shelter options, food assistance, mental health services, and housing navigation support.

We encourage anyone seeking help—or those looking to assist someone in need—to visit our website or contact the HOPE Team directly through the MyEncinitas App or the Report an Issue Online tool.

Yes, many individuals experiencing homelessness are open to receiving support when it is offered in a respectful and compassionate way. Our HOPE team focus on building trusting relationships and offering a range of supportive options that align with their unique needs and readiness for change.

People experiencing homelessness often spend time in public spaces because they have limited or no access to private, safe places to go. Public areas—such as parks, sidewalks, and transit stations—may be the only available spaces where individuals can rest, seek shelter, or access basic needs.

This situation is not a reflection of personal failure, but rather the result of complex systemic issues such as the lack of affordable housing, gaps in mental health and substance use services, economic hardship, and the absence of low-barrier shelter options. Many individuals also face significant trauma, stigma, and barriers that make it difficult to access or remain in traditional shelter settings.

The City of Encinitas, through its HOPE Team, works to engage individuals in public spaces to connect people to housing, healthcare, and other supportive services. While public space regulations are still enforced, the City prioritizes outreach and voluntary service engagement over punitive approaches.

It’s important to remember: being homeless is not a crime, and individuals cannot be forced into shelter or services. Our goal is to offer meaningful alternatives and support people on their path to stability and housing.

We understand that public parks are important spaces for families and community members to relax, play, and connect. At the same time, individuals experiencing homelessness often rely on these same public spaces because they have few or no alternatives.

It’s important to know that everyone—regardless of housing status—is expected to follow the same rules and regulations in our parks. Activities such as public drinking, overnight camping, and public urination are prohibited and can be addressed by law enforcement or park staff when they occur.

However, spending time in a public park is not against the law, and individuals experiencing homelessness have the same right to be in these spaces as anyone else. That said, the City of Encinitas is actively working to provide alternatives through outreach, shelter options, and supportive services. Our HOPE Team engages with individuals in public spaces to build trust and connect them with housing, healthcare, and other resources.

If you observe behavior that violates park rules or makes the space feel unsafe, we encourage you to report it through the MyEncinitas App. Your feedback helps us maintain parks as welcoming spaces for everyone, while also ensuring that outreach teams can respond with compassion and care.

This is a personal decision, and there’s no universally right or wrong answer. Many people in Encinitas and other communities are approached by individuals asking for money, and it’s natural to wonder how best to respond.

If you choose to give, it’s important to understand that once the money is given, how it is used is entirely up to the recipient. That choice belongs to them.

For those who prefer to support in other ways, there are meaningful alternatives. Donating to local organizations, volunteering, or supporting outreach efforts—like those led by the HOPE Team—can help connect individuals experiencing homelessness with long-term resources such as housing, healthcare, and supportive services.

Ultimately, the most impactful approach is one that aligns with your values and contributes to the dignity and well-being of others.

Panhandling is not illegal in Encinitas or throughout San Diego County, as long as it is conducted in a lawful and non-disruptive manner. Individuals have the right to ask for help, including monetary assistance, in public spaces where they are legally allowed to be. However, there are specific restrictions in place. For example, panhandling is prohibited within 500 feet of freeway access ramps. Additionally, if someone is panhandling on private property—such as a business—and their behavior interferes with business operations or creates a disturbance, that conduct may be considered unlawful and can be addressed by law enforcement or code compliance officers. The City of Encinitas encourages a balanced approach that respects individual rights while also maintaining safe, welcoming public spaces for all community members. Concerns about specific behavior can be reported through the MyEncinitas App.

If you see a person experiencing homelessness, or an encampment, please submit a request through the MyEncinitas App or through Report an Issue Online. This is an efficient way for the City to get the appropriate resources deployed to assist with the concern. If the request is submitted during a time when City Hall is closed, please contact the Non-emergency Sheriff's Dispatch Line: 858-565-5200. If it is an emergency, please dial 911.

Encampment cleanups on public property take time because the City follows a careful, coordinated, and humane approach. Before any cleanup occurs, a 72-hour advance notice is provided to individuals at the site. During this time, outreach teams engage with those living in the encampment to offer support, resources, and information about available shelter and services. This approach ensures that individuals can make informed decisions about their next steps.

The City also works closely with multiple departments and partner agencies to address the unique needs of each situation. This may include connecting people to shelter options, mental health care, substance use treatment, or other supportive services. The goal is not just to clear a space, but to do so in a way that prioritizes safety, dignity, and long-term solutions for those affected.

The City of Encinitas encourages community members to stay informed and engaged in our efforts to address homelessness. To learn more about our programs, services, and outreach initiatives, please visit our website at Community Resources.

While many people want to help directly, we encourage residents to consider connecting individuals to professional services rather than providing direct resources like food or money. This helps ensure that support is delivered in a coordinated, safe, and effective way—addressing both immediate needs and long-term solutions.