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

Community Working Group

The City’s Homeless Action Plan (HAP) outlines various types of actions to increase our efforts in providing services and housing opportunities for those facing homelessness. Within the HAP, Goal 1, Action 3, it identifies the creation of a community working group. The main objective of the community work group will be to develop action items identifying community engagement opportunities, creation of multi-media outreach materials, and Homeless Action Plan updates. The Community Work Group was established in the Fall of 2021 and includes representation from the local nonprofit sector, healthcare, business, and community residents.

• Purpose
• October 27, 2021 Meeting Agenda
  • October 27, 2021 Notes
• January 28, 2022 Meeting Agenda
  • January 28, 2022 Notes
• May 20, 2022 Meeting Agenda
  • May 20, 2022 Notes
• August 26, 2022 Meeting Agenda
  • August 26, 2022 Notes
• The November 18, 2022 meeting was cancelled and will be rescheduled.

The HOPE program teams a Sheriff’s Deputy from the Community Oriented Policing and Problem Solving (COPPS) with a HHSA social worker to make contact with individuals experiencing homelessness in Encinitas and connect them with various resources to assist them in finding permanent housing. The program commenced in June 2020. If you have concerns related to encampments or unsheltered individuals please report through MyEncinitas or contact the San Diego County Sheriff Department North Coastal Station non-emergency line: 858-565-5200. If it is an emergency please dial 911.

Encinitas Homeless Solutions Coordinator (HSC) staff participate in the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) by providing direct street outreach and case management services. Encinitas was added to the HMIS trust network as of September 9, 2024. We may be required to collect some personal information by law. Other personal information that we collect is important to run our programs, to improve services for homeless and at-risk persons, and to better understand the need of homeless and at-risk persons. We only collect information that we consider to be appropriate as defined by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and Homeless Management Information Systems (HMIS) Data and Technical Standards Final Notice, dated July 30, 2004 Section 4.2.1. We are legally required to keep this information confidential and are subject to the HMIS Notice of Privacy Practices (linked below). Paper copies of this notice are available upon request. 

HMIS Mandatory Collection Notice
HMIS Notice of Privacy Practices

Jewish Family Service of San Diego (JFS) operates Safe Parking Programs in San Diego and one lot in Encinitas.

According to JFS, the Safe Parking Program provides a safe environment for unsheltered homeless living out of their vehicles while offering resources and services to help them stabilize and transition back into permanent housing. The program includes parking spaces for up to 25 vehicles on an existing parking lot at Encinitas Community and Senior Center at 1140 Oakcrest Park Drive that would be available from 6 p.m. to 7 a.m. seven days a week. It is managed by four staff, who offer on-site support for services, and overnight security will be provided on site. Program participants will be pre-screened at an offsite location, and walk-ins/drive-ins will not be permitted.

• Updated Safe Parking Program FAQs
• JFS Safe Parking Data by Year:
  • 2025
  • 2024
  • 2023
  • 2022
  • 2021
  • 2020

For more information on their program visit jfssd.org or call (858) 637-3373.

On June 15, 2022, the Encinitas City Council adopted Resolution No. 2022-59 which authorized the extension of the Use Agreement between the City and JFS for an additional three-year period ending June 30, 2025. The program is funded through Homeless Housing Assistance and Prevention ("HHAP") funds obtained by JFS from the San Diego Regional Task Force on Homelessness.

Since 2016, CRC has been operating the Opening Doors Program in Encinitas. This program aimed at assisting those experiencing homelessness secure permanent housing. Employing the Housing First model, Opening Doors paired homeless households with a housing navigator. The housing navigator conducted a standardized assessment, determined an appropriate housing solution, identified available resources, and helped find and secure permanent housing. The program funding for Opening Doors concluded on June 30, 2024. 

Buena Creek Navigation Center (BCNC)

The City of Encinitas and the City of Vista partnered on the opening of the Buena Creek Navigation Center which began operating in March 1,  2024. The BCNC is a Low Barrier sheltering opportunity to individuals experiencing homelessness in the Cities of Vista and Encinitas. Encinitas has exclusive use of 6 rooms, or 12 beds. The shelter is semi-congregate meaning that individuals will share a bedroom with one other person. Individuals are provided 3 meals daily, showers, laundry, case management, peer support, access to healthcare on-site through Vista Community Clinic, and more. This site accepts PC290s on a case-by-case basis but does not accept registered arsonists. The property is pet friendly when space is available. Referrals are made exclusively through CoC registered outreach programs that operate in the either City.

Catholic Charities

Catholic Charities operates a year-round emergency shelter for men only.

La Posada de Guadalupe
2478 Impala Drive
Carlsbad, CA 92010
(760) 929-2322

Community Resource Center

The Community Resource Center operates an emergency shelter for women and children who are victims of domestic violence.

The CRC offers many services including temporary motel vouchers, food assistance, and wrap-around services to assist low-income residents and those experiencing homelessness.
Contact: (760) 300-3238 or visit the social service office at 650 Second Street, Encinitas, CA, 92024

Food & Nutrition Center: 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Integrative Services: 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM

Those in need of assistance outside of these hours, can email CRC intake desk at intake@crcncc.org or call (760) 300-3238. Those in need of Domestic Violence resources can call the CRC 24 hour hotline at (877) 633-1112

A full list of shelter opportunities in North County is available on the Alliance for Regional Solutions webpage.

Interfaith Shelter Network

The Interfaith Shelter Network is a collaborative effort by social service agencies and the faith-based community to provide case management and shelter for those experiencing homelessness. For more information, call (619) 702-5399

The San Diego Access and Crisis Line (ACL) at (888) 724-7240 or TDD/TTY Dial (711) is the initial access point for anyone experiencing a behavioral health crisis in San Diego. The licensed clinicians at the ACL are available 24 hours per day, seven days per week, 365 days per year. ACL clinicians are trained in crisis intervention and they will determine if MCRT intervention is the most appropriate response for callers. For more information, visit www.exodusrecovery.com.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s (1-800-273-8255) network of over 200 locally operated and funded crisis centers across the country is now available via call or text on the new three-digit dialing code: 988. Access is available through every land line, cell phone and voice-over internet device in the United States.

988 is confidential, free, and available 24/7/365, connecting those experiencing a mental health, substance use or suicidal crisis with trained crisis counselors. You can also call if you are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support.

988 call services are available in Spanish, along with interpretation services in over 150 languages.

If you or someone you know needs support now, call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.

Community Resource Center

The CRC offers many services including temporary motel vouchers, food assistance, and wrap-around services to assist low-income residents and those experiencing homelessness.

CRC's  Food and Nutrition Center provides healthy food and nutrition education to families in need.

For details on eligibility and hours of operation: call (760) 300-3238 or email intake@crcncc.org

The CRC operates an emergency shelter for women and children who are victims of domestic violence. Those in need of Domestic Violence resources can call the CRC 24 hour hotline at (877) 633-1112.

The Alliance for Regional Solutions (ARS)

ARS is a coalition of North San Diego County Cities and social service agencies working together to create practical solutions to emerging community needs.

Interfaith Community Services

Interfaith Community Services is an organization consisting of faith-based communities and public and private entities to offer a range of services and programs to low-income residents and those experiencing homelessness. For more information, call the Coastal Service Center: (760) 721-2117 or for Veteran’s Services: (760) 529-9979.

2-1-1 San Diego

2-1-1 San Diego is a resource and information database that connects people with community services through a free, 24/7 phone service and online database. Residents can search a directory of over 6,000 health and human service programs. North-county specific resources can be accessed at 2-1-1 North County and the ARS has a 2-1-1 Resource Guide.

San Diego Housing Resources Directory

The County of San Diego prepares the Housing Resources Directory to provide a comprehensive list of the housing services and resources across the San Diego County region. 2016-2018 San Diego Housing Resources Directory.

St. Andrews Church Food Pantry

Every Thursday from 3-4 p.m., St. Andrews Church sets up a supermarket-style food pantry to serve the community. Fresh produce, meat, canned goods, rice, beans, baby food, etc. is available to anyone who needs it. No proof of need is required.

St. John Parish Food Pantry

The St. John Parish Food Pantry is open to anyone each Monday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. No proof of need is required. It is located currently in the church parking lot and accessed from Balour Drive. The pantry is run mainly as a drive-through at this time. Those without vehicles or access to cooking facilities may walk up to get a bag of ready-to-eat items.

VA San Diego Healthcare System Resource Guide

The Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System has published a Resource Guide with resources available to veterans.