Elk Grove To Consider Purchase of Four Houses, Expanding Social Services With $5 Million State Homelessness Grant

November 3, 2017 | 

During their only November meeting, the Elk Grove City Council will consider some options on how to best use a $5 million grant from the State of California to address homelessness within the community. 

The grant was part of the state's 2018 budget and must be used to provide services for homeless populations. Like many communities, Elk Grove has experienced growth in its homeless population.

In the staff report prepared by Sarah Bontrager, housing and public services manager, there are specific recommendations on the services and assets to be acquired with the funds. Specifically, the report recommends a mix of social services and the acquisition of four residential dwellings.  

Among the services, it is recommended $1 million be expended to fund a mental health clinician for 10 years; $500,000 for a full time problem-oriented policing officer with the Elk Grove Police Department; $2 million for the purchase and operation of two residential dwellings for so-called "navigation hubs"; and $1.5 million for the purchase and operation of two residential units for "exit assistance."   

Navigation hubs are residences where homeless individuals could be placed and provided with social services in a managed environment. In exit assistance facilities, residents would be paying a nominal rental fee and the final step in the transition to permanent housing. 

The next City Council meeting will be held on Wednesday, November 8 at Elk Grove City Hall. The meeting starts at 6 p.m.