CC 10-15-2024 Item No. 6. Unhoused Study Session_Supplemental Report1
CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
SUPPLEMENTAL 1
Meeting: October 15, 2024
Agenda Item #
6
Subject
Study Session on Unhoused Services and Programs
Recommended Action
Staff recommend the City Council to consider the following options:
1. Continue the current model based on the Cityʹs Unhoused Task Force, Process for Assisting
Unhoused Residents, and partnerships with the County of Santa Clara to measurably serve
the City based on the relative needs of existing unhoused residents, including continuing to
seek partnerships and possible grant opportunities.
OR
2. Direct the City Manager to propose an item for the Fiscal Year 2025‐2027 City Work Program
to develop an encampment management policy by evaluating examples from other
jurisdictions in the Bay Area and incorporating best practices for review by the City Council.
Background:
Staff’s responses to questions received from councilmembers are shown in italics.
Q1: The report states that the City received one $50,000 grant in 2023 and another $50,000
grant in 2024 from the County. However, I wonder how much the County receives from
Cupertinoʹs property taxes? My understanding is that only 7% of our property tax goes to
the City, while about 34% goes to the County. (in case I remembered it wrong, please
correct me.) (Chao)
Staff response: The allocation of property taxes between the City and the County is not germane to
the Agenda Item.
Q2: How much is the total budget of the County on homeless services? How much of the
budget serves Cupertino? (In case there is no such data, please give pointers on how to
2
obtain such data if possible) (Chao)
Staff response: Data is not immediately available. Staff have referred responses to County
representatives who will be present during the Agenda Item and may provide a verbal response.
Q3: How many shelter beds/transitional housing are available in the County? How many
serve Cupertino? (In case there is no such data, please give pointers on how to obtain
such data if possible) (Chao)
Staff response: Data is not immediately available. Staff have referred responses to County
representatives who will be present during the Agenda Item and may provide a verbal response.
Q4: Whatʹs the best way to report unsafe behaviors observed? (Chao)
Staff response: If the observed behavior poses an immediate danger to the person involved or others
(e.g., violence, medical emergencies, or criminal activity), it is important to call 911. For non‐
urgent matters that may still require police intervention, residents can contact the Sheriff’s Office
non‐emergency line at 408‐299‐2311. Deputies will assess the situation and determine the
appropriate response. General reports of encampments should be reported to Cupertino 311 at
www.cupertino.org/311 or through the App. Centralizing reports of encampments allows the City
to track resident concerns and efficiently allocate resources to the issue.
Q5: Whatʹs the best way to help unhoused individuals? (Chao)
Staff response: The City prioritizes outreach and engagement to build trust and rapport.
This approach has been shown to be the most effective approach to helping unhoused
individuals on a path to housing and addressing the community’s concerns. The process
that the City currently has in place aligns with Strategy 3 of the Community Plan to end
Homelessness: Improve the Quality of Life for Unsheltered Individuals and Create
Healthy Neighborhoods for All of the Santa Clara County Community Plan to End
Homelessness.