Encinitas directs staff to seek six‑month shared extension for JFS safe‑parking program, city contribution capped at $150,000

City planning staff and the homeless programs coordinator briefed the council on the Jewish Family Services (JFS) safe‑parking program, a North County effort that operates a 25‑space program at the Encinitas Community & Senior Center. Patty Anders said JFS requested nearly $610,000 to operate the program for a full year and that prior funding had been a mix of JFS operating funds and Regional Task Force on Homelessness (RTFH) grants.

Anders told council staff had proposed two options: a full‑year city contribution to meet the $610,000 operating ask, or no extension. Council members and dozens of public commenters urged a range of responses: some speakers urged full funding as the only permanent, safe overnight option in town; others said the per‑person cost and contract history warranted caution.

JFS representatives said staffing stability and program integrity require a one‑year planning horizon, and that they had slowed new enrollments because funding was uncertain. In response, council members sought a transition plan. The council unanimously directed staff to engage JFS to explore a six‑month shared funding extension (city share not to exceed $150,000 for the remainder of the current fiscal year), to explore alternative operators and provider partnerships (including the recently contracted San Diego Rescue Mission), and to pursue available grants (staff noted a recent RTFH NOFA with a December 15 application deadline). Council also requested a Homeless Action Plan update in spring to present comprehensive budget and program recommendations before the next budget cycle.

JFS staff cautioned that six months was operationally tight for hiring and program integrity; council and staff will now negotiate terms, potential staffing transitions, and contingency plans to avoid abrupt loss of local safe‑sleep options while grant opportunities are pursued.