Executive Summary

Downey is a city of 114,181 people in Southeast Los Angeles County. The City of Downey’s Plan to Prevent and Combat Homelessness was created to outline the City’s priorities as it continues to address issues related to homelessness. Funding from Measure H through the County Homeless Initiative made the creation of this plan possible. The countywide increase in the number of people experiencing homelessness is a reflection of the housing affordability crisis throughout the state. Downey’s dedication to addressing this crisis is reflected both in their prior investment and in the creation of this plan. The Goals and Supporting Actions reflect the collaborative process involving stakeholder meetings, expert interviews, and city policy document analysis. This process was conducted by City officials in partnership with PATH and identified the challenges and solutions to ending homelessness in the City. The goals that follow are a reflection of that process and represent the City’s priorities for addressing homelessness, as well as opportunities for the City to pursue high impact policy adoption. Detailed Action Items associated with accomplishing each goal are included in the body of the Plan. City of Downey’s Goals

 Goal 1: Ensure City staff are equipped to address the intersection of homelessness and their departments through training on proper engagement techniques and available services  Goal 2: Encourage the accessibility of supportive and affordable housing in the City  Goal 3: Engage Downey residents and businesses around homelessness, services, and housing  Goal 4: Increase the amount of homeless services offered in the region  Goal 5: Mobilize faith communities towards activities aligned with long-term solutions to homelessness  Goal 6: Sustained commitment to ending homelessness from the Downey City Council  Goal 7: Prevent Downey residents from becoming homeless