Homelessness Resource Guide

This guide provides information the public can use to access the available resources and programs.

The City of San Leandro is actively fostering partnerships, developing services, and supporting efforts that address homelessness.

Homelessness is one of the most complex and pressing challenges faced by cities across the Bay Area and the State of California, and San Leandro is not exempt from this vexing challenge. According to data generated from the 2022 Alameda County Point-In-Time (PIT) Count – Unsheltered/Sheltered Report, the City of San Leandro has experienced a significant increase in unsheltered/sheltered individuals since 2017.  Furthermore, the need for transitional and permanent housing, and basic needs support continues to grow.

Interventions are needed at multiple levels, in concert with one another, and in partnership with our public and non-profit partners to make a difference. Examples of current efforts include:

Domestic Violence Outreach and Mobile Unit.  A 24-hour/day, 365 days/year program administered by Family Violence Law Center staff in collaboration with the City’s contracted service providers, Building Futures and Safe Alternatives to Violent Environments (SAVE), which provides intensive case management, including housing and shelter resources, to domestic violence survivors.

Homeless Mobile Outreach.  As the City’s contracted partner, Building Futures conducts outreach in encampments, parking lots, bridges underpasses, parks, shopping centers, sidewalks, and other locations in the community. 

Emergency Housing.  Some of San Leandro’s most vulnerable unhoused residents are provided emergency housing at the Marina Inn.  During this time, Building Futures conducts assessments with individuals to identify needs and determine eligibility for supportive services (including housing). Individuals are also supported with basic needs (e.g., food, and clothing).

Winter Warming Center.  In collaboration with non-profit and faith-based organizations, this service provides unhoused individuals experiencing homelessness with indoor shelter on scheduled days during the winter months.  In addition, the Winter Warming Center provides two meals per day, and access to support including referrals to resources.

San Leandro Shelter.  Provide funding for capital and operational support to Building Futures for the San Leandro Homeless Shelter, a thirty-bed homeless shelter operated by Building Futures that serves women and children.  

Basic Needs Support.  The City contracts with a non-profit to provide basic need services to the San Leandro community, by providing emergency services to assist those who are at risk of or who are already experiencing homelessness to support their reintegration into the community.  Basic support services include but are not limited to transportation assistance such as emergency bus tickets, Clipper cards, emergency ride assistance (Uber or Lyft), emergency gas cards, payment assistance for past due rent, motel vouchers, unforeseen circumstance situation assistance such as car impoundment (if being used as a primary residence), storage lock out, or major vehicle repair, emergency clothing and food.

Food Distribution and Coordination.  Via a collaboration with the Mercy Brown Bag Program, City staff, and volunteers distribute groceries to seniors ages 60+ throughout Alameda County twice a month, free of charge.  Staff also coordinates with other non-profit and faith-based organizations with food pantries to promote access to those resources.

Hot showers.  Via a collaboration with April Showers and Creekside Community Church, unhoused residents have access to hot showers at two sites in San Leandro during standing dates and times. 

Downtown San Leandro Safety Ambassador Pilot Program.  Operated by the San Leandro Downtown Community Benefit District and administered by the San Leandro Improvement Association (aka SLIA). Ambassadors respond to calls from merchants, conduct daily wellness checks, and coordinate with volunteers to distribute lunches to unsheltered people downtown.  Ambassadors triage transient's needs and, when appropriate, refer them to resources.

Training.  Staff, partners, and community members are provided training in mental health awareness, safety, conflict de-escalation, local resources, gender-based violence, and trauma-informed care.

Bi-weekly Homeless Case Management Meetings.  Coordinate street outreach and individual case management services through bi-weekly meetings with City staff and non-profit service providers.  

Broader Homeless Initiatives.  The city participates in numerous other initiatives, such as active participation in the Alameda County Mayors Conference and Homelessness Working Group, along with many others.   

Despite these efforts, there are substantial unmet needs. Many unhoused individuals face the harsh reality of being placed on waiting lists due to the scarcity of shelter and transitional housing options, forcing them to spend more nights on the streets.

Despite these challenges, the City of San Leandro is committed to working alongside our public, non-profit, and faith-based partners to support the needs of our unhoused community now and in the years to come.