Homeless Outreach - PATCHES Program

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Proactive Approach to Combating Homelessness in El Segundo

PATCHES (Proactive Approach to Combating Homelessness in El Segundo) is a comprehensive initiative aimed at addressing homelessness with compassion, while also maintaining public safety and cleanliness across the community.

The program is a cross-departmental effort, managed by the El Segundo Police Department under the guidance of the City Manager’s Office, and uses a progressive enforcement model that prioritizes offering shelter and services before any enforcement action is taken.

ESPD officers and the PATCHES team members are trained to provide unsheltered individuals with information and guidance about available resources, offer transportation to shelters, and provide ongoing support at each point of contact. This model ensures that individuals are given multiple opportunities to accept assistance before any penalties are imposed.

Help Someone Experiencing Homelessness

If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1.

Do you see someone experiencing homelessness? Think someone might need support? See an encampment in El Segundo? Please let us know.

Integrated Approach

Community Response

PATCHES police team members are paired with the City’s Public Works crews to respond to encampment requests received through the City’s El Segundo Connect mobile app and website to connect homeless individuals with services and clean up trash and debris. This is in addition to calls or emails for assistance that the team receives from community members, ESPD’s dispatch system and other City departments.

Progressive Enforcement Model

Background

On September 17, 2024, the El Segundo City Council amended its municipal code to establish clear regulations for camping on public property and set rules of conduct for City-owned spaces, including parks and the El Segundo Public Library. These regulations are designed to address encampments in public spaces while ensuring that the rights of unsheltered individuals are respected. The new regulations come at a critical time, following the recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling on the City of Grants Pass, Oregon v. Johnson and Governor Gavin Newsom’s executive order directing local governments to remove homeless encampments that obstruct public rights of way or pose public safety hazards.

El Segundo adopted a 24-hour notice policy for encampments, meaning that before dismantling any encampment, the City will provide at least 24 hours' notice to allow individuals time to gather their belongings and receive outreach from the PATCHES team. During this period, the City will work with regional partners to connect unhoused individuals with shelters and other essential services.

The PATCHES Program now has a clearer framework for addressing the presence of encampments on public property, balancing enforcement with outreach and support services. The City has emphasized its commitment to respecting the rights and property of people experiencing homelessness.

Questions?