By Jorge Casuso

January 3, 2025 -- The City this spring will launch an $8 million three-year program that provides homeless persons arrested for misdemeanor crimes an alternative to jail.

SaMo Bridge -- which is funded with a Prop 47 grant from the State -- will be run out of a “respite hub” consisting of two trailers on the east side of the parking lot of the unused Civic Auditorium.

Those arrested for a low-level infractions, such as violating the camping ordinance or loitering in front of a business, can be referred to the program by police.

At the respite hub, which will operate around the clock seven days a week, the individual "can eat a meal, take a shower and rest in a safe place," said Tati Simonian, the City's public information officer.

"An individual can stay at the hub no longer than 72 hours, and the expectation is that most will be there for six to 12 hours before they are transported to the best resource to assist them," Simonian wrote in a blog posted on the City's website.

"This environment makes it more likely the individual will be receptive to meeting with an onsite case manager."

The site will have onsite security and video monitoring, according to officials at the City Attorney's Office, which applied for the grant funding.

“Respite hubs, also known as warm landing spaces, make a real difference in addressing the root causes of troublesome behavior and offering a different path,” said Jenna Grigsby, Chief Deputy City Attorney for the Criminal Prosecution Unit.

“Once someone has a criminal record, it becomes even harder for them to gain housing and employment," Grigsby said.

"SaMo Bridge allows us to intercept people earlier, before they enter the justice system, and help them move toward permanent positive changes.”

To qualify for the program, an individual must have been arrested by Santa Monica Police and be "experiencing homelessness, substance abuse and/or mental health challenges," Simonian said.

"Once the person accepts help, they are required to work with a case manager on a personalized 90-day care coordination plan."

The case manager helps the participant "connect with resources" that can include "obtaining a driver license, county benefits, mental health treatment, drug treatment or temporary housing," Simonian said.

If the participant completes the plan, the City "will not file the misdemeanor criminal case, providing a major incentive to comply and stay on the pathway to stability."

Police Chief Ramon Batista said the program gives officers "a constructive option" and provides "a compassionate alternative to jail (that) is absolutely vital to addressing the root causes of addiction-related offenses."

"This approach not only helps individuals get the support they need to rebuild their lives, but it also breaks the frustrating cycle of arrest, release, and re-arrest that traditional enforcement hasn't solved," Batista said.

"By connecting people with treatment instead of putting them in handcuffs, we're seeing better outcomes for both the individuals and our community. The program transforms what could be just another arrest into an opportunity for lasting recovery.”

At its December 17 meeting, the Council authorized a $5,599,582 contract with Exodus Recovery, Inc. to operate the three-year program and a $650,000 contract with Willscot for the two mobile trailers.

It also authorized a $350,000 contract with Moss Adams for program evaluation and fiscal audit services and a $225,000 contract with Elizabeth Anderson Consulting (EAC) for grant consulting services.

In addition, the Council approved funding for a limited-term analyst position for data analysis, grant implementation and grant management.

"As the program is implemented, the city will conduct extensive public outreach with both a local advisory committee and regular community meetings," Simonian said.

The first public meeting will be held January 22 as part of the Human Services Commission meeting. For more information about the meeting click here.