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Proposed Sobering Center Status Update Public Safety Committee May 7, 2012

This proposal outlines the establishment of a Sobering Center and Mental Health Unit in collaboration with the Star of Hope Facility in North Downtown Houston. The center aims to reduce jail populations, improve public safety, streamline processing time for law enforcement, and provide vital services for intoxicated individuals. A Public/Private Partnership will oversee the facility's operations, with a focus on professional triage, observation, and outpatient services. The Center will also offer connections to long-term treatment options and support services. Through a structured approach and cost-effective measures, this initiative seeks to enhance community safety and well-being while optimizing resource allocation.

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Proposed Sobering Center Status Update Public Safety Committee May 7, 2012

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  1. Proposed Sobering Center Status Update Public Safety Committee May 7, 2012

  2. Sobering Center Benefits Revisited • Reduce jail population without threatening public safety • Streamline/reduce processing time to return officers to the street faster • Allow officers to give serious or life threatening crimes more attention • Reduce hazards to intoxicated individuals and the general public • Provide professional short-term triage, observation and necessary outpatient services and links to long-term treatment • More cost effective/long-term approach for the City 2

  3. Proposed SiteStar of Hope Facility – North Downtown Private / Public Partnership 3

  4. Proposed Facility Aerial View* * Address: 150 N. Chenevert Street (Key Map reference – 493M)

  5. Creating the Public/Private Partnership • City Council authorizes the creation of a Public / Private Partnership in the form of a “Local Government Corporation” (LGC) for the Sobering Center • The LGC Board will be comprised of 5 members, including 4 directors and a Chair: • 2 City of Houston appointees • 2 Star Of Hope appointees • Chair to be selected by 4 Board Members • All 5 appointees will be nominated by the Mayor and confirmed by City Council 5

  6. LGC Service Contract The LGC Executive Director will be the key manager, reporting directly to • the LGC Board and will be responsible for all Sobering Center personnel and • operations of this secular facility. • The facility will require health screening for entering detainees - which is done in • the city’s jail today. • LGC will acquire liability insurance, directors and officer insurance and other • insurance as appropriate. LGC will contract with SOH for lead referral services • SOH has offered a counselor at no cost • LGC will facilitate connections with other allied social service providersand invite their participation 6

  7. Architectural Rendering* 7 * Illustrative purposes only.

  8. Proposed First Floor – Sobering Center

  9. Proposed Revised Scope Build-out of second floor for HPD Mental Health Unit • Alcohol addiction, homelessness or mental illness likely with Sobering Center population • On-site collaboration: • Development case management plans • Case-by-case consultation • Information exchange • MHU has national reputation for “best practices” in its field of expertise • CIRT, CCSI, HOT, DOJ Learning Site

  10. Proposed Second Floor – HPD Mental Health Unit

  11. Sobering Center Costs • General Fund: $1.5 mil annual cost for lease, utilities and staff • Voter approved Public Safety Bonds:Option 1 - $2.8 mil for first floor build-out with 84 beds and other improvementsOption 2 - $3.3 mil for Option 1 + second floor build-out but no improvementsOption 3 - $4.2 mil for Option 2 + second floor build-out with furniture, fixtures and restrooms 11

  12. May 9, 2012 Request for Council Action Create LGC, including board of directors • Appropriate $235,584 of General Fund monies for FY13 lease payments • Appropriate $4.28 mil of available Public Safety Bonds for build-out Option 3 - HPD’s Mental Health Unit will co-locate on second floor of facility - City will monitor construction process and expenditures

  13. Eventual Cost Recovery • Reduction of staff within the jail operation • Reduce associated jail operation support costs (e.g., meals) • Possible donations for Sobering Center operations from private sector donors

  14. Conclusion • Availability of and ready access to ongoing community-based outpatient substance abuse services is a potential cost reduction and productivity improvement step for the City • Sobering Center activities are consistent with medical professionals’ definition of the treatment of addiction as a disease. • Sobering Centers in other cities have proven to be time savers for patrol officers, allowing them quick return to their assigned neighborhoods. • With a successful link to social service agencies, there will be fewer public intoxication-related calls requiring officer intervention – hence more time they can direct to more pressing crime. 14

  15. Questions 15

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