The following is a submission from the City of Santa Monica.
A new diversion program will become reality in Santa Monica this spring, following the approval of several contracts and agreements by the City Council Tuesday.
Through the SaMo Bridge program, the city seeks to reduce criminal behavior by addressing its root causes, such as homelessness, substance abuse, and mental health challenges, by offering an alternative to incarceration focused on rehabilitation and supportive services.
The key component of SaMo Bridge is a “respite hub” that will be located on the east side of the currently unused Civic Auditorium site, consisting of two temporary trailers with 24-hour onsite security and video monitoring. The hub will be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for referrals from law enforcement.
Rather than taking an individual committing a low-level infraction — for example, violating the city’s camping ordinance or loitering in front of a business ― to jail, the Santa Monica Police Department can offer the alternative of the respite hub. There, the individual can eat a meal, take a shower and rest in a safe place. This environment makes it more likely the individual will be receptive to meeting with an onsite case manager.
“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,” Chief Deputy City Attorney for the Criminal Prosecution Unit Jenna Grigsby said. “Once someone has a criminal record, it becomes even harder for them to gain housing and employment. SaMo Bridge allows us to intercept people earlier, before they enter the justice system, and help them move toward permanent positive changes.”
The program, made possible by a nearly $8 million grant awarded to the City Attorney’s Office earlier this year, adds to the city’s existing portfolio of diversion initiatives, including STEP Court, the Alternatives to Incarceration Pre-Filing Diversion Program and Retail Theft Diversion program.
“Having a compassionate alternative to jail is absolutely vital to addressing the root causes of addiction-related offenses,” Chief of Police Ramon Batista said. “This diversion program provides our officers with a constructive option. SaMo Bridge can facilitate a warm handoff to treatment professionals who are equipped to address the underlying substance use disorders. 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. 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.”
To qualify for SaMo Bridge, an individual must have been arrested by Santa Monica Police and experiencing homelessness, substance abuse and/or mental health challenges. 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 then works quickly to connect them with resources such as obtaining a driver license, county benefits, mental health treatment, drug treatment or temporary housing. 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.
Ultimately, if the participant remains connected to services and completes their 90-day plan, the city will not file the misdemeanor criminal case ― providing a major incentive to comply and stay on the pathway to stability.
“SaMo Bridge is a wonderful addition to our toolbox for supporting individuals on their path to treatment and stable housing,” Housing and Human Services Director Heather Averick said. “We want to make contact with individuals as early as possible and at as many points as possible, so that when someone is ready to accept services, a trusted individual is right there to help make those connections.”
Tuesday’s council action included:
- Authorizing the city manager to execute contracts, as provided for in the grant, with:
- Exodus Recovery, Inc. to operate SaMo Bridge
- WillScot to provide mobile trailers that will house the respite hub and the program office
- Moss Adams for program evaluation and fiscal audit services
- Elizabeth Anderson Consulting for grant consulting services
- Approving funding for a limited-term analyst position for data analysis, grant implementation and grant management
- Selecting the cement parking lot adjacent to the east wing of the Civic Auditorium as the location for SaMo Bridge and adopted an Emergency Interim Zoning Ordinance to allow the mobile trailers to park and remain there
As the program is implemented, the city will conduct extensive public outreach with both a local advisory committee and regular community meetings. The first public meeting will be held Jan. 22, 2025, as part of the Human Services Commission meeting. More information about the meeting can be found here.
For more information on SaMo Bridge, read the full staff report here.
