Proactive Approach to Combating Homelessness in El Segundo (PATCHES)
In response to the increasing number of people experiencing homelessness in El Segundo and the broader Los Angeles County region, the City of El Segundo launched the PATCHES Program (Proactive Approach to Combating Homelessness in El Segundo). PATCHES is a comprehensive initiative aimed at addressing homelessness with compassion, while also maintaining public safety and cleanliness across the community.
“Addressing homelessness is one of the most pressing and complex challenges facing the state of California,” shared Mayor Drew Boyles. “The new PATCHES Program is crucial in helping the City manage encampments while staying within the bounds of state and federal laws. At the same time, we are committed to ensuring that everyone in El Segundo—whether housed or unhoused—has access to the services and support they need.”
The PATCHES Program – a comprehensive and cross-departmental effort, managed by the El Segundo Police Department under the guidance of the City Manager’s Office – 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.
“Homelessness itself isn’t a crime, and we recognize the importance of addressing it with sensitivity and empathy,” said Police Chief Saul Rodriguez. “We believe the newly established PATCHES Program offers a more proactive strategy to enhance our outreach efforts, with the ultimate aim of assisting a vulnerable population towards securing permanent housing and accessing medical or mental health care. PATCHES represents a holistic approach to a major community and societal issue.”
The City is working closely with regional service providers such as Harbor Interfaith Services and the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health to ensure efforts are well-rounded and impactful. PATCHES team members and community partners meet monthly to ensure that the program remains adaptive and responsive to the evolving needs of the community.
“The PATCHES Program, operating as a six-month pilot, will be closely monitored and evaluated through a series of key metrics. This data-driven approach will allow the City to refine the program as needed and ensure transparency in all efforts to address homelessness. The City Manager’s Office will work closely with Chief Rodriguez and the PATCHES team to track metrics such as the number of homeless contacts, service calls, referrals, and outcomes,” shared Deputy City Manager Barbara Voss. “This data will help us with our approach, improve access to resources, and measure outcomes.”
Last night, 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.
“El Segundo is a safe, well-maintained, and compassionate city,” shared City Manager Darrell George. “The PATCHES program, along with the related amendments to the municipal code, are key efforts to support public safety and the wellbeing of all members of the El Segundo community.”
About the City of El Segundo
The City of El Segundo is a thriving coastal community in southwestern Los Angeles County. The City’s vibrant economy includes leaders in aerospace and defense, bioscience, information technology, energy, real estate, and creative media. The City has seen tremendous growth and evolution over the past several years and is home to the Los Angeles Times, the Los Angeles Air Force Base Space Systems Command, the Los Angeles Lakers, the L.A. Kings, and the L.A. Chargers.