Goals
Santa Monica will be a community in which:
● All its members are able to meet their basic needs and are empowered to enhance the quality of their lives; and;
● There is access among community members to housing, health services, education, economic opportunity, and cultural and recreational resources; and;
● There is respect for and appreciation of the value added to the community by differences among its members in race, religion, gender, age, economic status, sexual orientation, disabilities, immigration status and other special needs.

Santa Monica has historically been very proactive in supporting the ability of its residents to meet their basic needs and live with dignity. Generally, Santa Monica residents feel safe in their communities and feel empowered to meet their basic needs. The Community Development Grants Program provides over $6.7 million annually to support local family, disability, employment and homeless services.  Last year, more than 2,700 homeless persons received case management and employment assistance. As a result, 1,116 people were placed in housing and 502 people were employed.  However, public safety in the Pico neighborhood remains a significant concern.  Much work remains to be done as the city and the community better define the additional initiatives and investments that will positively impact human dignity. The consistent grade reflects the continued leadership role the city has taken in addressing regional homelessness including the establishment of a Homeless Community Court and other significant initiatives.